Before you buy new property or renovate, it’s important to know if your building might have asbestos hiding underneath the surfaces.
Undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a danger. However, when materials containing asbestos are broken, cut, or fragmented, the tiny particles of asbestos fibers become airborne. These particles are so small that they can even pass through a respirator.
With the danger asbestos presents, it’s important to be aware of where it could potentially be found. We’ve already covered what asbestos smells like, whether it can be found in insulation, and why it’s dangerous in a house fire.
If you are wondering whether drywall can contain asbestos: the answer is yes. When asbestos was a common insulation and fireproofing material, many residential and commercial buildings were erected with drywall that had asbestos added. Read on to learn:
- When drywall contains asbestos
- Why drywall used to contain asbestos
- What types of drywall have asbestos
- How to remediate asbestos in drywall
When Did Drywall Contain Asbestos?
Before it started being heavily regulated in the mid-70s and 80s, asbestos was a common building material. If your house was built before or during the 1980s, your drywall and other wall surfaces like popcorn ceilings may contain asbestos.
Not every house built during this time will contain asbestos, however, before the health risks of asbestos were known, it was a common fireproofing and insulating agent. Asbestos also has strengthening properties — one of the reasons it was a popular choice for drywall.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Drywall?
Asbestos was used in drywall materials for its durability, resistance to fire, and ability to bind other materials. It helped improve drywall’s performance by strengthening it while also acting as a flame retardant. In an era when fire safety standards were rapidly evolving, especially in commercial construction, asbestos was seen as a cutting-edge solution. Unfortunately, its long-term health effects weren’t fully understood until decades later. This is why asbestos-containing materials can still be found in drywall components in buildings constructed before the regulations began to take shape in the 70s.
What Types of Drywall Have Asbestos?
Asbestos isn’t just in the drywall itself. Asbestos can also be found in the joint compound and tapes used in the drywall application, as well as finishing textures.
In many older Denver properties, especially those built before 1985, asbestos may be found in:
- Drywall joint compound (taping and topping compounds)
- Textured wall finishes (e.g., popcorn or knockdown textures)
- Drywall patching products
- Adhesives used for paneling or wall coverings
You can’t smell or see asbestos. Only lab testing can definitively confirm the presence of asbestos, there are signs that may warrant further investigation. If your property was built before 1985 and has original wall finishes, patching products, or textured coatings, these may contain asbestos. If you notice flaking, chalky compounds, or cracked popcorn ceilings that is also a cause for concern. Denver property owners should also note that some drywall was imported with asbestos well into the 1990s, so age alone isn’t always a reliable indicator. When in doubt, consult a certified asbestos inspector to test suspect materials safely.
Is It Safe to Occupy a Space with Asbestos?
The danger of asbestos comes when the materials are disturbed. In many cases, it remains safe to occupy a space as long as the materials are in good condition and intact. Asbestos becomes hazardous when it is damaged, cut, drilled, or otherwise disturbed, releasing microscopic fibers into the air. These airborne fibers are what pose serious health risks when inhaled over time.
How to Remediate Asbestos in Drywall
There are three main ways to deal with asbestos, whether it’s in your home or a commercial or public property. It can be removed, encapsulated, or enclosed.
Enclosure means building a barrier around the asbestos-containing material, such as installing new drywall over existing materials to isolate it from the occupied space.
Encapsulation involves applying a sealant over the asbestos-containing material to bind the fibers together and prevent them from becoming airborne.
Removal is the most thorough remediation method and involves physically removing all asbestos-containing materials from the property. This is also the most expensive and time-consuming option. Your local asbestos pro can help you make the best, safest choice.
Get Professional Assistance with Asbestos Remediation
In Denver, any asbestos abatement must comply with state and federal regulations, including those set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Property owners must have materials tested by a certified asbestos inspector before starting renovation or demolition. If asbestos is confirmed, only licensed abatement contractors are allowed to remove or encapsulate it.
Mile High Environmental Services is a licensed, Denver-based asbestos abatement company. We use proper containment, HEPA filtration, and safe disposal methods to ensure your property is left clean and safe for future use. To learn more about our services, get in touch for an estimate.