Overview

Before its dangers were known, asbestos was common in many different building materials. While it was phased out in the late twentieth century, it can still be found in homes built in the 1980s or earlier.

In this blog post, Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd breaks down the basics of asbestos in older homes: how it was used, the dangers it poses, and what to do if you suspect it’s in your home. We’ll also explain the professional inspection and removal process so you can approach your next renovation or real estate deal with confidence.

Highlights

Introduction

Older homes offer undeniable charm, but they may also come with a hidden danger: asbestos. Common in construction materials prior to the 1980s, asbestos was prized for its fire resistance and durability, but is now known to cause serious health issues when disturbed.

If you’re considering buying or already own a home built before the 1980s, there’s a real possibility that it may be present in your insulation, flooring, or ceiling finishes. Let’s take a closer look at asbestos in older homes, including why it’s so dangerous, where you might find it, and what can be done about it.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral made up of thin, needle-like fibers. For much of the 20th century, it was considered a “miracle material” thanks to its unique properties: It’s resistant to fire, chemicals, heat, and electricity.

These characteristics made it ideal for a wide range of industrial and residential applications, especially in construction. It was used in everything from cement, roofing materials, and insulation to ceiling tiles and floor coverings.

Unfortunately, what wasn’t widely known for decades was that asbestos could also be a silent killer.

Why Is Asbestos Dangerous?

When asbestos-containing materials become damaged, either due to age, wear and tear, or renovation activities, they can release microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers are invisible to the naked eye and can easily be inhaled into the lungs.

Once inhaled, the fibers become lodged in lung tissue and remain there permanently, often causing inflammation and scarring over time. The body has no way to eliminate these fibers effectively, and long-term exposure has been conclusively linked to multiple serious health conditions.

Why Should Older Homes Undergo Asbestos Inspections?

If you’re looking at a home built before the 1980s, there’s a strong chance that some form of asbestos was used in its construction.

Asbestos products were integrated into numerous materials, such as:

  • Insulation
  • Joint compounds
  • Roofing shingles
  • Vinyl flooring

Just because a home has been remodeled doesn’t mean the asbestos is gone. Many renovations cover up original materials rather than removing them, meaning dangerous asbestos could be hiding under new drywall, flooring, or behind cabinets.

Inspections by certified professionals are the only reliable way to identify asbestos in a home. Experts know where to look and how to safely take samples for laboratory analysis. If you plan to do any remodeling or repair work in your home, having this information ahead of time is critical to protecting both your health and your investment.

What Types of Homes Might Contain Asbestos?

While any home built before 1980 should be considered at risk, not all homes will have the same types or amounts of asbestos-containing materials. The presence and location of asbestos can vary based on building practices from different eras and regions.

Common types of homes that might contain asbestos include:

  • Older homes with boiler-based heating systems: These may have asbestos insulation on pipes, boilers, and ducts.
  • Homes with mid-century “popcorn” ceilings: Textured ceilings popular in the mid-20th century may contain asbestos.
  • Homes built or renovated through the early 1990s: Even homes constructed as late as 1995 may contain asbestos, as manufacturers were allowed to use up existing asbestos-containing materials after regulations began phasing them out.

To better evaluate a home’s risk:

  • Review its construction history, including original blueprints or renovation records.
  • Speak with previous owners or contractors about past remodeling work.

Keep in mind that visual inspection alone isn’t enough—laboratory testing is the only way to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Should You Get an Asbestos Inspection?

A professional asbestos inspection is one of the most proactive steps you can take when purchasing an older home. The goal of an inspection is not just to detect the presence of asbestos but also to evaluate its condition and assess the level of risk it poses. If the asbestos is intact and unlikely to be disturbed, it might not need immediate action, but if it’s deteriorating or in a high-traffic or renovation-prone area, then intervention may be necessary.

Inspections are particularly critical if you’re planning any renovations, as construction activity can easily disturb hidden asbestos and release dangerous fibers into the air. Even simple tasks like removing carpet or replacing cabinets can uncover and disrupt asbestos materials if not properly handled.

An inspector will visually assess the property, identify likely asbestos-containing materials, and carefully collect samples for lab testing. They’ll also provide a report detailing their findings and recommendations for next steps. This report can be a powerful tool in real estate negotiations or renovation planning.

What Happens if Asbestos Is Found?

If asbestos is found in your prospective or current home, your options will vary depending on the situation. The most important factor is whether the asbestos-containing material is in good condition and whether it’s likely to be disturbed.

In many cases, asbestos doesn’t need to be removed immediately, especially if it’s sealed away behind walls or in areas that won’t be affected by everyday activity. Leaving it alone may be the safest course of action, but only if the material is in good condition and poses no risk of becoming airborne.

If the material is damaged, in an area that will be renovated, or exposed to frequent contact, removal is often the best—and sometimes only—option. Professional asbestos removal is a highly specialized task governed by strict regulations to protect both workers and occupants.

The Asbestos Removal Process: What To Expect

When asbestos removal is necessary, it’s essential that it be performed by licensed abatement professionals. The removal process is complex and must follow a series of controlled steps to ensure safety.

Step 1: Containment

The first stage involves detailed planning. Before any work begins, the abatement contractor will develop a strategy that includes containment zones, air filtration systems, decontamination units, and disposal plans. The work area is sealed with heavy plastic sheeting and fitted with negative air pressure machines to prevent airborne fibers from escaping.

Step 2: Removal and Disposal

During removal, workers wear full-body protective suits and respirators. The asbestos materials are carefully wetted to minimize dust, then removed in sections and sealed in specially labeled, double-bagged containers. These bags are then transported to designated hazardous waste facilities.

Step 3: Cleanup

Once the materials are removed, the entire area is cleaned using industrial HEPA vacuums and wet wiping techniques. Air monitoring tests are conducted to ensure the space is safe before it’s reoccupied.

Depending on the scope of the work, the process can take several days or even weeks, but the end result is a safer home environment.

Legal Requirements and Regulations

In British Columbia, asbestos removal is governed by WorkSafeBC and the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. These regulations require that only trained, licensed professionals handle asbestos-containing materials, particularly during removal and disposal. Homeowners and contractors must comply with these laws to avoid serious legal and health consequences.

Keep in mind that DIY asbestos removal is prohibited under many circumstances. Handling asbestos without proper equipment, containment procedures, or disposal methods can result in airborne contamination, harm to occupants, and significant fines.

When selling a home, BC real estate regulations may also require disclosure if the presence of asbestos is known. Buyers have the right to be informed of potential hazards, and failure to disclose could result in legal challenges or contract complications.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Future Home

Buying an older home is a dream for many people, but it’s important to go into that decision with eyes wide open. Asbestos isn’t something that should scare you away, but it’s something that should absolutely be taken seriously. A proper inspection and, if necessary, professional abatement can protect you and your family from life-threatening illnesses while also safeguarding your investment.

Remember, asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed. If it’s hiding in your walls or under your floors, you may never come into contact with it, but if you’re remodeling or repairing, you could be putting yourself at risk. Understanding your home’s construction history and working with qualified asbestos professionals can help you make smart, safe choices.

If you’re considering buying an older home—or if you already live in one—it’s time to get informed. Reach out to Scott Asbestos And Hazardous Material Removal Ltd’s certified asbestos removal specialists to schedule an inspection and get the peace of mind you deserve.

We’re available at (604) 472-7499 to answer questions, conduct inspections, provide abatement, and everything in between.