Asbestos was once used widely because it was strong, heat-resistant, and inexpensive. For decades, it found its way into homes, schools, offices, and factories. Today, many older buildings in Calgary still contain asbestos in materials that are hidden behind walls, ceilings, and floors. Knowing where it might be located is essential for safety, especially before starting renovations or repairs.
Understanding where asbestos hides helps prevent accidental exposure. It also makes it easier to plan for safe testing and removal. Below we’ll go through the most common places asbestos can be found, how to recognize potential risks, and what to do if you suspect it in your building.
Insulation Materials
Insulation is one of the most frequent sources of asbestos in older properties. For decades, builders relied on it to control temperature and prevent fire. The material was mixed into various types of insulation, including those used around pipes, ducts, boilers, and attics.
Pipe insulation is especially common in homes built before the 1990s. The white or grey wrapping you see around old hot water pipes may look harmless, but it often contains asbestos fibers that can easily become airborne if disturbed. Loose-fill insulation, which looks fluffy and lightweight, might also contain asbestos, especially in attics.
If you plan to replace or move insulation, never touch it until it’s been tested. We often find asbestos insulation that has deteriorated over time, creating a high risk of exposure even from light movement or vibration. The safest approach is to hire certified professionals who can take samples and perform safe removal when needed.
Floor Tiles and Adhesives
Many vinyl floor tiles from the 1950s to the 1980s were manufactured with asbestos to make them durable and heat resistant. Even the glue used to attach tiles to concrete or subfloors, known as black mastic, often contains asbestos.
Homeowners sometimes discover old layers of flooring under newer ones during renovations. The danger comes when these tiles are sanded, scraped, or drilled. Once disturbed, asbestos fibers from the tiles or adhesive can spread through the air and settle on furniture and clothing.
The safest way to deal with old vinyl flooring is to leave it in place if it’s intact and cover it with new flooring material. However, if it’s cracked, breaking, or lifting, professional testing and removal are necessary. This is a good time to rely on experts in asbestos removal in Calgary to ensure the job is handled properly and safely from start to finish.
Ceiling Materials
Popcorn ceilings, once popular in homes from the 1960s to the 1980s, often contain asbestos. The textured coating was designed to hide imperfections and improve acoustics, but it also became one of the most hazardous materials when disturbed.
Any scraping, sanding, or cutting into these ceilings releases fine asbestos fibers that linger in the air. Even light remodeling or replacing light fixtures can disturb these materials. Some plaster ceilings and joint compounds also included asbestos fibers for added strength.
Before attempting any ceiling work, it’s vital to test a sample. Covering the surface with drywall is sometimes safer than removal, but that decision should only be made after confirming the material’s composition. Our experience shows that homeowners often underestimate the risk from ceiling textures because they appear solid and harmless.
Walls and Drywall Compounds
Asbestos was used in wallboards, joint compounds, and even in plaster for both residential and commercial buildings. It was valued for fire resistance and durability. The joint compound used between drywall sheets is one of the least recognized sources because it looks ordinary once painted.
Cutting or sanding walls that contain asbestos releases dust into the air. That’s why many home renovations that seem small, like installing shelves or opening a wall for wiring, can create exposure risks if asbestos is present.
The safest approach is always to test before disturbing any surface, especially in older homes or offices. Professionals can perform controlled sampling using protective measures and air monitoring to ensure the environment remains safe.
Roofing and Siding
Asbestos cement was a common ingredient in roofing shingles, siding panels, and even roofing felt. These materials were durable and resistant to weather damage, which is why they still appear on older Calgary homes.
Roof repairs and exterior renovations are particularly risky because workers might unknowingly saw or break asbestos-containing panels. Wind can spread released fibers over a large area. Even pressure washing or drilling into siding can create airborne contamination.
When maintaining or replacing an old roof or siding, assume the material may contain asbestos unless proven otherwise. Certified professionals can test a small sample safely and determine whether removal or encapsulation is the right approach.
Heating Systems and Ductwork
Heating systems were another major use area for asbestos because it could withstand extreme heat. Boiler rooms, furnaces, and duct joints often have asbestos materials hidden beneath metal coverings or insulation wraps.
In older commercial buildings and schools, asbestos can also be found in gaskets and sealing compounds within the heating system. Over time, vibration and temperature changes cause these materials to deteriorate, spreading dust into ventilation systems.
Routine maintenance or replacement of heating components without testing can lead to accidental contamination throughout the property. For safety, always have ducts and insulation checked if your building was constructed before 1990. A professional assessment can help locate hidden asbestos before anyone begins repair work.
Cement Pipes and Panels
Many public and private buildings, especially industrial ones, used asbestos cement pipes for plumbing and drainage. These pipes are durable but fragile when aged. Cutting, drilling, or breaking them releases fibers.
Cement panels used for fireproofing walls or structural elements may also contain asbestos. These were often installed in basements, garages, and utility rooms. The panels are usually grey, heavy, and difficult to identify by sight alone.
Homeowners and property managers should avoid disturbing any old cement materials until they’ve been professionally tested. Even minor repairs can cause a release of dust that spreads quickly through air ducts or open spaces.
Window and Door Seals
Window putty, door gaskets, and sealants were another overlooked source of asbestos. These materials helped insulate buildings and resist fire damage. Over time, exposure to weather causes them to crumble or flake, especially around metal frames or old stoves.
When windows or doors are replaced, scraping off old caulking or sealant can easily release asbestos dust. Even vacuuming the debris without a HEPA filter spreads contamination.
If you notice brittle or cracked sealant around older windows or stoves, assume it could contain asbestos and have it checked. Proper testing and safe removal can prevent exposure while still allowing energy efficiency upgrades.
Acoustic Panels and Fireproofing Materials
Commercial buildings, theaters, and schools often used asbestos in acoustic panels and fireproofing sprays. These materials were designed to reduce noise and protect structural steel from high temperatures.
The problem arises when ceilings or walls are disturbed during renovations, rewiring, or HVAC work. Once the surface coating breaks, microscopic fibers can remain in the air for hours.
If your building has acoustic ceiling tiles or sprayed fireproofing from before the 1990s, do not attempt removal without professional inspection. Many modern replacements provide the same safety features without any health risks.
Plumbing Fixtures and Adhesives
Older plumbing systems sometimes used asbestos in gaskets, sealing compounds, and even in certain types of caulking or adhesives. These materials were used to prevent leaks and resist heat. Over time, the constant exposure to moisture causes them to break down, increasing the risk of fiber release.
Bathroom renovations are especially risky because cutting through old pipes or removing old fixtures can disturb hidden asbestos. Testing before any demolition or replacement ensures a safe work environment for everyone involved.
What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos
If you think your home or workplace might contain asbestos, do not touch or disturb the material. Even small-scale repairs, like drilling or sanding, can release fibers. The safest first step is to have a professional assessment done. Testing is the only way to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Certified removal specialists use protective equipment and containment systems to prevent fibers from spreading. They also follow strict disposal procedures that comply with health and environmental standards.
To schedule professional testing or removal, you can contact us for guidance. We’ll explain the process, provide an inspection, and outline safe options for your property.
FAQ
Where is asbestos most likely to be found in older homes?
It’s most common in insulation, floor tiles, popcorn ceilings, and old pipe wrappings. Homes built before 1990 are especially likely to contain it in multiple areas.
Can I identify asbestos just by looking at it?
No. Asbestos fibers are too small to see with the naked eye, and many materials look the same whether they contain asbestos or not. Only lab testing can confirm its presence.
Is it dangerous if asbestos materials are not damaged?
Not necessarily. Asbestos poses a health risk only when fibers become airborne. If the material is intact and sealed, it’s usually safer to leave it undisturbed until removal is necessary.
What should I do before starting home renovations?
Always test for asbestos in walls, ceilings, floors, and insulation before cutting, drilling, or sanding. It’s best to involve professionals who can safely collect samples.
How can I make sure removal is done safely?
Work only with certified asbestos abatement contractors who follow local safety regulations. They use specialized equipment and disposal methods to ensure your home remains safe during and after the process.