Just found out my 1978 bungalow in Bonnie Doon has asbestos in the drywall mud, not just the tiles

I was reading the city's old building code archives online for a permit thing. Buried in a 1978 amendment, it said joint compound could contain up to 5% asbestos until 1980. My whole main floor was redone that year. I always checked the 9x9 tiles in the basement and they were clean, so I thought I was safe. Now I'm staring at every seam in my living room wondering if I need to get it tested before I even think about opening a wall. Has anyone else had a surprise like this with an older Edmonton home?

2 comments

2 Comments

david8211mo ago

Yeah, the 9x9 tiles are the classic giveaway, but that joint compound thing is a real sneaky one. It was in the texture spray on ceilings a lot, too. My place is a '76 and we had the popcorn tested, came back hot. The drywall mud on the walls was clean for us, but you're right to be suspicious. Getting a test is the only way to know for sure, it's not that expensive for the peace of mind.

sandra7151mo ago

Test everything you can. Our inspector missed the joint compound because it looked fine, and we had to deal with it later. Don't just check the obvious spots.