Millions of homes contain asbestos. Learn where it's found, when it's dangerous, and how to protect your family during renovation or repair.
By MesoWatch Editorial 8 min read
Published:
Updated:
Key Facts
Millions of US homes contain asbestos (pre-1980 construction)
Peak building use: 1950–1980
Testing cost: $25–75 per sample
Professional removal: $3–15 per square foot
Test Before You Renovate
Never assume a material is asbestos-free. If your home was built before 1980, have suspect materials professionally tested before any renovation work. Disturbing asbestos during DIY projects is one of the most common causes of residential exposure.
If your home was built before 1980, it likely contains asbestos somewhere. Understanding where it hides and when it becomes dangerous is essential for protecting your family, especially during renovation projects.
Where Asbestos Hides in Homes
High-Likelihood Locations
Location
Material Type
Risk Level During Disturbance
Floor tiles (9x9”)
Vinyl asbestos tile
High when removed/sanded
Pipe insulation
Wrapped insulation
Very high if disturbed
Attic insulation
Vermiculite (Zonolite)
High if disturbed
Popcorn ceilings
Textite spray
High if scraped/removed
HVAC duct insulation
Wrapped/internal
High during HVAC work
Roof shingles
Asbestos cement
Moderate during replacement
Siding
Asbestos cement
Moderate during replacement
Moderate-Likelihood Locations
Location
Material
Notes
Joint compound
Drywall mud
Used until 1977
Window glazing
Putty
Some contained asbestos
Caulking
Around tubs, windows
Variable
Adhesives
Floor tile mastic
Black mastic often contains asbestos
Textured paint
Stipple, spray textures
Some formulations
Door gaskets
Fireproof doors
Heat resistance
By Home Age
Construction Period
Asbestos Likelihood
Common Locations
Pre-1950
High
Insulation, siding, flooring
1950–1970
Very high
Almost everywhere
1970–1980
Moderate-high
Flooring, insulation, ceilings
1980–1990
Low-moderate
Some products
Post-1990
Low
Occasional imports, vermiculite
When Asbestos Is Dangerous
The Friability Factor
Condition
Friability
Risk
Solid cement products
Non-friable
Lower risk
Spray-on insulation
Friable
Higher risk
Wrapped pipe insulation
Friable when damaged
High risk
Intact floor tiles
Non-friable
Lower risk
Deteriorating materials
Becoming friable
Increasing risk
Friable materials crumble easily and release fibers. Non-friable materials only become dangerous when cut, drilled, or otherwise disturbed.
Safe vs. Dangerous Scenarios
Scenario
Risk Level
Intact asbestos tile, left alone
Low
Asbestos siding, painted and intact
Low
Removing popcorn ceiling yourself
VERY HIGH
Drilling through asbestos materials
HIGH
Living in home with encapsulated asbestos
Low
Cutting asbestos cement siding
HIGH
Before You Renovate
Step 1: Identify Suspect Materials
If your home was built before 1980:
Action
Purpose
Document materials you’ll disturb
Plan testing needs
Note building age
Assess likelihood
Photograph suspect materials
For professional assessment
Check for previous testing
May be in home records
Step 2: Test Before Disturbing
Never assume a material is safe. Testing is the only way to know:
Testing Option
Cost
Turnaround
Home test kit (lab analysis)
$25–50
1–2 weeks
Professional inspection
$200–600
Same day results
Full home survey
$400–1,000+
Comprehensive report
Step 3: Plan Based on Results
Test Result
Next Steps
Positive for asbestos
Hire licensed abatement contractor OR leave in place
Negative
Proceed with normal precautions
Didn’t test
Assume positive: don’t disturb
DIY Renovation: What’s Safe
Homeowner CAN Safely Do
Activity
Condition
Work in areas with no asbestos
After testing confirms
Leave asbestos materials alone
Encapsulation, avoidance
Monitor condition
Report changes
Minor repairs to non-friable
With proper precautions
Homeowner Should NOT Do
Activity
Risk
Remove popcorn ceilings
Very high fiber release
Remove floor tiles (sanding/scraping)
High fiber release
Remove pipe insulation
Very high exposure
Cut asbestos siding
Fiber release
Disturb vermiculite insulation
Potential asbestos
In most states, homeowners can legally remove asbestos from their own single-family homes, but this is strongly discouraged due to health risks.
Hiring Professionals
When You Need a Pro
Situation
Professional Needed
More than 3 sq ft removal
Licensed abatement contractor
Friable materials
Licensed contractor required
HVAC system work
May require specialized contractor
Large renovation
Full abatement often most practical
Finding Licensed Contractors
Resource
Information Available
State environmental agency
Licensed contractor lists
EPA regional office
Regulations, resources
Local health department
Permits, inspections
What to Expect
Phase
Activities
Assessment
Inspection, sampling, scope of work
Preparation
Containment, negative air pressure
Removal
Wet methods, HEPA filtration
Disposal
Sealed containers, permitted landfill
Clearance
Air testing, visual inspection
Cost Estimates
Project Type
Typical Cost Range
Pipe insulation removal
$15–50/linear foot
Popcorn ceiling removal
$3–7/sq ft
Floor tile removal
$5–15/sq ft
Siding removal
$8–12/sq ft
Full home abatement
$15,000–50,000+
Vermiculite Insulation Special Concern
The Libby Connection
Vermiculite insulation (often sold as “Zonolite”) may contain asbestos from the Libby, Montana mine:
You cannot identify asbestos by visual inspection alone. If your home was built before 1980, common locations include floor tiles (especially 9x9 inch), pipe insulation, vermiculite attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, and siding. Professional testing ($25–75 per sample) is the only way to confirm.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?▼
Generally yes, if the asbestos-containing materials are intact and undisturbed. Asbestos is dangerous when fibers become airborne—through damage, deterioration, or renovation work. Leave undamaged materials alone and have them professionally removed before any work that might disturb them.
Can I remove asbestos myself?▼
In most states, homeowners can legally remove asbestos from their own single-family homes—but this is strongly discouraged due to serious health risks. Professional abatement includes containment, HEPA filtration, wet methods, and proper disposal that DIY work cannot replicate.
What should I do before renovating an older home?▼
Test before disturbing any suspect materials. Identify materials you’ll affect during renovation, have them tested by a certified inspector, and hire licensed abatement contractors if asbestos is found. Never assume a material is safe—testing is the only way to know.