What Does Asbestos Look Like in Old Homes?

In older homes, asbestos was used in many products. It might appear as a corrugated cement roof or siding, a white or gray wrapping on heating pipes, or a spray-on coating on ceilings and walls. These materials can look like ordinary plaster or insulation.

You might also see asbestos in floor tiles, often in a 9 by 9 inch square shape, or in the backing of sheet flooring. It can be in patching compounds, textured paints, and even in some older window glazes. The key is that the fibers are invisible to the naked eye.

• Pipe insulation that looks like white or gray corrugated cardboard
• Ceiling tiles with a speckled or textured surface
• Sheet vinyl flooring with a paper-like backing
• Roof shingles that are brittle and have a cement look
• Popcorn ceiling texture that is soft and crumbly
• Duct tape or sealant on heating ducts that is old and frayed

Asbestos becomes dangerous when it is disturbed and fibers become airborne. Breathing in those fibers can lead to lung disease and other serious conditions. The risk is higher with long-term exposure, but even a single event can be harmful.

If you feel unwell after disturbing a material that might contain asbestos, see a doctor. Do not try to clean up asbestos debris yourself. Leave the area and keep everyone away until a professional can assess the situation.

Water damage can make asbestos materials brittle or cause them to crumble. A leaky pipe or a flood can soak pipe insulation or ceiling tiles, making them more likely to release fibers when disturbed. If you have water damage in an older home, be cautious around any suspect materials.

When dealing with water-damaged areas, do not try to remove or dry asbestos-containing materials yourself. The pros who handle water damage restoration are trained to work safely in these situations. They can coordinate with an asbestos professional if needed.

• Do not sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos
• Keep children and pets away from the affected area
• Do not use fans or air conditioners that might spread fibers
• If clothing touches suspect material, remove and bag it
• Wet materials are less likely to release fibers, but do not rely on that