Asbestos Recognition for
Homeowners
Learn to recognize possible forms of asbestos
in your home before repair or remodeling
www.Tri-TechTesting.com (MI)
www.DIYSampleTesting.com (US)

The Nasty Stuff
•High percentage asbestos
•Friable/bare fibrous material
•Typically unsealed
•Requires specialized containment for work
•Homeowners discouraged from disturbing
•Usually a State notification is required for
removal or repair

fortunately this stuff is relatively rare in the U.S. due to the
availability of fiberglass and wool batting
blown-in attic insulation

vermiculite insulation
most commonly poured in attics,
more common in some regions than others
sometimes found inside drywall or
cinderblock walls as shown spilling out at the
bottom of the wall here
EPA suggests on their
website that homeowners do not
test their vermiculite insulation. I disagree.
I believe their recommendation is based on their
embarrassment over the regulatory status of
this stuff rather than concerns over the
validity of the analyses.

often exposed in the basement
if no drop ceiling
duct insulation/tape
risers are typically
hidden inside walls

spray-on
acoustic
plaster
thin popcorn-type,
thicker sprayed forms
are obviously more
dangerous

pipe insulation
photo credit: Asbestorama

ceiling tile/light heat shields

acoustical drop ceiling panels

Less Dangerous Stuff
 does not necessarily stigmatize a home and
decrease its value if in good condition
 can be covered up or patched rather than
removed

rigid siding/roofing shingles

flooring
“seamless linoleum”
9x9 floor tile
flooring underlayment
1970s linoleum
floor underlayment

Hard plaster and
drywall joint mud

Examples of
Uncommon/
Lower Risk Stuff
faux chimney brick mastic
mud joist packings for
electrical wires
plumbing hatch (asbestos
cementboard found in a
building of 1980
construction)
sweat tape
rigid cove base/mastic

lower exterior risk materials
roofing felt
foundation damp-proofing
roof sealant/patch
exterior foundation window glazing

Unknowns…
DAP 33
Window Putty MSDS
Are non-fibrous and
quasi-fibrous forms of
asbestos safe(r)?
Probably, but we
don’t know for sure.

Repair or removal of high risk materials should always be left to the pros
Tri-Tech Building Hygiene Services can provide guidance to
homeowners for repair or removal of low-risk forms of asbestos

Tri-Tech Building Hygiene Services
Joseph Burley, Principal Consultant
8751 Troy Street
Oak Park, Michigan 48237
248-721-8574
Freelance.enviro.tech@gmail.com
For more information on homeowner sample analyses please visit:
www.Tri-techTesting.com (Michigan)
www.DIYSampleTesting.com (Nationwide)
Important note: This is not intended to represent all
forms of asbestos found in homes. Only a certified
Building Inspector is qualified to determine whether a
building material could contain asbestos.