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Learn Facts About Asbestos Inside Your Home or Business
ZONOLITE VERMICULITE INSULATION IN ATTICS & WALLS
Asbestos vermiculite insulation was commonly poured between the studs or beams of walls and rafters in attics in older homes. In most cases this material can be identified visually as a pebble-like, pour in insulation that is usually light brown or gold in color. The vermiculite particles can range in very small size to large coarse size pieces as much as an inch long. Vermiculite was so commonly used pre-1990’s that there is a trust set up for the removal of this potentially dangerous material of up to $4,330.42 as of 02/19/2021 found on the Zonolite Attic Insulation Trust website More About Zonolite Attic Trust Fund.
If you suspect you have vermiculite or your contractor has stopped renovation due to a threat of this serious health hazard, contact Airtite Environmental today.
Asbestos in Floor & Ceiling Tiles
Before you start any flooring project in an older home or building you will want to get the tiles used for floors and even ceiling tiles tested for asbestos. Floor tiles that are 6”x6”, 9”x9” and 12”x12” are where we most commonly find to test positive for asbestos. Some common ways to notice your tile floor may have asbestos is coloring in the tile looks stained, oily or a tile has cracked showing a thick black adhesive coating. If you are remodeling a reputable contractor may be required to call in for an asbestos test if they suspect asbestos in your flooring material which can cause delays on completing the project. We get many calls for testing asbestos from carpet companies when home owners want to carpet over a suspected asbestos floor which can also slow down and cause additional labor charges from your contractor.
Vinyl & Linoleum Flooring
Studies done on vinyl flooring has shown up to 70% of all vinyl flooring made prior to the late 60’s had asbestos. One of the most budget friendly and durable floors made vinyl and linoleum a great option, in return many older homes and buildings have this type of flooring. Asbestos was commonly used by builders to hold the tiles together and to the floor. Linoleum sheet flooring not only would use these same adhesives made with asbestos but also may have a paper backing that was made with asbestos.
Vinyl Floor Tiles not only are cheap but are durable which is why they are commonly found in businesses, schools and medical facilities. Old worn out tiles can break or crack which can cause asbestos fibers to move. If you have damaged vinyl floor tiles in an older home or business before you replace or try to repair the vinyl tile have an asbestos test done to
Vinyl Sheet Flooring is similar to vinyl tile flooring, vinyl sheet flooring is an inexpensive option with great durability and was used often in older buildings and homes. Many times, this type of flooring will tear or rip which could loosen asbestos fibers into the air. Many homeowners see these tears as a reason to replace the flooring but before you disturb vinyl sheet flooring have it tested by a certified professional to avoid any harmful asbestos fibers that could be airborne.
Linoleum Flooring is made with natural materials such as cork, saw dust and dried linseed oil. Linoleum flooring wasn’t made with asbestos, it was the paper backing used by builders that was asbestos that makes this flooring a possible risk of testing positive for asbestos fibers. You can tell the difference between linoleum and vinyl by the patterns used in linoleum which were floral or geometric and extended through the tile, vinyl patterns were embossed on top of the tile.
Asbestos In Drywall, Wallboard & Joint Compounds
Drywall is one of the most common building materials in homes and businesses. Manufacturers added asbestos fibers into drywall materials to make them stronger, lighter, and more resistant to fire. If your home or business was built after the 1930’s there is a good chance that the walls could have asbestos fibers that make even drilling a hole to hang a picture a risk of releasing asbestos fibers into the air. In many cases the asbestos is not found in the drywall, the asbestos is found in the joint compound used to install the drywall seal between sheets. Old walls can crack or become brittle which can also disturb asbestos fibers. If you have an older building that needs repair or asbestos testing to ensure your safety call us today.
Textured Paint (ARTEX) and Popcorn Ceilings
Almost every square inch of an interior has been painted to give that finished look we all stride for. Unfortunately, many paint companies used asbestos in paint because it was cheap, fire resistant, had good strength and holding power. Texture used on walls and ceilings very popular pre 1990’s in both homes and businesses. Many of us have lived in a home with the popular popcorn ceiling! Textured paints were commonly used to cover up imperfections or for patterns to bring out depth in walls or ceilings. Laws were passed to ban spray-on asbestos paints in the late 70’s but allowed contractors to use these asbestos containing materials well into the late 80’s. If you notice walls or ceiling peeling or cracking from water damage or age it is best to have it tested to make sure there isn’t asbestos in the textured paint. Asbestos in paint is mostly safe if not disturbed but even dried paint can release microfibers of asbestos in the air when disturbed causing a health risk.
Asbestos In Kitchens & Bathrooms
Asbestos in flooring and walls are most commonly known by the average homeowner or contractor, asbestos in kitchens in baths common areas we find asbestos include under the sinks (undercoating) or found around plumbing. Kitchens and baths also used a wet area sheeting commonly used was by manufacturer ‘Versilux’ and ‘Villaboard’ that was made using asbestos. Have you even seen that metal strip between the wet sheet wall panels in a bathroom? That was most commonly produced by Tilux Products which is a well-known asbestos made product that was used in many kitchens and bathrooms. Although asbestos in bathrooms and kitchens are relatively easy to identify, there are many hidden areas asbestos is found that a certified asbestos inspector will find and remove safely. Asbestos was used in thousands of products; even older toilet seats test positive for asbestos!
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