Dealing with potential asbestos in your property can feel overwhelming—but you don't have to figure it out alone. Whether you're facing a renovation project in an older building, materials that look suspicious, or a pre-purchase inspection requirement, understanding your options is the first step toward getting it handled right. Learn more about What Is Asbestos.
At MoldRx, our vetted asbestos testing professionals have the training, certifications, and experience to handle the job correctly. Every specialist follows strict protocols to safely collect samples and provide accurate results so you know exactly what you’re dealing with.
What Is Asbestos Testing?
Asbestos testing is the process of collecting samples from suspected materials and having them analyzed by an accredited laboratory to determine whether asbestos is present. You cannot identify asbestos by looking at a material—laboratory analysis is the only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos fibers. Learn about What Are Some Indicators I May Have Asbestos and Is Asbestos Dangerous.
Professional asbestos testing involves a trained inspector carefully collecting small samples from suspected materials using proper safety protocols to minimize fiber release. These samples are sent to an accredited lab where technicians use polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify and quantify asbestos content. Results typically come back within a few days, telling you definitively whether asbestos is present and what type.
- What It Involves: Visual inspection of suspected materials, careful sample collection using proper containment methods, chain-of-custody documentation, and laboratory analysis by accredited facilities
- Why It Matters: Disturbing asbestos-containing materials without knowing releases microscopic fibers that cause serious diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Testing before any work protects everyone involved.
- Common Materials Tested: Insulation (pipe, attic, wall), floor tiles and adhesives, ceiling tiles and texture, roofing materials, siding, duct insulation, and any suspect material in buildings constructed before 1980
⚠️ Important: Never disturb, cut, drill, or remove materials you suspect contain asbestos before testing. Even small disturbances can release dangerous fibers. Call +1 (888) 609-8907 to talk through your situation.
Who Needs Asbestos Testing?
Our asbestos testing experts work with all property types throughout our service area: Orange County, Riverside County, and San Bernardino County. Here are some of the people we help—though this isn’t a complete list:
Homeowners Planning Renovations
- Remodeling kitchens, bathrooms, or basements
Any renovation that disturbs walls, floors, ceilings, or insulation in pre-1980 homes requires testing first - Removing old flooring
Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, and the adhesives underneath are common sources of asbestos in older homes - Updating insulation or HVAC systems
Attic insulation, pipe wrap, and duct insulation in older homes frequently contain asbestos
Home Buyers & Sellers
- Pre-purchase due diligence
Buyers of older homes want to know what they’re getting into before closing—and what future renovation costs might look like - Pre-listing disclosure
Sellers can address asbestos questions proactively, avoiding surprises that derail transactions - Lender or insurance requirements
Some financing and insurance policies require asbestos assessments for older properties
Commercial & Industrial Property Owners
- Tenant improvement projects – Commercial renovations in older buildings require asbestos surveys before permits are issued in many jurisdictions
- Building maintenance planning – Knowing where asbestos exists helps plan maintenance work safely and budget for future abatement
- Regulatory compliance – OSHA and EPA regulations require building owners to identify and manage asbestos-containing materials
Property Managers & Landlords
- Unit renovation projects – Testing before updating rental units protects workers, tenants, and your liability exposure
- Tenant concerns about materials – When tenants raise questions about suspect materials, professional testing provides definitive answers
- Building-wide asbestos surveys – Comprehensive surveys document all asbestos locations for ongoing management and disclosure requirements
Contractors & Construction Professionals
- Pre-demolition surveys – Many jurisdictions require asbestos surveys before demolition permits are issued
- Renovation project planning – Knowing what materials contain asbestos before bidding helps accurately scope projects
- Worker safety compliance – OSHA requires employers to identify asbestos hazards before workers are exposed
Not sure if your situation qualifies? If your property was built before 1980 and you’re planning any work that might disturb building materials, testing is the safe choice. Call +1 (888) 609-8907 and we’ll help you figure out the right next step—no pressure, no obligation.
Warning Signs You Need Asbestos Testing
Some situations are obvious. Others aren’t. Here’s when property owners should call:
Property Age Indicators
- Building constructed before 1980 – Asbestos was widely used in construction materials until the late 1970s, making any pre-1980 building a candidate for testing
- Original materials still in place – Properties that haven’t been significantly renovated likely still contain original materials that may include asbestos
- Unknown renovation history – If you don’t know what work was done or what materials were used, testing provides clarity
Suspect Materials
- 9″x9″ floor tiles – This specific size was extremely common for asbestos-containing vinyl tiles, especially in black, gray, or dark colors
- Popcorn or textured ceilings – Spray-on ceiling textures applied before 1980 frequently contain asbestos
- Pipe or duct insulation – White or gray insulation wrapped around pipes, ducts, or boilers in older buildings is often asbestos-containing
Learn more about identifying suspect materials: What Are Some Indicators I May Have Asbestos.
Planned Work or Changes
- Renovation or remodeling projects – Any work that will disturb walls, floors, ceilings, or insulation in older buildings requires testing first
- Demolition planned – Most jurisdictions require asbestos surveys before issuing demolition permits
- HVAC, plumbing, or electrical work – Mechanical work often disturbs insulation and other materials that may contain asbestos
Damaged or Deteriorating Materials
- Crumbling or damaged insulation – Deteriorating insulation can release fibers and should be tested and addressed
- Broken or cracked floor tiles – Damaged tiles may release fibers, especially if they’re disturbed during cleaning or repairs
- Water-damaged ceiling materials – Water damage can compromise asbestos-containing materials, making testing important before repairs
What’s at Stake: Consequences of Skipping Asbestos Testing
Skipping asbestos testing before renovation or demolition work doesn’t just create legal problems—it creates serious health hazards. Here’s what property owners risk:
Short-Term Risks
- Unknowing exposure to asbestos fibers during work
- Contamination spreading throughout the property
- Work stoppages and regulatory violations
- Contractor refusal to continue work
Long-Term Consequences
- Serious diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis from exposure
- Significant legal liability for worker or occupant exposure
- Costly remediation if contamination spreads during unpermitted work
- Property damage affecting resale value, insurance coverage, and habitability
⚠️ Test before you touch. Asbestos testing is far less expensive than dealing with the consequences of disturbing materials without knowing what they contain.
Why Hiring a Professional for Asbestos Testing Is Essential
DIY Test Kits Have Serious Limitations
Home test kits require you to collect your own samples—which means disturbing materials that may contain asbestos without proper safety protocols. You also won’t know which materials to sample, how many samples are needed, or how to minimize fiber release during collection. Professional inspectors know how to safely collect samples while protecting you and your property.
Proper Sampling Requires Training
Knowing what to test is as important as how to test. Professional inspectors understand where asbestos is commonly found, which materials are most likely to contain it, and how many samples are needed to accurately characterize a building. Missing a material during testing can lead to dangerous exposure later.
Accredited Labs Provide Reliable Results
Our testing professionals use accredited laboratories that follow strict quality control procedures. Results include the type of asbestos present (chrysotile, amosite, crocidolite, etc.) and the percentage of asbestos in the material—information that’s essential for determining how to handle positive results.
Documentation Protects You
Professional testing creates a documented record of what was tested, where samples were collected, and what results showed. This documentation is essential for permit applications, contractor bidding, regulatory compliance, real estate transactions, and protecting yourself from future liability claims.
Local Experience Makes the Difference
Construction materials and methods vary by region and era. Our asbestos testing professionals understand what materials were commonly used in local construction, where asbestos is most likely to be found in area buildings, and what local regulations require. That knowledge means more thorough inspections and more accurate results.
How MoldRx Handles Asbestos Testing
Our asbestos testing specialists follow a proven, straightforward approach:
- Initial Conversation
When you call, you’ll talk to a real person who listens. We’ll ask about your property, its age, what work you’re planning, and what materials concern you—no pressure, no scare tactics - On-Site Inspection
A qualified inspector evaluates your property, identifying all suspect materials based on age, appearance, location, and knowledge of common asbestos-containing products - Safe Sample Collection
Samples are carefully collected using proper containment methods to minimize fiber release. Each sample is documented with its exact location and material type - Laboratory Analysis
Samples are sent to an accredited laboratory with proper chain-of-custody documentation. Analysis identifies whether asbestos is present, what type, and at what concentration - Clear Results Report
You receive a detailed report showing exactly what was tested, where samples came from, and what the lab found—in plain language you can understand - Next Steps Guidance
If asbestos is found, we explain your options: asbestos removal before work, encapsulation, or leaving materials undisturbed. If results are negative, you have documentation to proceed with confidence.
Every MoldRx asbestos testing project is handled by vetted professionals who meet strict certification requirements. Our specialists have years of experience inspecting residential, commercial, and industrial properties of all sizes. We provide accurate results because accurate results are the foundation of safe decisions.
When potential asbestos threatens your renovation plans, property transaction, or peace of mind, you need more than guesswork—you need professionals who know how to get accurate answers. That’s exactly what you get with MoldRx.
Get Your Asbestos Testing Scheduled Today
Don’t guess about asbestos. Whether you’re planning renovations, buying a property, or just want to know what you’re dealing with, professional testing gives you the answers you need to make informed decisions.
Call +1 (888) 609-8907 or fill out the form below. You’ll talk to a real person who will listen to your situation, answer your questions honestly, and help you understand your options. No pressure. No obligation. Just straightforward guidance when you need it most.