Skip to main content

How To Test For Asbestos Carpet Glue

By January 11, 2021November 4th, 2021Asbestos
Asbestos Carpet Glue

Call 425-440-8787 Now!

Does my carpet have asbestos glue?

 Many people are surprised to learn that sometimes asbestos glue is used to adhere to the carpet in their home or office and wonder why it would. That’s very understandable because you wouldn’t think there’s any good reason why asbestos is added to carpet glue, but there is a good reason for using asbestos carpet glue. Asbestos is an excellent adhesive, and to make sure that your beautiful industrial carpeting stays in place and doesn’t curl up or crease from the constant beating that it gets, asbestos is added to the glue, also known as mastic.

What color is asbestos carpet glue?

The mastic color is usually yellow, tan, or brown, and it is also used to lay down vinyl sheeting and floor tile. The type of asbestos used in the glue is usually Chrysotile, which is common in building materials. The mastic itself is not considered friable asbestos, unlike friable asbestos, which can be crushed by hand, pulverized, and reduced to powder. Although asbestos carpet glue is categorized as non-friable, the mastic can become airborne when disturbed, making it dangerous.

How do you test for asbestos carpet glue?

The only way to tell if you have asbestos carpet glue is to take about 3 square inches of carpeting, make sure the mastic is also with the carpet, and send a sample for asbestos testing to a lab for analysis under Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). You can take the model yourself or hire an AHERA building inspector to collect the piece for you. They will also know precisely how to survey according to EPA guidelines, produce a complete report that will have the results and their AHERA certificate attached, and interpret it. The benefits of having a certified asbestos inspector do the work is that if you want to have the carpet replaced by a contractor, they will usually require to know beforehand if the carpet glue has asbestos. Many contractors typically require a produced report given to you by a certified asbestos inspector. You can also do the sampling yourself, which will be a bit cheaper, and you can obtain the final results from an asbestos testing lab, typically within 2-3 working days. The asbestos lab result will show the presence, type, and percentage.

Asbestos testing cost

You can expect to pay around $26 per sample for mail-in asbestos testing through 5 Microns Inc, but on average, the price range is between $30-$50 per piece with most asbestos labs.

How do you remove asbestos carpet glue?

Removing the asbestos carpet glue is preferably performed by professional asbestos abatement companies to ensure that the work is done with compliance and safety. Still, you can always attempt to do the removal yourself. Be sure to consult your local building department before taking on this project to ensure you comply with any local regulations. It would be best to research how to perform asbestos carpet glue removal and perhaps even take a class at a local community college beforehand. You can turn it into a side business. Suppose you have more questions regarding asbestos carpet glue or anything else. Would you please not hesitate to contact 5 Microns Inc. for assistance?

Where can I send a sample for asbestos testing?

All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. 

Mail-in asbestos testing

Call 425-440-8787 Now!

5 Microns Inc.

7100 Fort Dent Way #100

Tukwila, WA 98188

IMPORTANT-MUST READ FIRST: All mail-in samples must have a tracking number and include our asbestos chain of custody form to be processed. If the chain of custody form is missing, your sample(s) will not be accepted and processed. Drop-offs MUST have the COC form inside your package but not in the sample bag. DO NOT MAIL YOUR SAMPLES BY FIRST CLASS MAIL. Send your sample(s) via USPS Priority Mail, UPS, and FedEx. It is essential to closely follow these directions so our asbestos testing lab can promptly process your sample(s).

Asbestos testing lab

Do not take your samples to the front desk. The front desk will not accept drop-offs over the counter, NO EXCEPTIONS!*PLEASE NOTE FOR ALL DROP-OFFS: All samples must be dropped off at the back of the office building located at 7100 Fort Dent Way Tukwila WA outside the Tabor 100 Office and placed inside the black drop-box pictured below.

Asbestos testing lab near me

If you are looking for a good, reliable, and professional company to test your house for asbestos, talk to the inspectors at 5 Microns Inc. They are true professionals and will provide valuable information. Their hour of operation are Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Saturday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. Standard turnaround time is two business days, with same-day and following business day options.

Call 425-440-8787 Now!

Asbestos testing near me

When it comes time to test your house for asbestos, find a reliable inspector with a current valid AHERA certification. Only a professional with this certification can handle the survey part of asbestos testing. Your local building department likely has a list of consultants in your area that you can call for an estimate.