Why this comes up so often downtown
Downtown Denver's building stock spans more than a century. Brick commercial blocks and warehouses in LoDo and the Ballpark area, early apartment buildings on Capitol Hill, and towers built during the energy boom of the 1970s and early 1980s all date from periods when asbestos-containing materials and lead-based paints were used. Even buildings that were renovated may have older layers left behind finishes, above ceilings or under flooring.
A typical water loss calls for removing wet drywall, ceiling tiles, flooring and insulation. If any of those contain asbestos, removing them without proper controls can release fibers into the building, expose workers and tenants, and turn a straightforward water claim into a much larger and slower problem. The same caution applies to sanding or demolishing painted surfaces that may contain lead.
Many building owners already have an asbestos survey from an earlier renovation. Pull it out. It may show which materials were tested and which were not, which can speed the decision.
Materials that often prompt testing in older commercial buildings
| Material | Where it shows up | Why it matters in a loss |
|---|---|---|
| Floor tile and black mastic | Under carpet and newer flooring | Often disturbed when wet flooring is pulled |
| Drywall joint compound and texture | Walls and ceilings in mid-century buildings | Cut out during flood cuts |
| Ceiling tiles and spray-applied coatings | Older offices, corridors, garages | Removed when wet; spray coatings may be friable |
| Pipe and boiler insulation | Mechanical rooms and older risers | Exposed when pipes are repaired after breaks |
| Fireproofing on steel | Towers from the 1960s and 1970s | Can be disturbed above ceilings |
| Lead-based paint | Older trim, windows, masonry and metal | Sanding and demolition create dust |
Keeping drying moving while samples are analyzed
Stop the water and extract
Removing standing water and running dehumidification usually does not disturb building materials.
Check existing surveys
If a survey shows the affected materials were tested and found clear, demolition may proceed.
Have a certified inspector sample untested materials
Ask about rush lab turnaround if the loss is large.
Isolate the area
Limit access to the wet zone and avoid running air handlers that could move dust until results are back.
Proceed based on results
If materials test positive, abatement by certified professionals happens before or alongside demolition, under the required controls.
Questions for the restoration contractor
- Will you check for an existing asbestos survey before demolition?
- Who will collect samples, and are they CDPHE-certified for that work?
- What drying can continue safely while results are pending?
- How will you handle lead-safe work practices on painted surfaces?
General information for Downtown Denver, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.