How Many Homes in Dallas Still Have Asbestos in Them?

Asbestos — once praised as a miracle material for its heat resistance and durability — has since been recognized as a major health hazard. In cities like Dallas, where residential growth boomed during the mid-20th century, many older homes still harbor this dangerous material within walls, flooring, insulation, and ceilings.

The History of Asbestos in Dallas Homes

During the 1940s to 1970s, asbestos was widely used in residential construction across the U.S., including Dallas. It appeared in products such as:

• Popcorn ceilings

• Vinyl floor tiles

• Pipe insulation

• Roofing shingles

• HVAC duct insulation

• Wall plaster and joint compound

Dallas experienced a residential construction boom after World War II, especially in areas like Oak Cliff, Lake Highlands, East Dallas, and older suburbs like Richardson and Garland. Thousands of homes built before the 1980s likely incorporated asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during construction.

What Year Homes Are Most At-Risk?

• Pre-1940 homes: High likelihood of asbestos in plaster, insulation, and cement products

• 1940–1978 homes: Highest probability of asbestos presence in multiple materials

• Post-1978 homes: Lower risk, but some materials were still in use through the early 1980s

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) began regulating asbestos use in the late 1970s, but a full ban has never been enacted in the U.S. This means that asbestos-containing materials may still exist in older buildings — and even occasionally in new imported materials.

Estimating the Number of Dallas Homes With Asbestos

According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, over 45% of homes in Dallas were built before 1980. That’s a significant percentage when considering the city’s population of nearly 1.3 million residents.

With more than 500,000 housing units in Dallas County, this suggests that over 225,000 homes may contain asbestos in some form — particularly in neighborhoods with older housing stock like:

• Lakewood

• Oak Cliff

• North Dallas

• East Dallas

• Bishop Arts District

• Preston Hollow

Of course, not every home built before 1980 contains asbestos, but the odds increase dramatically with age. Moreover, many homeowners remain unaware of its presence, especially if the home has not undergone a professional inspection or remodel.

Why Asbestos Is Dangerous: Health Risks You Can’t Ignore

Asbestos becomes hazardous when disturbed — typically during renovations, demolition, or home damage (like water leaks, fire, or windstorms). When disturbed, microscopic asbestos fibers become airborne and can be inhaled, posing serious long-term health risks:

Common Asbestos-Related Diseases:

• Mesothelioma – a rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen

• Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue, leading to chronic respiratory problems

• Lung cancer – significantly elevated risk among those with long-term exposure

• Pleural effusion and pleural plaques – fluid buildup and thickening around the lungs

These diseases often develop decades after exposure. Children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised respiratory systems are especially vulnerable.

Signs That Your Dallas Home Might Contain Asbestos

While asbestos can’t be identified with the naked eye, several red flags suggest your home may contain ACMs:

• Popcorn ceilings installed before 1985

• 9”x9” vinyl tiles, especially with black adhesive

• Pipe wrap insulation that looks like white or gray paper or cardboard

• Old HVAC duct insulation wrapped in silver or gray material

• Original cement board siding or shingles

If your home has never been renovated, or if original materials are still present, you may be living with hidden asbestos.

What Should Dallas Homeowners Do?

1. Don’t Disturb Suspected Materials

If you suspect the presence of asbestos, do not attempt to scrape, sand, or drill into the materials. Asbestos is only dangerous when airborne.

2. Get a Professional Inspection

Contact an EPA-certified asbestos inspector or licensed remediation company like JDR Restoration. Professionals will collect samples and send them to an accredited lab.

3. Remediation and Abatement

If asbestos is confirmed, JDR Restoration offers professional asbestos abatement services, including:

• Containment of affected areas

• Safe removal and disposal of ACMs

• Air quality monitoring

• Post-remediation clearance testing

JDR Restoration adheres to strict federal and state regulations to ensure your home is safe and livable.

Legal and Insurance Considerations in Texas

In Texas, homeowners are not legally required to remove asbestos unless it poses a hazard or is disturbed during renovations. However, licensed contractors are required to notify the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) before performing asbestos-related work.

Can Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

Most standard homeowners’ insurance policies do not cover asbestos removal, as it is considered a maintenance issue. However, if asbestos is released due to a covered peril (e.g., fire, storm, water damage), your insurer may cover the cost as part of the claim.

That’s why it’s critical to work with a restoration company like JDR that understands how to navigate insurance claims and environmental compliance.

How JDR Restoration Helps Dallas Homeowners Stay Safe

At JDR Restoration, we specialize in restoring homes after disasters — and that includes safely handling hazardous materials like asbestos. Our services include:

• Asbestos testing and inspection

• Full asbestos abatement and disposal

• Fire and water damage restoration

• Mold remediation

• Insurance claim support

We work across Dallas-Fort Worth, including areas with high concentrations of older homes. Our trained technicians follow OSHA and EPA safety standards to protect your family and restore your home with minimal disruption.