Very few air ducts are made of asbestos
Q: The gas company man just checked our furnace and said the air ducts are made of asbestos. The house was built in the 1960s and I'm afraid that the old ducts may now be against the law or in violation of the building code. Am I required to have them replaced? If not, are they hazardous to the health of my family?
A: There are no laws or building codes that require homeowners to remove asbestos-containing materials from their homes. As for health risks to your family, that depends upon the type, location and condition of the material.
From the mid 1950s through the early '70s, many forced-air heating systems had sheet metal air ducts that were insulated with a cardboard-like material containing asbestos fibers. Some heating systems had ducts, similar in appearance, that were made entirely of this asbestos-containing material (ACM). In some cases, close examination is necessary to determine whether these old ducts are comprised of asbestos or merely insulated with it.
When metal ducts are wrapped with this material, the ACM is on the outer surfaces: not exposed to the air stream within the ducts. Thus, there is little or no likelihood for contamination of the circulating air. If the material is undamaged, securely attached and not exposed to routine contact, it is not regarded as a significant health hazard and can be left as is. If it becomes loose, detached or physically damaged, repair or removal should be assigned to a licensed asbestos contractor.
Ducts that consist entirely of ACM are not common, but they do exist in some homes. The interior surfaces of these ducts are covered with metal foil, preventing direct contact of the air stream with the asbestos material. However, if the ducts become punctured or torn, asbestos fibers can be released into the air stream. In that case, repair or removal by a licensed asbestos contractor is advisable.
For a comprehensive evaluation of your air ducts, to determine their level of safety and functionality, it is recommended you consult a certified asbestos inspector.
Q: The hardwood floors in our home sustained damage during the recent hurricane in Florida. What surprised us was the absence of flooding in the yard areas around our home, yet water seemed to seep up through the floorboards. We tried caulking the exterior of the building before the hurricane hit, but during the storm, we literally saw puddles percolating up through the floors. How could leakage have occurred in this way?
A: It is difficult to give an accurate answer without actually inspecting your home. However, when one considers the high velocity winds that occurred during the hurricane, it would seem that the elevated air pressures could have forced water intrusion in unexpected places, in ways that would not take place under normal storm conditions. Given those extraordinary circumstances, no amount of weatherproofing could effectively prevent water penetration and consequential damage.
• Write to Barry Stone at www.housedetective.com.
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