This Bizarre Discovery In Old Crawl Spaces Could Mean Trouble
December 17, 2024
source: Reddit
Why Is There Asbestos in My Crawl Space?
If you’ve ever ventured into the crawl space of an older home, you know it’s not exactly a welcoming place. It’s dark, dusty, and full of surprises you’d rather not find. Imagine shining your flashlight and spotting something strange: a mesh-covered box stuffed with what looks like insulation. Turns out, it’s asbestos.
Yes, asbestos—once considered a miracle material but now a notorious health hazard. So, why is it there? And what should you do about it?
Why Builders Used Asbestos
During the mid-1900s, asbestos was everywhere. Builders loved it because it was cheap, fireproof, and great for keeping homes warm. At the time, people didn’t know how dangerous it was, so they used it liberally in construction.
Older homes, especially those built before the 1980s, needed solutions for drafts and heat loss. Cold floors were a common problem in winter. To fix it, builders stuffed asbestos insulation into mesh boxes and hung them between the floor joists.
This solution worked for two reasons:
- Warm Floors: The asbestos-filled boxes insulated the floors and kept the heat inside.
- Fireproofing: Since asbestos doesn’t burn, it added a layer of fire resistance to the home.
At the time, these boxes seemed like a smart solution. Today, we know better.
Why Is Asbestos Dangerous Now?
Asbestos doesn’t pose a risk if it stays undisturbed. The problem starts when it ages, crumbles, or gets damaged. Once disturbed, asbestos releases tiny fibers into the air. If you discover an asbestos box in your crawl space, don’t touch it. Even a small disturbance can send harmful fibers into the air.
What Should You Do If You Find Asbestos?
So, you’ve spotted one of these boxes—now what? Here’s how to handle it safely:
- Leave It Alone: Don’t touch or move the box. Disturbing asbestos increases the risk of exposure.
- Call a Professional: Contact an asbestos abatement specialist. They’ll test the material and remove it safely if needed.
- Avoid the Area: Stay out of the crawl space until a professional gives you the all-clear.
Trying to handle asbestos on your own isn’t worth the risk. Professionals have the right tools, protective gear, and experience to remove it safely.
A Reminder of the Past
Finding an asbestos box in your crawl space feels like uncovering a time capsule from a different era. It’s a strange reminder of how much construction practices have changed. What builders once saw as a helpful solution turned out to carry serious risks.
If you own an older home, discoveries like this are part of the experience. Quirky wallpaper, outdated wiring, or strange boxes stuffed with insulation all tell a story. Unfortunately, asbestos is one story you don’t want to ignore.
Balancing Safety and Nostalgia
Owning an older home comes with its quirks and charm. You want to preserve the history while ensuring it’s safe for your family. Asbestos might feel like an intimidating discovery, but you can manage it with the right help.
When you stumble across something like an asbestos box, take a step back. Avoid disturbing it, call in the professionals, and let them handle the hard work.
A mesh box filled with asbestos might seem like an odd piece of your home’s past, but it served a purpose once. Now, it’s all about handling it safely and keeping that story from becoming a hazard. Stay curious, stay informed, and stay safe!