Asbestos in Colorado Homes: Where It’s Hiding and Why Testing Matters

When one of our clients started renovating her dad’s old house in Littleton, she thought the biggest battle would be outdated shag carpet and a fridge that hadn’t been plugged in since the Reagan era. Instead, she found something less retro-chic and more “call a professional immediately”—9x9 tile flooring hidden underneath the luxury vinyl planks. Surprise! The 70s were good for disco, not for building materials.

If you live in Colorado—whether it’s Highlands Ranch, Englewood, Westminster, or Thornton—knowing where asbestos hides is essential. Renovations, water damage, or even just drilling a hole for new wiring can disturb these materials. Let’s break down where asbestos is commonly found, why it was ever used in the first place, and why calling in professional testing is your safest move.

Common Places to Find Asbestos in Colorado Homes

Asbestos isn’t picky—it ended up in a little bit of everything. Some of the most common places we find it during testing include:

Insulation

From attics to walls, asbestos insulation was the go-to because of its heat resistance. If your home in Englewood was built before the 1980s, it’s worth having an inspector check before any upgrades.

Interesting Fact: Vermiculite insulation (those little gray, popcorn-looking pellets) often contains asbestos—even if the bag didn’t say so.

Flooring

Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives that held them down frequently contain asbestos. Ripping them up without testing first? That’s like playing asbestos roulette.

So why do big box store make you test for asbestos before install? Our article Understanding the Requirements: Asbestos Flooring Testing Regulations in Colorado breaks down the why.

Roofing and Siding

Cement sheets, shingles, and other roofing materials often had asbestos mixed in for durability. Colorado’s weather is tough on roofs, and repairs or replacements can disturb these materials.

Pipes and Ducts

Heating systems in older Thornton homes often have pipe insulation containing asbestos. This is especially true in basements where aging ductwork lives.

Popcorn Ceilings

If you’ve ever stared up at your textured ceiling in Highlands Ranch and thought, “This looks suspicious,” you’re right to wonder. Popcorn ceilings installed before the mid-1980s often contain asbestos.

So what happens when you jump the gun and accidently remove asbestos containing material? Well first thing is first, breathe....it will be ok! Our article Minor vs. Major Asbestos Spills in the Denver Metro Area: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters gets you ready for what is next.

Drywall and Joint Compound

Even the simple stuff wasn’t safe—drywall and joint compounds used in homes across Westminster frequently contain asbestos.

Why Asbestos Was Used—and Eventually Banned

Back in the day, asbestos was marketed as the “miracle mineral.” It was strong, durable, and basically fireproof. Builders used it in everything from drywall to ironing board covers.

But the “miracle” came with a hidden price: exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

By the late 20th century, the U.S. heavily restricted its use, though some imported building materials can still slip through with asbestos content. That means even newer construction materials from big box stores aren’t always guaranteed asbestos-free.

Interesting Fact: Some car parts—like old brake pads—also contained asbestos. So if you’re a DIY mechanic in Englewood, keep that in mind before sanding down “vintage” parts.

Why Colorado Homes Still Struggle with Asbestos

You might think asbestos is only a problem in century-old houses. Not true. Colorado’s housing mix means you’ll find asbestos in homes built well into the 1980s—and sometimes later. Renovations, flooding, or fire damage can easily disturb these materials.

Why YES! Insurance can help cover for asbestos testing and sometimes asbestos abatement, but there is a method to the madness. Our article How to Survive the Insurance Claim Circus (Step by Step Guide to Dealing with Asbestos, Mold and Insurance) helps navigate the ins and outs of dealing with insurance.

With Denver’s suburbs like Highlands Ranch and Thornton growing fast, older homes are constantly being updated. Each remodel, however, runs the risk of uncovering hidden asbestos.

The Importance of Professional Asbestos Testing

Here’s the thing: you can’t identify asbestos by sight. That ceiling texture or vinyl tile might look harmless, but only lab testing can confirm whether it contains asbestos. Professional asbestos testing ensures compliance with Colorado regulations and protects your family’s health.

At Elevation Environmental Services, LLC, our certified inspectors use proper sampling techniques and accredited labs to deliver clear results. Whether you’re planning a renovation in Littleton or dealing with water damage in Westminster, knowing what you’re working with is the first step toward safe restoration.

What Happens if You Skip Testing?

Skipping asbestos testing isn’t just risky—it can be costly. Disturbing asbestos without proper containment can contaminate your entire home, requiring professional abatement. And if contractors discover asbestos mid-project, everything halts until it’s tested and cleared, delaying timelines and inflating budgets.

Interesting Fact: Under Colorado’s CDPHE Regulation 8, disturbing asbestos-containing material without testing first can lead to hefty fines. So yes, testing is legally required—not just a “nice-to-have.”

What to Do if You Suspect Asbestos in Your Colorado Home

1. Pause any renovation or demo work. No swinging hammers until samples are tested.

2. Call in a certified asbestos inspector. A professional will collect samples safely.

3. Wait for lab results before making decisions. This ensures you avoid unnecessary abatement—or worse, unsafe exposure.

4. File with insurance if applicable. Many policies cover asbestos testing, especially if it’s tied to water or fire damage.

   
   

Conclusion: Don’t Leave Safety to Chance

Asbestos may have been yesterday’s “miracle material,” but today we know better. If you live in Highlands Ranch, Englewood, Littleton, Westminster, or Thornton, professional asbestos testing is the only way to know if your home is safe.

At Elevation Environmental Services, LLC, we provide comprehensive asbestos testing backed by experience and compliance with Colorado regulations. Don’t let hidden asbestos derail your project or put your health at risk.

Ready to schedule asbestos testing in your Colorado home? Call us at (720) 318-6947 today.

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