Materials we test
Asbestos testing by material
Most suspect materials in older homes and commercial buildings fall into a small number of categories. Pick a material to learn what it is, where it's found, how testing works, and what your report covers.
Detailed material guides
Vermiculite Insulation Testing
Vermiculite insulation is the pebbly, gold-brown loose-fill commonly found in attics and wall cavities of older homes, often sold under the trade name Zonolite. A significant share of vermiculite insulation sold in the United States has been associated with asbestos contamination. Visual identification alone cannot determine whether vermiculite contains asbestos. Sampling and laboratory analysis may be necessary before any renovation or disturbance of the material.
Learn morePlaster Asbestos Testing
Plaster systems in older buildings are layered assemblies (lath, base coat, skim coat) and certain plaster components have historically contained asbestos for added strength and fire resistance. Material age alone does not confirm or rule out asbestos in plaster, and visible appearance cannot distinguish asbestos-containing layers from clean ones.
Learn moreJoint Compound Asbestos Testing
Joint compound (drywall mud) is the material used to seal seams and fasteners on drywall and to skim-coat walls and ceilings. Pre-1980 joint compound formulations frequently contained asbestos. Patching materials and textured coatings may also contain asbestos depending on the era and manufacturer.
Learn morePopcorn Ceiling Asbestos Testing
Popcorn or acoustic ceiling texture is a sprayed-on coating used for sound dampening and to hide imperfections. Pre-1980 formulations frequently contained chrysotile asbestos.
Learn moreFloor Tile Asbestos Testing
Vinyl-asbestos floor tile (commonly 9x9 inch, sometimes 12x12) was manufactured with chrysotile asbestos as a strengthening and fire-resistant filler. Both the tile and the black or yellow mastic underneath are commonly asbestos-containing.
Learn morePipe Insulation Asbestos Testing
Pre-1980 steam and hot-water pipe insulation, boiler jackets, and elbow fittings frequently contained amosite, chrysotile, or a mix. Damaged pipe wrap is one of the most friable, and highest-risk, asbestos materials in older homes.
Learn moreRoofing Materials Asbestos Testing
Older roofing assemblies (built-up roofing, asphalt shingles, roofing felt, and flashings) may contain asbestos for added durability and fire resistance. Both the membrane layers and the associated mastics can be asbestos-containing.
Learn moreSiding Asbestos Testing
Asbestos-cement siding (often called transite) was widely used on residential and commercial buildings through the 1970s. It is typically a hard, brittle panel or shingle that is durable when intact but can release fibers when broken, cut, or pressure-washed.
Learn moreCommon Materials That May Contain Asbestos
Asbestos was incorporated into numerous building products over many decades. Depending on the age, manufacturer, and application, materials such as plaster systems, joint compounds, textured finishes, adhesives, insulation products, flooring materials, and roofing products may require evaluation before disturbance. Many property owners associate asbestos only with insulation, but asbestos was historically used in a wide variety of building materials.
Learn moreWhat Building Materials Should Be Tested Before Renovation?
Testing requirements are often driven by the specific materials being disturbed rather than assumptions about age. Buildings frequently contain materials from multiple renovation periods, and even where visible finishes appear newer, older materials may remain concealed beneath flooring, walls, ceilings, roofing systems, or other building components. Professional evaluation helps identify potential concerns before renovation or demolition activities begin.
Learn moreNewer Construction Does Not Always Eliminate Environmental Concerns
Property owners sometimes assume newer materials eliminate asbestos concerns. Building age alone should not be used as the sole basis for determining whether testing is necessary. Renovations often involve multiple generations of building materials, and older materials may remain concealed behind newer finishes.
Learn moreMore materials we test
We test every common asbestos-containing material category. Detailed guides for these are being prepared, meanwhile, request testing and we'll cover them on-site.
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