Help! I just bought an older house to attempt to flip, and I'm a stressed out wreck! I've recently heard that the joint compound on drywall/drywall/wallboard (and occasionally, even the drywall itself) in homes built before the mid-1970's most likely contains asbestos. After making lots of phone calls to asbestos people (Texas state agency, private firms) I found out that this is true, but yet virtually no one I've talked to in the remodeling/renovation business seems to know anything about this and they rip this stuff out all the time. Heck, on TV remodeling shows and house flipping shows they rip it out all the time! My friends all think I'm totally insane for worrying so much about this, but it is really bothering me.

Despite my reservations, I went ahead and tore out the kitchen with the help of a friend, so the demolition phase of this project is mostly done. We both wore P100 respirators and I had fans blowing out the windows. I didn't wear disposable clothing, but I threw my cloths in the washing machine as soon as I got home. I plan to go back and vacuum with a hepa filtered vacuum and wipe everything down.

But I really wonder how big an issue this is... if it is truly a hazard, why isn't it more well know? Even in home depot's Home Improvement 123 book they mention asbestos in flooring but don't saying anything about not removing drywall. Can someone help me out with this???

karen_in_texas

Karen,

Did you ever get a reply on this issue - been experiencing similar issues and just amazed that there is really noone experienced in managing such a project from beginning to end.

Did you ever resolve your asbestos problem? I have a similar issue and am wondering if I need to hire someone to remove the drywall.

I've been away from the forums for quite a while. This project is clearly over. I think it would have been useful for peace of mind to have gotten some tests. In my experience, the use of asbestos fiber in drywall and joint compounds was rare in residential buildings. It was much more common in military and commercial construction where reinforcing fiber was specified to prevent cracking.

Any project that creates dust can be made cleaner and safer by using some water mixed with dish-soap to suppress dust. Anytime demolition is being done, be sure to de-energize power. Taking samples of material to a laboratory, or asking for professional assessment BEFORE starting demolition is and easy and inexpensive way to buy peace of mind, and properly plan the project.