Hidden Dangers: How to Tell If Your Home Has Asbestos
Many homes built before the 1980s contain a hidden threat most homeowners never see—asbestos. Once praised for its fire resistance and durability, asbestos is now known to cause serious health problems when disturbed. If you’re planning a renovation, remodel, or demolition project in West Georgia, knowing how to identify possible asbestos in your home is essential for safety and compliance.
Below, the experts at West Georgia Demolition Contractors explain where asbestos hides, how to recognize warning signs, and when to call professionals.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in construction materials for insulation, fireproofing, and strength. When asbestos-containing materials are damaged, tiny fibers can become airborne and inhaled.
Health risks include:
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs)
Because these illnesses can take decades to develop, many people don’t realize they’ve been exposed until serious symptoms appear.
Homes Most Likely to Contain Asbestos
If your home was built before 1980, there’s a strong chance asbestos was used somewhere in the structure. Even homes built into the early 1990s may still contain asbestos in certain products.
Common places asbestos may be found:
- Attic and wall insulation
- Popcorn ceilings
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesive
- Roofing shingles and siding
- Cement boards and pipe insulation
- HVAC duct wrap
Signs Your Home May Contain Asbestos
You can’t identify asbestos just by looking at it, but certain clues raise red flags:
1. Your Home’s Age
If your house was built before 1980, assume asbestos may be present until tested.
2. Crumbling or Damaged Materials
Asbestos is most dangerous when it’s disturbed. Watch for:
- Cracked ceiling texture
- Fraying pipe insulation
- Broken floor tiles
- Peeling siding
3. Ongoing Renovation Plans
If you’re preparing to tear out walls, floors, or ceilings, asbestos fibers may be released if testing isn’t done first.
4. Unlabeled Construction Materials
Older building materials without modern safety labels are a strong warning sign.
Never Disturb Suspected Asbestos
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is trying to remove asbestos themselves. DIY asbestos removal is extremely dangerous and illegal in many cases.
Disturbing asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air, where they can linger for hours and spread throughout your home.
How to Confirm the Presence of Asbestos
The only reliable way to know if your home contains asbestos is through professional testing. Certified inspectors safely collect samples and send them to accredited labs for analysis.
If asbestos is confirmed, a licensed demolition or abatement contractor can determine whether:
- The material can remain safely sealed
- Or must be removed before renovation or demolition
Why Professional Demolition Matters
At West Georgia Demolition Contractors, we specialize in safe, compliant, and efficient demolition, especially for older structures that may contain hazardous materials like asbestos.
Our team:
- Follows all state and federal asbestos safety regulations
- Coordinates professional testing and abatement
- Uses specialized equipment to prevent fiber release
- Ensures safe disposal of hazardous materials
Your health and your property’s safety come first.
When to Call West Georgia Demolition Contractors
You should contact us if:
- Your home was built before 1980
- You’re planning a remodel or teardown
- You suspect asbestos may be present
- You’ve discovered damaged insulation or ceiling materials
We’ll assess your situation and guide you through the safest next steps.
Protect Your Home and Your Health
Asbestos is a hidden danger, but with the right knowledge and professional support, you can avoid unnecessary risk. Before you renovate or demolish, make sure your home is safe.
📞 Contact West Georgia Demolition Contractors today for expert guidance on asbestos concerns, inspections, and safe demolition services in the West Georgia area.
We serve Acworth, Atlanta, Austell, Bowdon, Bremen, Buchanan, Carrollton, Chattahoochee Hills, College Park, Dallas, Douglasville, East Cobb, East Point, Fayetteville, Hiram, Kennesaw, Lithia Springs, Marietta, Mableton, Mt. Zion, Newnan, Palmetto, Powder Springs, Rockmart, Smyrna, South Fulton, Tallapoosa, Temple, Union City, Villa Rica, Vinings, and Whitesburg Ga
interior demolition contractors, demolition company atlanta, demolition companies near me, demo contractor, demolition near me, demo contractors, demolition contractor near me, demolition company near me, demolition contractors near me, demolition contractors atlanta ga
West Georgia Demolition Contractors
Douglasville, GA 30135
678-616-8346
