Materials commonly sampled in older homes
Not every house has all of these, and many are not hazardous. These are the materials an inspector usually considers.
Where to expect them in typical Park Hill houses
- House era
- Early 1900s to 1930s
- Places to check
- Plaster, boiler and pipe wrap, paint layers, later floor tile
- Why
- Original systems plus many later updates
- House era
- 1940s to 1950s
- Places to check
- Floor tile and mastic, duct wrap, ceiling texture, siding
- Why
- Postwar products widely used these materials
- House era
- 1960s to 1970s remodels
- Places to check
- Acoustic ceilings, sheet vinyl, joint compound
- Why
- Remodels inside older houses added them
- House era
- Any older detached garage
- Places to check
- Cement siding or roofing, paint
- Why
- Outbuildings often kept original materials
Questions to ask the inspector
- Are you certified by the state to perform this inspection?
- Which materials will you sample, and which will you assume to be hazardous instead?
- How long until results come back, and in what format?
- If results are positive, what is the next step for this scope of work?
- Do I need a separate lead inspection or risk assessment for painted surfaces?
- Will your report satisfy the City of Denver permit requirements and my insurer?
Common questions
Does testing slow down the repair?
It adds some time up front. Starting demolition without testing can cause much longer delays if a hazardous material is disturbed and the house then needs specialized cleanup.
Who pays for testing after a fire?
Many insurers include testing when it is required for the repair. Ask your adjuster before scheduling, and keep the invoice and report.
If one material tests negative, are the rest safe?
No. Each material is its own question. A negative result on wall plaster says nothing about the floor tile mastic or the pipe wrap in the basement.
General information for Park Hill, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.