Asbestos was used in an assortment of electrical components during the early days of commercial electricity. Due to the unknown risk at the time, manufacturers would use this hazardous substance for its fireproof quality and to protect people from electrocution. Nowadays, we’re well aware of the dangers of asbestos, but that doesn’t stop it from being present in many older homes. For that reason, it’s important to distinguish what types of electrical components potentially contain asbestos to ensure your home and family are protected. [Read more…] about What Types of Electrical Components Potentially Contain Asbestos?
Asbestos Cement
Asbestos Cement Sheeting in the United States
In its heyday, asbestos was incorporated into many materials due to its various qualities. When mixed with cement, it could produce sheets of asbestos cement that were more durable than standard drywall, but without the extra labor of pouring or hauling concrete. As such, it could be found in many construction applications from the turn of the 20th century until the late 80s. This blog is going to cover major types of asbestos sheeting and the risks to watch out for. [Read more…] about Asbestos Cement Sheeting in the United States
Home Asbestos Exteriors: Asbestos Shingles and Siding
It never ceases to amaze how many uses for asbestos were found before its decline in the 1980s. Still, it can be found all across the United States, in homes as new as the 1990s. In the past, we’ve gone over home interiors, especially places where insulation and heat-resistance were important, but today we go to the exterior of the home to look at the siding and roofing of a home. Just like with its use indoors, asbestos fibers were mixed with other materials to make heat-resistance and durable, creating asbestos shingles and siding. [Read more…] about Home Asbestos Exteriors: Asbestos Shingles and Siding
Asbestos in Your House: A Breakdown Floor by Floor
Asbestos, the so-called “miracle mineral” for much of the 20th century, was not a material used by itself. Generally a fairly brittle silicate, asbestos was instead added to other materials due to three major properties: its high heat resistance for fire-proofing, it’s insulative properties, and its sound-deadening effects. These, combined with a low cost, means that asbestos was used in a lot of construction materials. How many? Let’s take a look at common uses throughout the home, from the basement to the attic of a home. [Read more…] about Asbestos in Your House: A Breakdown Floor by Floor
The Dangers of Asbestos Cement Like Transite
Asbestos was used in a lot of building materials, but usually it’s associated with insulation, infused textiles, and other softer materials. Today we look at the use of asbestos cement, often referred to as transite. We’ll go over the history of this product, what forms it can take, where it can be found inside the house, and the specific dangers the product can pose if left in place or disturbed during renovation or demolition of a building. [Read more…] about The Dangers of Asbestos Cement Like Transite
Why Was Asbestos Used in Buildings?
Today we associate asbestos with hazardous materials, cancer, and other negative things, but this wasn’t always the case. Anyone who owns a building built or remodeled before the 1980s or 1990s can easily find themselves with asbestos in many places throughout their home or business. Today we’re going to look at how this came to be and what was the tipping point for asbestos to turn from a wonder material into a hazardous construction material. [Read more…] about Why Was Asbestos Used in Buildings?
