When planning a renovation for an older home, it’s easy to focus on the exciting changes ahead. But underneath the surface of those vintage walls and floors, a hidden danger could be lurking. Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it’s not there. Many homes in Montana built before the 1980s contain asbestos, a hazardous material woven into products that look completely normal.
The real danger emerges when these materials are disturbed. Simple renovation tasks like cutting, drilling, sanding, or demolition can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air. Once airborne, these fibers pose a serious health risk to you, your family, and your work crews.
Understanding where asbestos commonly hides is the first step toward a safe and successful renovation project.
1. Floor Tiles and Adhesives
Those classic mid-century floors might be hiding more than just an outdated style. Many older homes feature vinyl floor tiles that contain asbestos, which was added for durability and fire resistance.
The 9×9 and 12×12 Vinyl Tiles
Vinyl composition tiles (VCT), especially the 9×9 inch size common in homes from the 1950s to the 1970s, are highly suspect. The black mastic or adhesive used to glue these tiles down also frequently contained asbestos. Even if the tiles themselves are asbestos-free, the adhesive underneath could pose a risk when scraped or chipped.
Risk: Disturbing or Scraping Tiles Releases Fibers
The act of prying up old tiles, scraping away adhesive, or breaking the tiles during removal can easily release asbestos fibers. What seems like a straightforward flooring update can quickly become a contamination issue if not handled with proper precautions.
2. Popcorn Ceilings and Texture Coats
The textured, cottage-cheese-like finish on “popcorn” ceilings was a popular design choice from the 1950s through the early 1980s. Unfortunately, asbestos was a common ingredient used to create this texture and add fire resistance.
Popular from the 1950s–1980s
If your home has original textured ceilings and was built during this period, there is a strong possibility that they contain asbestos. The ban on asbestos in these materials came into effect in the late 1970s, but existing stock was still used for several years.
Risk: Scraping or Skimming Without Testing Can Be Hazardous
The most common way to remove a popcorn ceiling is by wetting and scraping it off. This process is extremely hazardous if the material contains asbestos, as it creates a messy, fiber-laden slurry that can contaminate the entire house and be easily inhaled.
3. Pipe Insulation and Wrapping
One of the most well-known uses for asbestos was insulation, thanks to its incredible heat resistance. This makes basements, crawl spaces, and utility rooms prime locations for asbestos-containing materials.
Found in Basements, Crawl Spaces, and Utility Areas
Older homes with boiler or radiator heat systems often have pipes wrapped in asbestos insulation. This can look like a chalky, white, cloth-like wrapping or a corrugated paper-like material. Asbestos tape was also used on the joints of heating ducts.
Risk: Aging or Crumbling Insulation Can Release Airborne Fibers
This type of insulation is often “friable,” meaning it can be easily crumbled by hand. Over time, it degrades, and even slight vibrations can cause it to release fibers into the air. It is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos found in homes.
4. Drywall Joint Compound and Wall Plaster
When you think about asbestos in walls, you might picture insulation, but the danger can also be in the finish itself. Up until the late 1970s, asbestos was added to drywall joint compound (or “mud”) and some wall plasters to increase strength and reduce cracking.
Not Just the Panels, It’s the Mud
While the drywall panels themselves typically do not contain asbestos, the compound used to tape and finish the seams often does. This means that any activity involving cutting, sanding, or demolishing drywall can disturb these asbestos-containing materials.
Risk: Cutting or Demolition Can Disturb Bonded ACMs
Sanding old drywall seams before painting or cutting into a wall to move an outlet can release bonded asbestos fibers. During a full demolition, the risk of widespread contamination is even higher.
5. Roofing and Siding Materials
The durability and fireproofing qualities of asbestos made it an ideal additive for exterior building products meant to withstand the elements.
Exterior Danger Zones
Asbestos-cement board siding, often designed to look like wood shingles, was a very common product for decades. Likewise, some older roofing shingles and the felt underlayment used beneath them contained asbestos to improve their strength and fire rating.
Risk: Breaking or Disposing of These Materials Improperly Creates Exposure Risk
When this siding or roofing becomes weathered and brittle, breaking it during removal can release fibers. Improper disposal can also create a health hazard for waste management workers and the environment.
How to Know What You’re Working With
Visual Clues Aren’t Enough
You cannot identify asbestos just by looking at it. Many asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) look identical to their asbestos-free counterparts. The only way to be certain is through professional testing.
When to Test
You should always test for asbestos any time you are planning a demolition, renovation, or material removal project in a home built before 1985. The small cost of testing is a minor investment compared to the potential health and financial costs of an accidental exposure.
What To Do If You Suspect Asbestos
Stop Work and Don’t Disturb It
If you uncover materials you suspect may contain asbestos, the most important thing to do is stop all work immediately. Do not touch, scrape, or break the material. Isolate the area and call a licensed asbestos inspector.
Abatement Must Be Done Professionally
Never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Asbestos abatement is a highly specialized trade that requires licensed professionals with proper training, equipment, and disposal protocols. It’s dangerous, and in many cases, DIY removal is also illegal.
Demo Pros Works With Certified Asbestos Partners
At Demo Pros, safety is our top priority. During our pre-demo walkthroughs, we help homeowners and contractors identify suspect materials that may require testing. We will pause any demolition work until a certified abatement partner has tested the materials and, if necessary, cleared the area, ensuring the site is safe for our crews and your project.
Know What You’re Dealing With Before You Build
Asbestos Is Manageable If You Plan for It
Finding asbestos doesn’t have to be a project-ending catastrophe. It is a manageable issue, as long as you plan for it correctly. Taking a moment to test and, if needed, properly abate the material is a critical step that prevents major health problems and costly project shutdowns later on.
Need Help Identifying Suspect Materials?
Let our experience guide you toward a safer renovation. Contact Demo Pros today for a pre-demo walkthrough. We’ll help you build smart and safe from the very first step.