How to Identify Asbestos on Your Property
If you own a business property—especially one built before the 1990s—there’s something you should be aware of: asbestos. It’s not exactly a word that sparks joy, but knowing how to spot it can save you a whole lot of stress (and money) down the road.
Let’s break it all down in a simple, no-stress way. We’ll walk through what asbestos is, where it hides, how to spot warning signs, and what you should do next if you suspect it’s there.
FIRST THINGS FIRST: WHAT IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was used in building materials for decades. Why? Because it’s great at resisting heat, fire, and chemicals. It also strengthens materials, so it was used in everything from insulation to floor tiles.
Sounds helpful, right? Well, not so much. The problem is, asbestos becomes dangerous when it’s disturbed. Tiny fibres get released into the air and, when inhaled, they can cause serious health problems—like lung disease, asbestosis, and even cancer.
That’s why it’s so important to know whether your property might have it. And if it does, you’ll want to handle it the right way.
WHY BUSINESS OWNERS NEED TO PAY ATTENTION
If you own or manage a commercial building, you have a legal and moral responsibility to keep your employees, tenants, and customers safe. That includes checking for potential hazards—like asbestos.
Renovations, maintenance work, or even small fixes can disturb hidden asbestos. So identifying it before you start any project is key. It helps avoid costly delays and protects everyone’s health.
COMMON PLACES ASBESTOS HIDES IN OLDER BUILDINGS
Asbestos isn’t always easy to spot. It doesn’t glow or shout, “Hey! I’m asbestos!” But it does tend to hide in certain materials—especially in buildings constructed before the late 1980s.
Here are some of the most common areas where asbestos might be hiding:
Insulation: Older buildings often used asbestos insulation around pipes, boilers, and furnaces. It looks like fluffy, greyish or white material.
Ceiling tiles: If your ceiling tiles are from the ‘60s or ‘70s, there’s a decent chance they contain asbestos.
Floor tiles: Vinyl floor tiles from the mid-century era may include asbestos. Even the glue beneath them can be a culprit.
Roofing and siding: Shingles, tar, and cement board siding were often made with asbestos.
Drywall and joint compound: That texture on your walls? It might look like regular plaster, but if it’s old, asbestos could be in there.
Fireproofing materials: Anything built for fire resistance—like panels behind furnaces or certain doors—might be a suspect.
If you see crumbling materials in these areas, don’t touch them. Leave them alone and call in the pros.
SIGNS THAT MIGHT INDICATE ASBESTOS IS PRESENT
Asbestos doesn’t come with a label. But there are a few red flags that suggest it might be around:
Your building was built before 1990
You see aging, worn-out materials in suspicious areas
There’s loose insulation in the attic or boiler room
You’ve got that “popcorn” ceiling texture
Again, none of these are definitive. But if you’re seeing a few of these signs, it’s time to take a closer look.
SO… CAN YOU CHECK FOR ASBESTOS YOURSELF?
In short? Not really.
While you can take a guess based on the age and materials in your building, the only way to confirm asbestos is through proper testing. That means calling in a professional who’s certified to do asbestos testing.
They’ll take small samples of the material (safely) and have them tested in a lab. It’s not something you want to DIY. One wrong move could release harmful fibres into the air.
Plus, testing is surprisingly affordable. It’s way better to get a clear answer than to live in uncertainty—or worse, make the problem worse.
WHAT HAPPENS IF ASBESTOS IS FOUND?
Don’t panic. Finding asbestos doesn’t mean your whole building is unsafe. Asbestos is only dangerous when it’s damaged or disturbed. If it’s in good condition and tucked away, you might not need to remove it right away.
But if you’re planning any renovations—or the material is deteriorating—you’ll need to call in an asbestos abatement team. These folks know how to remove or seal asbestos safely, following all the proper procedures.
If you're looking for trusted asbestos abatement in Port Alberni, there are great local teams who specialize in commercial spaces. They’ll walk you through every step so you can breathe easy—literally.
WHY YOU SHOULD NEVER IGNORE SUSPECTED ASBESTOS
We get it. It’s tempting to ignore the problem, especially if you’re busy running a business. But here’s the thing—ignoring asbestos can come back to bite you.
For one, it’s a health risk. But it’s also a liability issue. If someone gets sick or injured due to asbestos exposure on your property, you could face legal consequences.
On top of that, hidden asbestos can delay your renovation plans. Imagine tearing into a wall, finding asbestos, and having to stop everything. The costs pile up fast.
Dealing with it early is always the better option. Plus, you’ll be doing the right thing for everyone who walks through your doors.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT HELP
If you suspect asbestos in your building, don’t just pick the first name you see online. Look for licensed, experienced professionals who understand commercial properties.
Ask questions like:
Do you offer asbestos testing and abatement?
How long will the process take?
Do you handle permits and paperwork?
What safety measures do you follow?
A reputable team will be happy to answer and explain the process in plain language. If you’re in Vancouver Island or nearby, finding professionals who offer asbestos abatement in Port Alberni is a smart place to start. They’re familiar with local building codes and safety requirements, too.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Asbestos isn’t something to mess around with—but it’s also not something to fear. With a little knowledge and the right help, you can handle it safely and responsibly.
The key is knowing what to look for and acting before things get risky. Whether you’re planning a renovation, dealing with a leaky ceiling, or just want peace of mind, checking for asbestos is a smart move.
So go ahead—take that first step. Get your building checked. Your employees, customers, and future self will thank you.
