Another "is it asbestos?!" post

10 years ago

Hi All,

We are first time home owners, recently moved into an
old Edwardian style home (which has been re-clad in aluminum). I believe
the building was relocated to its current position in the early 80s,
maybe a little earlier. I presume it was post-move that the 'sun room'
was added. This room is an extension on the back of the house and is
clad in what appears to be hardiplank. I understand this cladding may or
may not contain asbestos. But it's the flooring I'm concerned about
right now. It is an imitation wood linoleum sort of thing. It recently
got wet at the base of a down pipe. The damp has caused the underlying
material to swell and the surface wood-look stuff is peeling back. The
exposed material is orangey-brown and very fibrous. See pics. Can
anybody advise what this fibrous stuff might be? Could it be asbestos?
Or maybe some kind of fibre glass? My new puppy is tearing at it and I
want to know what we're dealing with. Regardless, I know it's not
something my dog should have in her mouth.
I have educated myself on the phasing out of asbestos in the 70s-80s,
but who knows where they got this stuff from! The area is around 3 x 4.5
metres.
Thanks in advance for any advice!

Featured Answer

millworkman

10 years ago

last modified: 10 years ago

Ah, glenn, I think you are referring to sound attenuation or sound deadening board (at least that was what we called in in the lumberyard), which if I recall is exactly as you describe. And from what I recall no asbestos was ever involved.

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Comments (11)

Vith
10 years ago
I would recommend finding someone that tests locally and have them take a look. Those people may also know who to contact to remove it.
aliciajwynne
Original Author
10 years ago
Thanks Vith,
I know that would be wise. As we're on a tight budget at the moment and its a large area, asbestos or not, I'm thinking I will just cover this torn area with some ply or something for now. But I would like to know if anyone is familar with this product and can identify it.
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aliciajwynne
Original Author
10 years ago
Nobody can help?! My partner is clueless as far as handyman skills go and dog is continuing to shread this thing. Wondering how urgent is it that I get this fixed
millworkman
10 years ago
Unfortunately, while I ma sure people would be more than willing to help there is just no way anyone can be certain. The best advice is to get it tested. That and stop the dog from eating it!
glennsfc
10 years ago
The fibrous "stuff" looks like an acoustic product in panel form, the name of which escapes me. First I thought it might be moisture-compromised (exploded) particle board, but it sure does look like that acoustic panel. BTW, acoustic panels of the type I mean we're never intended to be used as flooring underlayment.
aliciajwynne
Original Author
10 years ago
Thank you both! You could be right - the previous owners did use some unusal materials in unusual places...
I have covered the damaged area and may get it tested before we do anything to distrurb it.
glennsfc
10 years ago
There are a few manufacturers of acoustic panels and most are/were made of natural fibrous materials bound together with wax or glue of some kind. Millworkman is correct in the panel being available in local lumber yards. The name of the product I used many times is HOMOSOTE.
millworkman
10 years ago
Homasote is more gray in color and not fibrous like the sound board is/was.
glennsfc
10 years ago
Yeah, you're right, that was Homasote 440 board.
aliciajwynne
Original Author
10 years ago
Good news millworkman and glennsfc, I bit the bullet and had it tested along with a couple of other samples from our house - results just came back and it'sNOT asbestos. Even the pro couldn't identify it visually and had to send it to the lab. Probably is the sound board stuff you're talking about!