Asbestos ?

[pudgybear]

I have an old lake cottage that was built in the late 1960's with an unknown tile on the ceiling, My question is : Is there some kind of TEST to see if it is ASBESTOs ( sorry for the spelling ) the tiles are pure white and about 8" square, I want to replace it with a barn wood material, the reason I want to replace it is because I want to check out the wiring I have a couple of switches and lights I need to get operational . Thanks for any replys Bob

 

[billspit]

Are you sure they aren't 12" ceiling tiles? Most of them I saw were a pressed wood tile
None ever contained asbestos, but if they are adhered with black mastic, that does contain asbestos. You can remove small pieces and send to a lab to have them analyzed.

 

[The Cobbler]

very likely it has asbestos in it.
depends on your local, there are tests available. but, if it tests positive, it is very expensive to remediate.
It would be considered "friable" meaning when it is disturbed it creates particle that floats in the air, as opposed to say floor tile that is non friable, meaning when broken or disturbed it doesn't put particle in the air. ( or at least very limited)
If it were mine, I would soak it well with water all the way thru, get a good asbestos rated mask , tear it down carefully and dispose . plastic on the floor and close off adjacent rooms with plastic. roll it all up and disgard.
I have a type 1 asbestos removal ticket, which is the lowest category .
Unfortunately, I have been exposed to mega amounts of friable asbestos without really knowing it, so far, I have no issues.
.

 

[kd3pc]

If you plan to disturb it, testing may be a requirement and mitigation and disposal will be pricey. Not for the DIY, as training, permits and such are required for contractors.

You might check with your county or state for specific tests they require and what you as the homeowner can do.

Might well be cheaper to abandon wiring and such in the area. If you plan to sell, you must disclose or have it repaired/mitigated.

 

[SALIV8]

If you test your ceiling, don’t forget to test the glue also.

 

[jtprettyman]

I worked for an environmental consulting company back in the 90's that did 3rd party testing and monitoring. Bulk analysis testing was like $35 per sample back then, best to have like a 1"x 1"x 1" sample. They are still around.....

https://www.aaglo.com/inspection

 

[TractorJeff]

Some states, if you remove it yourself, there is no permit, if it is small amounts can go in the regular Garbage.

 

[Lassen Forge]

I would do as Cobbler said... I've dealt with those tiles (whichin our case did have asbestos), and your choices are to either remove it yourself on the QT, or hire a remediator and do it the same way.

A LOT of building composities made before '75 had asbestos of one kind or the other, from sheet rock to ceiling tiles to siding to insulation... the key is if it's encapsulated or not. Encapsulated it's harmless, but once it becomes friable, then it's a whole other story.

Regardless, if you know they're asbestos-laden materials, then you need to disclose it if and when you sell the house. Like leaded paint, it follows the house until it's no more...

 

[Red 17]

I pulled my asbestos covered heater ducting back in '97, and paid to have a licensed guy haul it away. Most of the outfits I called wouldn't do it or gave me some **** lecture. But that guy was cool. But what a joke. These two dudes show up in a cargo van with a piece of clear plastic taped behind the seats. One guy has a mask, the other doesn't. They bag it up and off they go. Had to sign a freight bill for the stuff to go to Arizona. I missed some so I called the guy back. So two days after the original stop, the swing by. All that stuff was still in the back of the van! Beats me--I did it the "right" way, never heard another word.

But yes, get it wet, wear a mask, seal off the work area, that's all the pro guy does. Disposal is another can of worms. Good luck.

 

[Super Mech]

I pulled my asbestos covered heater ducting back in '97, and paid to have a licensed guy haul it away. Most of the outfits I called wouldn't do it or gave me some **** lecture. But that guy was cool. But what a joke. These two dudes show up in a cargo van with a piece of clear plastic taped behind the seats. One guy has a mask, the other doesn't. They bag it up and off they go. Had to sign a freight bill for the stuff to go to Arizona. I missed some so I called the guy back. So two days after the original stop, the swing by. All that stuff was still in the back of the van! Beats me--I did it the "right" way, never heard another word.

But yes, get it wet, wear a mask, seal off the work area, that's all the pro guy does. Disposal is another can of worms. Good luck.

Old timer friend of mine was in the industrial/commercial boiler repair business for over 50 years when asbestos was is everything. When the s**t hit the fan and building owners had to start getting rid of the stuff he said it was the biggest money making joke around. Companies would send guys with minimal protection and equipment, wet it, remove it, put it in garbage bags, and from what he could tell most of it probably went in regular commercial waste trucks. Tons of money was made in that business.