Asbestos was once a common ingredient in many building materials. It was used in products such as flooring, ceiling materials, insulation, pipe insulation, roofing materials, and other components of older buildings.
Today, property owners are often faced with an important question when planning a renovation, repair, or demolition project: Do we need to test for asbestos first?
The answer depends on the building, the materials involved, and the type of work being performed. Because asbestos cannot be reliably identified just by looking at a material, professional inspection and testing may be necessary before work begins.
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What Is Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing involves collecting samples of suspected asbestos-containing materials and having those samples analyzed by a qualified laboratory.
An experienced asbestos professional can identify materials that may contain asbestos, determine where those materials are located, and help property owners understand what needs to happen before renovation, demolition, or other work begins.
It’s important to remember that you cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. The EPA recommends having suspect materials sampled by a properly trained and accredited asbestos professional when they are damaged or may be disturbed during renovation.
When Should You Consider Asbestos Testing?
You’re Planning a Renovation
Renovation is one of the most common reasons to investigate potential asbestos.
Removing flooring, opening walls, replacing ceilings, working around insulation, or making other changes to an older building can disturb materials that may contain asbestos.
Before renovation begins, building owners should review existing asbestos inspection and assessment records and determine whether suspect materials could be disturbed. EPA guidance recommends that suspect or assumed asbestos-containing materials that could be disturbed be sampled and analyzed or treated as though they contain asbestos.
You’re Planning a Demolition
Asbestos inspections are particularly important before demolition.
Federal asbestos regulations require a thorough inspection before certain demolition and renovation activities. The purpose is to identify asbestos-containing materials and determine what requirements apply to the project.
Commercial property owners should not assume that an older building is safe to demolish simply because asbestos isn’t visible.
You’re Working on an Older Building
The age of a building can be an important factor when evaluating potential asbestos-containing materials.
Many older buildings contain materials that were manufactured with asbestos. That doesn’t mean every older building contains asbestos, and it doesn’t mean every material needs to be removed.
However, if you’re planning work that could disturb older building materials, it’s important to know what you’re dealing with before construction begins.
Building Materials Are Damaged
Damaged materials can be another reason to have a property evaluated.
If an older building has experienced fire, water damage, storm damage, or another event that has damaged walls, ceilings, flooring, insulation, or other building materials, asbestos may need to be considered as part of the restoration process.
This is especially important if damaged materials need to be removed or disturbed during cleanup and reconstruction.
You’re Renovating a School or Other Institutional Property
Schools have additional asbestos requirements under the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act, or AHERA.
Public schools and nonprofit private schools, including charter schools and schools affiliated with religious institutions, are required to inspect for asbestos-containing building materials and maintain asbestos management plans.
Other institutional properties may also have asbestos considerations depending on the building and the work being performed.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
Finding asbestos doesn’t automatically mean the entire building needs to be torn apart.
In some cases, asbestos-containing materials can remain in place and be managed as part of an operations and maintenance program. Removal may become necessary when materials are damaged or when planned work will disturb them.
The appropriate response depends on the material, its condition, its location, and the scope of the project.
That’s why testing and professional evaluation should happen before renovation or demolition begins.
Why You Shouldn’t Test or Remove Asbestos Yourself
Asbestos fibers can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed.
Trying to identify, sample, or remove suspected asbestos without the proper training and equipment can create unnecessary risk and may also create problems for the larger construction project.
The EPA recommends using trained and accredited asbestos professionals for applicable inspection and asbestos-related work. Federal, state, and local requirements can also vary depending on the type of property and project.
What About Commercial Renovation Projects?
Asbestos is particularly important to consider when renovating older commercial buildings.
Commercial properties often have years of additions, repairs, renovations, and updates. Some materials may be hidden behind newer finishes or in areas that aren’t immediately visible.
Before starting a renovation, it is important to understand what materials may be disturbed and whether asbestos-containing materials are present.
The EPA’s asbestos NESHAP regulations include requirements for renovation and demolition of institutional, commercial, and industrial buildings, including inspection requirements and, when applicable, notification and work-practice requirements.
Pro Service Builders Can Help
At Pro Service Builders, we understand that restoration and construction projects often involve more than what is visible on the surface.
Our team is equipped to handle complex restoration and renovation projects involving asbestos, along with other property damage and construction needs. Whether asbestos is discovered during a restoration project or needs to be addressed before a commercial renovation, having the right team involved can help keep the project safe and moving forward.
If you’re planning a renovation, demolition, or major repair project and you’re concerned about asbestos, contact Pro Service Builders to discuss your project and determine the appropriate next steps.
Asbestos regulations can vary based on the type of property, project, and location. Property owners should consult qualified asbestos professionals and applicable state and local authorities regarding specific project requirements.
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