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KingsX · Nov 21, 2008, 04:03 PM

Hi again guys, attached is some pictures of my boiler and pipes. I want to know if you think they are covered in asbestos. Plus, boiler pic #2, shows some damage on the top of the boiler. Should I be concerned about this? Also attached is some pictures of my pipes. I don't think they are covered in asbestos, because if you look at pipe pictures 2 and 3 you'll see that the pipes are covered in what looks like a yellow fiberglass insulation that is then wrapped in a type of white paper. I've looked online, and from what I can tell about asbestos pipe insulation, is it's interior looks more like a corrugated cardboard type of thing.

Anyway, I just wanted your expertise about these things, and whether I should be concerned about the damage to the boiler. Thanks!

KingsX · Nov 21, 2008, 04:04 PM

Here are the pipe pictures...

hvac1000 · Nov 21, 2008, 04:25 PM

Most of it looks like fiberglass but the boiler itself is a toss up. If you do not disturb asbestos it will be fine if you start messing with it then it becomes a problem.

Nothing there really looks like Hard Cast which was one of the manufactures of HVAC asbestos pipe insulation. Usually the pipe was wrapped with asbestos then a thick liquid was slathered on and formed by hand to fit the pipe.

If you really want to protect yourself weather or not it is asbestos I suggest wrapping over what is there with an approved insulation material. Not only will it encapsulate the old but it will add additional R valve and cut you heat cost some more.

It is kind of like the lead paint thing. If it is covered with another safe type of paint it is OK. But if you start tearing walls out then you have to call for a asbestos abatement company to come and clean up the site. Now if the kids are allowed to chew on the window sills and eat the paint then no covering will make it safe. Believe it or not someone tried to sue me for lead paint in a rental property. When asked how the child got the lead paint the tenant said the child chewed on the window sills. The judge asked her where her parenting skills were and tossed the complaint. I was also awarded the cost of repairing the window sills. You just have to love a good lawyer when they are on your side.

letmetellu · Nov 21, 2008, 05:11 PM

I think you are right in your assumption that your pipes are wrapped in fiberglass.

It is hard to tell from the pictures just what shape your boiler is in, but it does look like it is very old, but a lot of boilers look that way.

KingsX · Nov 21, 2008, 06:05 PM

I didn't really notice that you can't tell the damage on the boiler in the pictures. Basically, the top part has loose material on it. Kind of like paint chips, or maybe drywall chips or chunks. Flakes basically of varying size and thicknesses. Anyway, it is currently loose. But I haven't gone and messed with it though, so its just been sitting there like that. Thanks again for the info!