If your walls or ceiling are going to be opened up for repair or remodeling, it is essential to have them tested beforehand. This is required by regulations to ensure the protection of the workers and residents involved, as well as for proper disposal purposes.
Most wall systems will either be:
- Drywall (gypsum) with joint compound
- Lath and plaster (plaster applied over slats of wood)
- Plaster over button board (drywall/gypsum with small holes to hold the plaster)
- Other types and variations also exist
And then joint compound/mud will typically be applied over these in different areas (seams, edges, around holes, screw holes, etc.) or over the entire surface as a skim coat.
Asbestos is rarely found in the drywall itself, but is more often found in the joint compound, skim coat and plaster.
Although homes built before the 80s have a greater chance of having asbestos in the joint compound, skim coat and plaster, it’s still possible for homes built after the 80s to contain asbestos in these materials since products can come in from other countries that have asbestos.
And because of this state and local regulations require the drywall or plaster to be tested for asbestos before it will be disturbed even if the structure was built this year.
