An older Connecticut home may contain materials that should be checked before demolition, but age alone does not identify asbestos. Floor tile, pipe insulation, textured finishes, and other products can look similar whether or not asbestos is present.
Decide whether the material will be disturbed
Intact material left alone may call for a different decision from material that will be cut, scraped, or removed. The EPA recommends qualified sampling when suspect material may be disturbed. Do not collect a sample or tear out the material without understanding the precautions.
Build the result into the project
If testing confirms asbestos, ask which management or removal approach applies to the planned work. Connecticut's asbestos program describes state oversight. The contractor handling renovation should know the result before demolition begins. See pre-renovation asbestos inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell by the tile size or ceiling texture?
No. Visual clues can raise a question, but they cannot confirm the material's content.