Why this comes up so often in Lakewood

Builders put up much of Lakewood between the late 1940s and the 1970s, the same years asbestos showed up in many building products. Nine-inch and twelve-inch vinyl floor tiles, the black mastic that glued them down, textured ceiling finishes, some drywall joint compounds and older pipe or duct wrap can all contain it. On its own that isn't alarming. Intact material that nobody disturbs is generally left alone.

Water damage changes the math. A flooded basement or a kitchen leak often calls for pulling up flooring, cutting drywall or taking down a stained ceiling, the exact actions that release fibers if the material contains asbestos. A careful assessor in an older house asks about the build year early and points out suspect materials before anything comes out.

Does this material need testing before removal?

A quick way to sort the materials in the wet area. When in doubt, test.

  • IfThe house was built before about 1980 and the material is original or of unknown ageThenTreat it as suspect and have it sampled before anyone cuts or removes it.
  • IfThe material went in recently and you have records or packaging that show what it isThenYou may not need a test. Share the records with the assessor.
  • IfThe wet layer is carpet, carpet pad or modern laminate laid over older tileThenThe top layer can usually come up. Leave the tile and adhesive underneath alone until it's tested.
  • IfThe only wet materials are framing, concrete or drywall from a known recent remodelThenAsbestos is unlikely in those materials, but confirm the remodel date.
  • IfThe results come back positiveThenProperly certified abatement professionals must remove it. Drying in other areas can often continue around it.

How testing fits into mitigation

  1. Stop the water and remove what's safe

    Extraction, moving contents and pulling carpet and pad can usually start right away.

  2. Identify suspect materials

    The assessor lists what is suspect and where it is, and explains how it will be handled in the meantime.

  3. Sampling by a certified inspector

    Colorado requires state-certified professionals for regulated asbestos work. Check with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) for the current rules that apply to your situation.

  4. Drying continues where possible

    Air movers and dehumidifiers can often run while results are pending, which keeps the structure from getting worse.

  5. Removal plan based on the results

    A negative result lets normal mitigation go ahead. A positive result brings in an abatement contractor for that material.

Terms you may hear

Suspect material
Any building material that could contain asbestos based on its type and age, until a lab says otherwise.
Mastic
The adhesive under floor tile. Older black mastic is a common suspect material.
Abatement
Controlled removal or encapsulation of asbestos-containing material by trained, certified workers.
Friable
Material you can crumble with hand pressure, which makes fiber release more likely.

General information for Lakewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.