Heating Ducts

Asbestos cement, insulation, tape wrap, and cloth were all used in and around heating ducts.

Sheetrock/Drywall

Sheetrock or drywall used to build the walls of homes typically did not contain asbestos unless it was fire-rated, for example around elevator shafts. However, the taping, texturing, topping, and joint compound that was used on top of and in between the drywall was asbestos containing until 1979.

Pipe Insulation

Asbestos insulation was used around steam pipes and vent associated with boilers, furnaces, and similar equipment. Sometimes HVAC lines were wrapped in asbestos insulation.

Water Heaters

Asbestos can be found in the insulating blanket within the metal cover.

Siding/Stucco

In some older homes built before the 1980s, siding shingles and stucco were made of asbestos cement to strengthen them, increase durability, and to provide fireproofing to homes.

Insulation

Vermiculite insulation in the attics of homes constructed between the 1920s and late 1980s can be contaminated with asbestos. The EPA instructs homeowners not to disturb vermiculite insulation and to assume it contains asbestos, for their protection.

Wood Burning Stoves / Fireplaces

Walls and floors around wood burning stoves may be protected with asbestos paper, millboard, or cement sheets. Newer, faux fireplace embers, logs, and ashes can contain the substance.

Ceilings

Asbestos can be found on the ceilings of homes in many different forms, including tiles and textured paint. Many older homes contain “popcorn ceilings,” created by spray-on paint that contained asbestos until the 1980s.

Window Putty

Asbestos Fibers added strength and fire-resistance to different putties used within homes, especially around windows.

Garages

Older garages and sheds may be constructed with asbestos wall and roof panels & tiles, and asbestos pipe insulation.

If you happen to work on automobiles within your garage, there is also risk for asbestos exposure there, as it was used in the brakes, gaskets and clutches of vehicles until very recently.

Floors

Asbestos vinyl floor tiles and the asbestos glue that affixed them to the ground are often found in older homes. The tiles were inexpensive, durable, and easy to install, but pose risk to homeowners today if they are breaking down and deteriorating, or if they are sanded, drilled, or scraped up

Boilers

Until the late 1970s, asbestos insulation was used to insulate both the exterior and interior of boilers.

Transite or Asbestos- Cement Pipes

Asbestos-cement, or transite pipe was used for the water and sewer lines between homes and the street and along the main street line. Inside the home, it was used as vent pipe. These deteriorating pipes can carry released asbestos fibers into the drinking water of the home.

Interior Walls

Certain wall tiles and textured paints were composed of asbestos fibers until the 1980s.