A Guide to Asbestos in the House

Key Takeaways

• Asbestos was commonly used in homes built before the 1980s.
• It becomes hazardous when damaged or disturbed, releasing fibers into the air.
• Professional testing is necessary to confirm its presence.
• Never try to handle asbestos on your own. Always hire certified professionals.
• Disclose asbestos issues honestly if selling your home.

Asbestos is a word many homeowners hope never to hear. For years, asbestos was used in homes across the country for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating qualities. Today, we know that this material can cause serious health issues if disturbed. 

If you are buying in Washington, DC, selling a property in Boston, MA, or simply maintaining a home somewhere else, understanding asbestos is an important part of protecting yourself and your family.

This Redfin guide explains what asbestos is, where it might be hiding in your home, and what steps to take if you suspect its presence.

What is asbestos? 

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once widely used in building materials. It was favored for its durability, resistance to fire, and insulating properties. However, when asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Because of these risks, the use of asbestos in residential construction was largely banned in the late 1970s.

Is asbestos in houses dangerous?

Asbestos in your home can be dangerous if it’s disturbed. When left undisturbed or professionally encapsulated, the risk is lower. But as asbestos materials age, wear down, or are disrupted, they can release toxic fibers into the air. No level of asbestos exposure is considered safe—repeated or prolonged exposure can lead to serious diseases like mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Where is asbestos commonly found in homes? 

Older homes built before the 1980s are the most likely to contain asbestos. However, even homes constructed later may have products that include it. Some common areas where asbestos may be found include:

• Attic and wall insulation
• Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive used beneath them
• Roofing materials such as shingles or felt
• Cement sheets and siding
• Textured paint, ceilings or ceiling tiles
• Pipe insulation and furnace gaskets
• Appliances

Keep in mind that asbestos is not dangerous unless the materials containing it are disturbed or damaged.

>> Discover: When Was My House Built? How to Search the Property History for a Home

How can you tell if your home has asbestos?

What does asbestos look like? 

A common question homeowners ask is: What does asbestos look like? Unfortunately, asbestos fibers themselves are microscopic and cannot be seen by the naked eye. The materials that contain asbestos can look like many ordinary building materials, which makes identification tricky without professional testing.

Materials that may contain asbestos might appear as:

• White, gray, or brown insulation around pipes and ducts
• Vinyl tiles with a mottled, speckled, or marbled pattern
• Textured or “popcorn” ceilings
• Cement sheeting or siding with a dull, gray appearance
• Roofing felt or shingles that look like other asphalt products

Because these materials look very similar to non-asbestos versions, appearance alone is not enough to confirm whether asbestos is present.

If your home was built before the 1980s and still contains original materials, there is a good chance asbestos could be present somewhere inside or outside the structure.

Confirming asbestos in the home

The only reliable way to know if your home has asbestos is through professional testing. A certified asbestos inspector can take samples safely and have them analyzed in a laboratory. Attempting to inspect or disturb materials yourself can increase health risks.

Signs that might suggest the presence of asbestos include aging or crumbling materials in older homes, especially in areas like basements, attics, and utility rooms. If you suspect something might contain asbestos, the safest choice is to leave it undisturbed until a professional can evaluate it.

5 common asbestos exposure scenarios in the home

Asbestos exposure typically happens when fibers are disturbed and released into the air. These tiny fibers can stay airborne for hours and are easily inhaled without notice. Understanding common scenarios where exposure might happen can help you avoid unnecessary risks.

1. Renovation and remodeling projects

Tearing out old flooring, removing textured ceilings, cutting through insulation, or disturbing old siding can release asbestos fibers if the materials contain asbestos. Homeowners often do not realize the danger until work is already underway.

>> Read: Historical Home Renovation Tips

2. DIY repairs

Patching drywall, drilling into walls, or removing old tiles without checking for asbestos can unintentionally expose you to hazardous fibers. Even seemingly minor home improvement tasks can disturb asbestos materials.

3. Damaged or deteriorating materials

Old insulation, ceiling tiles, and other materials may break down over time. If these materials begin to crumble, crack, or fall apart, asbestos fibers can become airborne. This is especially common in damp areas like basements or near HVAC systems.

4. Cleaning and maintenance

Sweeping or vacuuming areas with deteriorating asbestos materials can stir up fibers. Using regular vacuums or brooms on these areas can spread the fibers rather than contain them.

5. Natural disasters and fire damage

Floods, fires, and storms that damage a home can expose hidden asbestos materials. Cleanup after these events often poses a high risk of exposure without proper safety equipment and professional handling.

Recognizing these signs can help you know when to bring in a pro—and when to leave materials undisturbed.

What should you do if you suspect asbestos?

Do not attempt to remove or repair asbestos materials on your own. Even minor tampering can release harmful fibers into the air.

Here are the steps you should take:

1. Contact a licensed asbestos inspector to assess your home.
2. Follow their recommendations. If asbestos is present but intact, it may be safest to leave it alone and monitor its condition.
3. If removal is necessary, hire a certified asbestos abatement contractor to handle the work safely.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos?

Asbestos removal can be costly, but prices vary based on your home and the extent of the issue. There are two main expenses to consider: testing and removal.

• Asbestos testing: Testing typically costs between $230 and $789, depending on your home’s size, location, and how much material needs to be tested. The most common types include air, dust, and physical sample testing. If you’re planning a remodel, a specialized refurbishment and demolition survey is required, which can cost $1,200 or more.
• Asbestos removal: If asbestos is found, removal usually ranges from $1,200 to $3,000, depending on the size and complexity of the project. Professionals must thoroughly clean and prepare the area before safely removing the material.

Why you should never ignore asbestos

Ignoring asbestos risks your health and can complicate future home sales. Potential buyers may request proof that asbestos has been removed or safely contained. Mortgage lenders and insurance companies may also ask for documentation about the presence or removal of asbestos in older homes.

Being proactive protects not only your household but also the value of your property.

FAQs: Asbestos in the house

Can you sell a house with asbestos? 

Yes, you can sell a home with asbestos, but you are usually required to disclose it to buyers. Some sellers choose to remove it beforehand, while others adjust the price to reflect potential removal costs.

Can asbestos exposure happen in newer homes? 

It is rare, but some materials containing asbestos were used after the initial bans. Always verify materials if you are unsure. 

How much does asbestos removal cost? 

Costs vary depending on how much asbestos is present and where it is located. Expect to pay anywhere from a few hundred dollars for small jobs to several thousands for larger jobs. 

Is encapsulation a safe alternative to removal?

Yes, encapsulation seals the asbestos material so fibers cannot escape. This is often a safe and less expensive alternative if the asbestos is in good condition.

Does homeowners insurance cover asbestos removal? 

In most cases, homeowners insurance does not cover the cost of asbestos removal unless the asbestos is disturbed by a covered event, like a storm or fire.

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