Why this matters after water damage
Much of Denver's housing stock predates the 1980s: Victorian and early twentieth-century houses in central neighborhoods, brick bungalows, and the post-war ranches and split-levels that fill much of the city. Building materials from those eras sometimes contained asbestos, including certain drywall joint compounds, textured ceilings, vinyl floor tiles and their adhesives, and pipe or duct insulation. Lead-based paint was common in homes built before 1978.
A burst pipe forces quick decisions about removing wet materials. The urge is to start cutting right away. But a contractor who removes joint compound or vinyl tile without testing it could spread contamination through the house, and the cleanup becomes far larger than the water damage.
Colorado requires state-certified professionals for regulated asbestos inspection and abatement work. Check with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment on what applies to your situation. For lead, federal rules generally require that renovation work disturbing paint in pre-1978 homes be done by firms that hold lead-safe renovation certification under the EPA program.
Materials worth asking about
| Material | Possible concern | When it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Drywall joint compound and texture | Asbestos in some older products | Cutting out wet walls or ceilings |
| Popcorn or textured ceilings | Asbestos in some older products | Removing a wet ceiling |
| Vinyl floor tiles and mastic | Asbestos in some older products | Pulling flooring to dry the subfloor |
| Pipe and boiler insulation | Asbestos in some older wraps | Plumbing access in basements |
| Painted trim, doors and walls | Lead paint in pre-1978 homes | Removing baseboards or cutting painted surfaces |
| Plaster | Asbestos in some plasters and finish coats | Removing wet plaster |
Questions to ask the restoration contractor
- Will suspect materials be sampled and tested before demolition?
- Who will take the samples, and are they certified to do so in Colorado?
- How will drying continue while you wait for test results?
- If a material tests positive, who handles removal and how is the area contained?
- Does the contractor follow lead-safe work practices for painted surfaces in pre-1978 homes?
What you can do while waiting
General information for Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.