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

Specific Inspection Topics Inspecting HVAC Systems
1

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

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100_7681.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100_7686.jpg

http://i187.photobucket.com/albums/x296/dawlita/Nachi/100_7682.jpg

2

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.

3

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.

4

Was it circular fiberglass duct?

http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/DuctFiberglass.htm

5

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

6

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.

7

thanks…

8

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. :slight_smile:

9

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

10

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. :slight_smile:

11

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

12

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. :slight_smile:

1 Like
13

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

David

14

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.”

15

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/sickhouse/asbestoslook7.htm
http://www.inspectapedia.com/sickhouse/DuctFiberglass.htm

16

I just had one I am not sure about and will post a picture in the morning.
The home built in 1951 but on opening the return vent in the floor (basement below)(new dry walled ceiling)I saw the interior lined with a material that had that white sort of bandage look.
Anyway they would line the inside of a return with the stuff ?(single family )

17

Not sure about your area,
but encapsulation was a readily identified and accepted means of remediation.
(maybe what you are seeing)
defer to an IH for further evaluation based upon findings and move on to your next Inspection.

18

Without a doubt, those are asbestos wrapped ducts. I see them almost every day. There several ways to “report” on them (depending on their condition), but at a minimum, you need to let them know the exist.

19

OK here is what I saw last night so do any of you think this could be asbestos even though not inside a slab.(1951)
It had a compressed cotton ball type feel sort of like felt and was white inside that pattern you see.

Need to decide if I should report suspicion .[ATTACH]

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20

Might be a wrap that contains asbestos … doesn’t look like transite though.