When it comes to asbestos testing and inspections, knowing how many samples are required by law is key. In Colorado, Certified Building Inspectors have to play by the rules set by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) under Regulation 8 and ensure all of the required and correct information is included in your asbestos inspection report. These guidelines make sure that asbestos inspections are thorough and spot-on, keeping your home or business safe. Ready to dive in and learn the essentials?
Why the Number of Samples is Important
Taking the right number of samples of each homogeneous area is essential for accurate asbestos testing. If too few samples are taken, there's a risk of missing asbestos in your materials, which can lead to incomplete or unsafe remediation. On the other hand, following the guidelines ensures that every potential source of asbestos is properly tested, giving you peace of mind.
Understanding Homogeneous Areas
A homogeneous area refers to any area of a building where the material is uniform in color, texture, and date of application. This means that all the materials in that area are assumed to have the same asbestos content. For instance, if a building has multiple rooms with the same type of floor tiles installed at the same time, those rooms would be considered a homogeneous area.
Understanding homogeneous areas is important because it helps inspectors determine how many samples are necessary. If materials across different rooms or areas of a building are identical in appearance and installation date, fewer samples may be required compared to areas with varied materials.
Sample Requirements by Material Type
If you are unsure what kind of material should be sampled, check out our post Where Can Asbestos Be Found? to help figure out where asbestos fibers can be found.
Find the material in the table below to see an estimate of how many samples are needed to be collected to satisfy the State.
SIDE NOTE: The final number of samples is determine at the time of the inspection, when the inspector can physically see the material and learn more about the project. This table is just to give you a rough idea so you know what to expect.
Material Type | Examples (including, but not limited too) | Sample Requirement | CDPHE Reg 8 Page and Article Number |
Surface Materials | Textured drywall, popcorn ceiling, spray-applies fireproofing | At least 3 samples for areas < 1,000 sq. ft., 5 samples for 1,000-5,000 sq. ft., and 7 samples for areas > 5,000 sq. ft. | Page 42, III.A.3.c.(i) |
Thermal System Insulation (TSI) | Pipe wrap, boiler insulation, ductwork insulation | A minimum of 3 samples from each type of material and application | Page 42, III.A.3.c.(ii) |
Miscellaneous Materials (MISC) | Flooring, roofing material, siding, joint compound | A minimum of 2 samples for each homogeneous area of miscellaneous materials. | Page 42, III.A.3.c.(iii) |
Special Note on Textured Drywall Sampling:
For textured surfaces, 2 joint compound samples must be collected in addition to the above sample requirements. That said, regardless if it is 3 samples or 7, only 2 joint compound samples are required by the State.
Real Life Examples
A qualified inspector can tell you how many samples need to be collected during the inspection when they physical see the material and learn about your project. But if your curious and just want a general idea, here are some real life examples:
Scenario 1:
A general contractor is taking down a wall between your kitchen and dining room and needs an asbestos test so the State approves the permit.
If the walls are the same texture on each side of the wall, only 3 samples of the texture
surface and 2 samples of the joint compound are collected. Typically, the inspection will sample each side to make sure both sides are covered.
If the walls are different textures on each side, then each side of the wall is sampled separately. 3 textured surface and 2 joint compound samples are collected in the kitchen, then a separate set of samples are collected in the dining room. Making a total of 10 samples collected.
Curious why the State requires asbestos testing to approve permits? We breakdown it down in a previous post Why Do You Need an Asbestos Test to Get a Building Permit in Colorado?
Scenario 2:
You have a Big Box store installing new flooring in your kitchen and bathroom. They
require an asbestos test before installation.
If the flooring in the kitchen and bathroom are the same, and there are not other layers, only 2 samples are collected. One in the kitchen and one in the bathroom.
If the flooring in the kitchen and bathroom are different, then 2 samples of each will be collected. 2 in the kitchen and 2 in the bathroom.
Wonder why Big Box Stores require asbestos testing, we have a post call Why Big Box Stores are Big on Asbestos Testing for New Flooring in Colorado that talks about why.
How to Find a Qualified Inspector
If you're searching for "asbestos testing near me," it's important to choose a certified professional who understands and follows the CDPHE guidelines. A qualified inspector will ensure that the right number of samples is taken, giving you accurate results and keeping your property safe.
Need Help? Contact Elevation Environmental Services
If you have any questions about asbestos testing or would like to schedule an appointment, Elevation Environmental Services is here to help! Our certified inspectors are experts in asbestos inspection and will ensure your property is tested thoroughly and accurately. Don't take risks with asbestos—contact us today to ensure your home or business is safe!
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