If your home or commercial building was built before the 1980s, there's a chance it contains asbestos. While asbestos isn't always dangerous when left undisturbed, remodeling, water damage, aging materials, or demolition can release microscopic fibers into the air that pose serious health risks.
Whether you're renovating a home in Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, Belleville, O'Fallon, Alton, Glen Carbon, Troy, Highland, Maryville, Waterloo, Columbia, or Fairview Heights, knowing where asbestos may be hiding is one of the most important steps you can take before beginning your project.
At AC Environmental Inc., we help homeowners, property managers, business owners, schools, and contractors safely identify and remove asbestos throughout Southern Illinois and the St. Louis Metro East.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction because it is heat resistant, durable, and inexpensive. For decades, it was added to thousands of building products before the health risks became widely understood.
Today, asbestos can still be found in many homes and commercial buildings built before the 1980s.
Common materials that may contain asbestos include:
Floor tile and vinyl flooring adhesive
Popcorn ceilings
Pipe insulation
Boiler insulation
Ceiling tiles
Roofing materials
Cement siding
Drywall joint compound
Vermiculite attic insulation
HVAC insulation
If your property was built several decades ago, it's worth having these materials evaluated before beginning any renovation or demolition work.
Is Asbestos Always Dangerous?
Not necessarily.
Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed typically do not pose an immediate risk.
The danger occurs when materials become damaged or disturbed through:
Remodeling
Demolition
Water damage
Fire damage
Drilling or cutting
Sanding
Natural deterioration over time
When asbestos fibers become airborne, they are nearly impossible to see with the naked eye. Once inhaled, they can remain in the lungs for many years.
Long-term exposure has been linked to serious illnesses, including:
Mesothelioma
Lung cancer
Asbestosis
Because symptoms often don't appear for decades, preventing exposure is always the safest approach.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?
Many homeowners are surprised to learn just how many building materials once contained asbestos.
Flooring
Nine-inch floor tiles, sheet vinyl flooring, and the black adhesive underneath older floors commonly contain asbestos. Before replacing old flooring, it's important to determine whether asbestos is present.
Popcorn Ceilings
Textured ceilings installed before the 1980s often contain asbestos. Scraping or sanding these ceilings without testing can release fibers into the air.
Pipe and Boiler Insulation
Older basements, utility rooms, and commercial mechanical spaces frequently contain asbestos insulation wrapped around pipes and heating systems.
Drywall Joint Compound
While drywall itself may not contain asbestos, the joint compound used between sheets often did in older construction.
Attic Insulation
Vermiculite insulation found in many older homes may contain asbestos contamination and should be evaluated by professionals before removal.
Should You Remove Asbestos?
Every situation is different.
If asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and won't be disturbed, leaving them in place may be the safest option.
However, professional asbestos removal is recommended if:
You're remodeling your home.
You're removing flooring or ceilings.
The material has been damaged.
Water or fire has affected the area.
The material is beginning to crumble.
A demolition project is planned.
An inspection helps determine the safest solution for your specific property.
Why Professional Asbestos Removal Matters
Attempting to remove asbestos yourself can create a much larger hazard than leaving it alone.
Breaking, sanding, vacuuming, or sweeping asbestos-containing materials can spread microscopic fibers throughout your home or business.
Professional asbestos remediation includes:
Proper containment of the work area
HEPA air filtration systems
Negative air pressure equipment
Protective equipment for workers
Safe removal procedures
Proper transportation and disposal
Thorough cleanup and decontamination
Hiring an experienced environmental contractor helps protect your family, employees, customers, and neighboring areas from unnecessary exposure.
What to Expect During the Asbestos Removal Process
At AC Environmental Inc., every asbestos removal project is handled with safety, compliance, and attention to detail.
Inspection
We begin by evaluating the suspected materials and determining whether testing is necessary.
Testing
Samples are collected safely and submitted to an accredited laboratory for analysis.
Containment
The work area is sealed to prevent fibers from spreading to other areas of the property.
Removal
Our trained professionals carefully remove asbestos-containing materials using industry-approved methods.
Cleanup
Specialized HEPA equipment is used to thoroughly clean the affected area.
Proper Disposal
All asbestos waste is transported and disposed of according to state and federal regulations.
When Should You Schedule an Asbestos Inspection?
You should consider an inspection if:
Your home was built before 1980.
You're planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
You're replacing flooring.
You're removing popcorn ceilings.
You've experienced water damage.
You're purchasing an older home.
You're preparing a commercial building for renovation.
Taking care of asbestos before construction begins can help avoid unexpected delays and costly surprises.
Proudly Serving Southern Illinois & the Metro East
AC Environmental Inc. proudly provides professional asbestos removal services throughout Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, Glen Carbon, Maryville, Troy, Highland, Belleville, O'Fallon, Fairview Heights, Alton, Bethalto, Wood River, Waterloo, Columbia, Mascoutah, St. Jacob, Lebanon, Greenville, Jerseyville, and surrounding Metro East communities.
Whether you're renovating a historic home, updating a commercial property, or preparing for demolition, our experienced team is here to help you complete the project safely and confidently.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
The only reliable way to know is through professional inspection and laboratory testing. Building age alone cannot confirm whether asbestos is present.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
Yes, if the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and remain undisturbed. Problems arise when those materials become damaged or are disturbed during renovations.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Professional removal is strongly recommended. Improper handling can release dangerous fibers into the air and contaminate your property.
How long does asbestos removal take?
Every project is different depending on the size of the affected area and the materials being removed. After an inspection, we'll provide a timeline specific to your project.
Should I have my home tested before remodeling?
Absolutely. Testing before demolition or renovation helps identify hazards early, keeping your project on schedule and protecting everyone involved.
Contact AC Environmental Inc.
If you're planning a renovation or have concerns about asbestos in your home or commercial property, AC Environmental Inc. is here to help. We proudly serve homeowners, businesses, schools, and property managers throughout Collinsville, Edwardsville, Granite City, Belleville, O'Fallon, Alton, Highland, Waterloo, Columbia, and surrounding Southern Illinois communities.
Contact our team today to schedule an asbestos inspection and learn more about our professional asbestos removal services.
