Asbestos residue on boiler pipe?

SilvertoneKevin

Hello,

I bought a 1927 Colonial in Kingston, NY about a year ago, and I had noticed a few areas of white residue on the boiler pipes that I guessed were maybe residue from removed asbestos (like this)

but just today when I was measuring pipes to finally get some insulation I noticed THIS which kind of freaked me out up between the joists.

another angle:

So I probably know the answer to this unfortunately. But do you guys think that’s asbestos? Should I run screaming from the house or burn it down haha? I’m going to need professionals, right? I was planning to remove and encapsulate the little bits here and there I was seeing mostly on the joints myself, but seeing this makes me think I need pros. Is it worth testing it with a Home Depot kit or is it almost definitely asbestos and I should get some pros in here? Man I don’t know where this money is coming from. I’m a first time homeowner so it can feel overwhelming.

Thanks so much for your help,

Kevin

PS Doesn’t really matter but the Crown Boiler we have is oil fired and the boiler and igniter are both only 2-3 years old.

pecmsg

without testing no one can say it is or it isn’t asbestos.
ASSUMING it is encapsulating it is your best option.

mattmia2

Probably good to have a pro test both that and the air. It looks a little like some sort of diy or pre regulation removal. There may be very little that you need to do anything with now, possibly just the crumbling part.

Intplm.

I have seen homeowners encapsulate the asbestos on pipes over the years. Some have insulated over the current insulation. If it's not air-born, crumbling, or what's called "friable" then it should be fine.

The small areas you have shown have been done by both homeowners and professionals.

Using a pro can always be a good idea.

SilvertoneKevin

Thanks for the help everyone. I think I’m going to get a pro in to test. The previous owner who were super friendly with was here from ‘96-2023 and when I asked she said it had already been done when they moved in, so it likely was DIY/pre-regulation. If I decide to encapsulate myself, which method would you recommend for this situation? And should I soak it and scrape off and dispose as much as I can first? Or better to just spray with encapsulant and/or cover/bag?

Mad Dog_2

#77 By 3M encapsulation rubberized spray…mad Dog

Mad Dog_2

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Mad Dog_2

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mattmia2

don't try to remove it yourself. if it is intact you can use an encapsulant to glue it together. if it is going to crumble as soon as you touch it you need a pro.

Mad Dog_2

3 M #77..used specifically by asbestos abatement handlers for just this purpose...it's like the old Christmas Animation where it freezes everything in place. Mad Dog

mattmia2

I used undercoating or bedliner. The gas from the aerosol blew the bundle of fibers hanging off the edge of the transite on to the floor somewhere never to be seen again.

Mad Dog_2

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Mad Dog_2

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Mad Dog_2

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SlamDunk

wouldnt the glue stink when the pipes heat up?

Mad Dog_2

It doesn't...Mad Dog

ethicalpaul

It just stinks when you spray it 😅