Where Can You Find Asbestos in Your House?

If you’re concerned about the presence of asbestos in your home, then you’ve likely jumped on the internet to ask a few questions, and logically one of the first things you’ll want to know is whether it could be in the place you’re looking. You are right to seek answers, because having asbestos containing materials in your home can lead to a number of health concerns if disturbed.

At Cordtape, we have seen time and again that equipping you with information can help eradicate asbestos from homes, and alleviate any concerns you may have, so we wanted to walk you through common areas where asbestos may be lurking in your home and offer advice on how to deal with it.

Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?

Living with asbestos in your home can be safe, as long as the material that contains it isn’t disturbed or at risk of becoming disturbed. However, if you suspect that you have asbestos in your home, it is vital that you have it investigated by licensed professionals.

This is because disturbance of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) or knowingly selling a property that contains ACMs is negligent and could lead to significant harm.

Where can asbestos be found in your house?

Ceilings and walls

Many homes built before 1999 have textured coatings on ceilings and walls, commonly referred to as popcorn ceilings. These textured finishes often contained asbestos, which helped create a durable and fire resistant surface.

If you have textured ceilings or walls in your home, do not disturb them unless you are sure they are asbestos free. Hire a professional to inspect and safely remove any ACMs.

Flooring

Vinyl floor tiles used to be a popular choice in homes, and older versions of these tiles often contained asbestos. This can be found in areas like:

• Kitchens
• Bathrooms
• Hallways
• Basements

Similarly, the adhesive or backing used for vinyl flooring may also contain asbestos.

If your flooring is in good condition and hasn’t been damaged, there’s usually no cause for concern. However, if you're planning on renovating or replacing flooring, it’s essential to consult an expert and avoid disturbing old tiles or adhesive.

Insulation materials

Asbestos was commonly used in insulation products due to its excellent heat resistant properties. Insulation can be found in a variety of areas around the home, such as around pipes, boilers, and fireplaces.

• Pipe insulation: Asbestos pipe insulation is commonly found in older homes, particularly in areas like basements or attics where pipes are exposed.
  
  
• Boiler insulation: Some older boilers and their associated insulation might contain asbestos, which was used to help keep the system efficient and safe.
  
  
• Loft insulation: Insulation in the attic, especially around chimneys and old heating systems, may contain asbestos.

If you suspect you have asbestos containing insulation, avoid touching it and hire an expert to assess the materials. Unlike other materials in your home, asbestos in insulation can be dangerous if undisturbed because fibres can still be released into the air in your home.

Roofing materials

Asbestos is often found in roofing materials including:

• Roofing shingles
• Cement sheets
• Guttering

If you have a cement roof, especially if it appears damaged or deteriorating, consider having it inspected by a professional asbestos surveyor. If the material contains asbestos, it will need to be safely removed and replaced by a qualified team.

Windows and doors

In older properties, window and door frames may have been constructed using asbestos cement boards or other asbestos based materials. Asbestos containing sealants were also used around windows and doors, but are unlikely to still be present in any modern building.