House built in 1971 - Do these ducts look like they contain asbestos ?

[David Nasser]

It they are, what would be the write up?
Do these ducts look ok in their present condition?

[Bob Elliott]

NO not really from the picture as you posted it smaller than if you uploaded it from the regular upload method.
Still if from 71 there is a good chance.

It looks also like Transbestos.

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Hard to say. Only testing could determine. I have a general disclaimer about environmental contaminates and probably wouldn't say anything based on what I see in your photos.

[Robert J. OConnor]

Was it circular fiberglass duct?

http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhou...Fiberglass.htm

[David Nasser]

Lets say the ducting does contain asbestos...what would be the right up.
Does it automatically become unsafe just becuase its asbestos?

[James H. Bushart]

Originally Posted by dnasser

Lets say the ducting does contain asbestos...what would be the right up.
Does automatically become unsafe just becuause its asbestos?

The probability of the presence of asbestos goes beyond safety. The buyer will be footing the extra costs associated with HAZMAT issues when the HVAC system is moved, replaced, repaired ... etc ... and additional costs need to be anticipated.

When it is intact, it is not really as much of a safety issue as iti is a pending expense, IMO.

Buyers need to know of its presence or of the probability and the need to have testing done so that they are not caught off-guard, later.

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by jbushart

The probability of the presence of asbestos goes beyond safety. The buyer will be footing the extra costs associated with HAZMAT issues when the HVAC system is moved, replaced, repaired ... etc ... and additional costs need to be anticipated.

When it is intact, it is not really as much of a safety issue as iti is a pending expense, IMO.

Buyers need to know of its presence or of the probability and the need to have testing done so that they are not caught off-guard, later.

thanks...

[Marcel R. Cyr]

The house may have been built in 1971, but those bandaids sure is not from that time and doubt if it is asbestos.
We did not have green duct tape back then and that cloth wrap could be cloth they use today as breaching cover wrap not mudded in and tied with 18 gauge wire.

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by mcyr

The house may have been built in 1971, but those bandaids sure is not from that time and doubt if it is asbestos.
We did not have green duct tape back then and that cloth wrap could be cloth they use today as breaching cover wrap not mudded in and tied with 18 gauge wire.

Do I recommend testing the ducting to be sure....what would be the
write up?

[Marcel R. Cyr]

Originally Posted by dnasser

Do I recommend testing the ducting to be sure....what would be the
write up?

I can't tell from the pictures what the pipe is.
Is it metal?
What is the pipe being used for?
Those are important questions to determine from a picture.

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by mcyr

I can't tell from the pictures what the pipe is.
Is it metal?
What is the pipe being used for?
Those are important questions to determine from a picture.

The ducting is being use for Central air...no AC only a heater.

The ducting looked like it was a paper type materials with ribs.

It did not really look like sheet metal.

David

[Marcel R. Cyr]

David, I do remember asbestos pipe with similar metal jacket, but that one does not have bands around it and hard to tell without touching or seeing in person.
Just recommend further evaluation by an abatement contractor to verify the product to make sure.
No fancy narrative needed.
Piping observed in the attic appears to be of the type to possibly contain asbestos material (ACM)and recommend that it be evaluated by an Asbestos Abatement Contractor to verify.

Something like that.

[David Nasser]

Originally Posted by mcyr

David, I do remember asbestos pipe with similar metal jacket, but that one does not have bands around it and hard to tell without touching or seeing in person.
Just recommend further evaluation by an abatement contractor to verify the product to make sure.
No fancy narrative needed.
Piping observed in the attic appears to be of the type to possibly contain asbestos material (ACM)and recommend that it be evaluated by an Asbestos Abatement Contractor to verify.

Something like that.

Thanks Marcel...the verbiage you just gave me is enough for
the write up......

David

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

If I thought it was ACM, this is what I would say.

"The HVAC distribution system is thought to be sealed at the joints with tape containing an asbestos containing material (ACM). Only a laboratory analysis can absolutely confirm the presence of asbestos, but our experience tells us that the probability of it being an ACM is high. There is no health hazard associated with asbestos unless it is inhaled, but inhalation must be considered as a possibility if the fibers are able to be drawn into the distribution system. Removal of the tape, or other mechanical contact, or simply entering the XXX should not be performed without the use of proper personal protective equipment. Additionally, the disposal of this material is likely regulated by local, state, or the Federal government and you may wish to research the financial implications of its disposal if you think it will be replaced. We recommend a laboratory analysis, and we can assist you with that. If the test confirms asbestos, then you should seek the advice of a certified industrial hygienist."

[Robert J. OConnor]

Transite forced air ducts that contained asbestos were typically only used below grade, and sometimes in wet crawl spaces. I have never heard of transite ducts in an attic. Are you sure it was transite ducts (harder material) and not fiberglass round duct (softer material).

See these links for more info so you can make the right call ...

http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhou...estoslook7.htm
http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhou...Fiberglass.htm