Is Your Insurance Company Overlooking Lead and Asbestos Testing Before Demolition?
Your insurance company approves demolition work on your home—walls coming down, flooring ripped up, insulation removed. But before the first hammer swings, has anyone tested for lead and asbestos?
Many insurance companies skip this step, assuming it’s unnecessary or trying to save money. But if demolition disturbs these hazardous materials, toxic dust could spread through your home, putting your health at risk and leaving you with expensive cleanup costs.
If your home was built before 1980, there’s a chance lead-based paint or asbestos is present. Once released into the air, these substances can cause serious long-term health issues—but by the time you realize it, the damage is already done.
Insurance companies are supposed to follow proper procedures, but not all of them do. If demolition is part of your insurance claim, don’t assume your insurer is handling it correctly. A public adjuster can step in to demand the necessary testing before it’s too late.
What Does Demolition Include?
Demolition doesn’t always mean tearing down an entire structure. It can include:
- Removing walls, ceilings, or flooring after water, fire, or mold damage
- Stripping insulation, drywall, or plaster as part of a repair
- Tearing out cabinetry, trim, or built-in fixtures
- Removing roofing materials or siding
- Dismantling garages, sheds, or additions
No matter how large or small the demolition, if your home was built before 1980, there’s a real possibility it contains lead-based paint or asbestos materials. Once disturbed, these materials release hazardous dust and fibers into the air, creating serious health risks.
Some insurance companies skip testing to save time and money, but this can leave you exposed to dangerous contamination, legal liability, and unexpected costs.
That’s why having a public adjuster on your side is key. A public adjuster will:
- Make sure testing for lead and asbestos happens before demolition
- Hold your insurance company accountable if they try to cut corners
- Confirm that safety measures are followed to protect your home and health
- Help secure full coverage for any required remediation
If your insurance company is moving forward with demolition without proper testing, don’t take risks. A public adjuster can step in and make sure your insurer follows the rules. Call (682) 267-0336 now for a free consultation.
Is Testing for Asbestos and Lead Required by Law in Texas?
Asbestos Testing Requirements
In Texas, state regulations require an asbestos survey before renovation or demolition of public or commercial buildings. This survey identifies asbestos-containing materials to prevent exposure during construction work.
- Public Building Owners: Must have an asbestos survey completed before any maintenance, renovation, or demolition activities. If asbestos is found, removal must be handled according to state regulations.
- Commercial Building Owners: Also required to conduct an asbestos inspection before any work that could disturb asbestos-containing materials. Removal must follow the National Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP).
Residential buildings (single-family homes or structures with four or fewer units) are generally exempt from this requirement unless they are being converted for commercial use.
Lead Testing Recommendations
Texas does not have a specific law requiring lead testing before demolition, but federal guidelines from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommend lead-safe practices for structures built before 1978. Disturbing lead-based paint can create airborne particles that pose serious health risks.
Regardless of legal requirements, testing before demolition is the best way to protect yourself, your family, and workers from exposure.
Why Test for Asbestos Before Demolition?
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials because of its durability and fire resistance. It’s commonly found in:
- Insulation (attics, walls, pipes)
- Roof shingles
- Floor tiles and adhesives
- Cement and drywall compounds
When asbestos remains intact, it doesn’t pose an immediate risk. But demolition can break down the material, sending microscopic fibers into the air.
What Are the Risks of Asbestos Exposure?
Once asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause severe and irreversible health problems, including:
- Mesothelioma – A rare but aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs.
- Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease that leads to scarring and difficulty breathing.
- Lung cancer – Prolonged exposure increases the risk of lung cancer.
Why Testing Comes First
If asbestos is present and disturbed, it can contaminate your home, neighborhood, and even spread through HVAC systems, making removal far more difficult and expensive.
Federal and state laws require testing before demolition begins. If asbestos is found, a certified professional must handle the removal.
Why Test for Lead Before Demolition?
What Is Lead and Where Is It Found?
Lead-based paint was widely used in homes built before 1978. It can be found in:
- Painted walls, doors, and trim
- Old window frames and sills
- Painted wood, brick, and metal surfaces
Undisturbed lead-based paint isn’t necessarily dangerous, but when it’s scraped, sanded, or torn out, it turns into fine dust that can be inhaled or ingested.
What Are the Risks of Lead Exposure?
Lead exposure is especially harmful to children, pregnant women, and workers involved in demolition. Health effects include:
- Brain damage and developmental issues – In children, lead exposure can cause learning disabilities, behavioral problems, and permanent IQ loss.
- Neurological damage – In adults, lead can lead to memory loss, mood disorders, and trouble concentrating.
- Organ damage – Lead builds up in the body over time, causing kidney damage, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
Why Testing Comes First
Lead dust spreads quickly and can settle in carpets, furniture, and air ducts, leading to long-term contamination.
Before any demolition or remodeling, testing should be done to identify and remove lead safely. If your insurance company refuses, a public adjuster can push back and make sure they follow safety standards.
What to Do If Testing Hasn’t Been Done
If your insurance company is moving forward with demolition without testing, take action before it’s too late.
- Request Proof of Testing – Ask your insurance company for written documentation that lead and asbestos testing has been completed.
- Contact a Public Adjuster – If your insurer can’t (or won’t) provide proof, get a public adjuster involved.
- Stop Any Scheduled Demolition – You have the right to pause the process until safety regulations are followed.
- Report Violations If Necessary – If your insurance company refuses to comply, a public adjuster can help you take legal action or report them to regulatory agencies.
Don’t Let Your Insurance Company Skip This Step
If demolition is happening in your home, lead and asbestos testing should be a priority. Some insurance companies ignore these risks, putting homeowners in danger.
A public adjuster can push back against insurers who cut corners, making sure testing happens before the damage is done. Call us now at (682) 267-0336
How Public Adjusters Protect You
If your insurance company isn’t prioritizing lead and asbestos testing, a public adjuster can advocate on your behalf. They will:
- Verify Compliance: Verify that necessary surveys and tests are conducted before demolition begins.
- Negotiate Coverage: Work to include the costs of testing and any required abatement in your insurance claim.
- Protect Your Rights: Hold the insurance company accountable to state and federal regulations, safeguarding your health and financial interests.
Steps to Take If Testing Is Overlooked
- Request Documentation: Before demolition, ask your insurance company for proof of completed asbestos and lead testing.
- Engage a Public Adjuster: If the insurer cannot provide this documentation, consult a public adjuster to represent your interests.
- Pause Demolition: Do not allow work to proceed without confirming that proper testing and, if necessary, abatement have been conducted.
- Report Non-Compliance: If the insurance company refuses to comply with regulations, a public adjuster can assist in reporting the violation to appropriate authorities.
FAQ: Lead and Asbestos Testing Before Demolition in Insurance Claims
If your insurance claim involves demolition, renovation, or structural removal, you may have questions about lead and asbestos testing requirements. Below are some common scenarios and what you should know.
My insurance company says testing isn’t necessary because I only need partial demolition. Is that true?
Not necessarily. Even small demolition jobs can disturb asbestos or lead-based paint. If your home was built before 1978, it may contain lead-based paint, and many older homes also contain asbestos in insulation, flooring, and other materials.
Insurance companies may downplay the need for testing, but disturbing hazardous materials in any amount can create health risks. A public adjuster will make sure testing is performed before any demolition begins.
I live in Texas and my home is a single-family residence. Do I still need asbestos testing?
Texas law does not require asbestos testing for single-family homes (fourplex or smaller) unless the structure is being repurposed for commercial use or another non-residential function. However, just because it’s not legally required doesn’t mean it’s safe to skip testing.
Even if your home is exempt from testing regulations, your insurance company still has a responsibility for demolition to be handled safely. If they refuse to test, a public adjuster can help make sure you aren’t put at risk.
The demolition is for a detached structure (garage, shed, guesthouse). Do I still need lead and asbestos testing?
Yes, testing is recommended, especially if the detached structure was built before 1980. Lead and asbestos were widely used in roofing, insulation, flooring, and paint. If the structure contains hazardous materials, disturbing them can affect nearby areas and even contaminate your main home.
If your insurance company refuses to test, it’s best to consult with a public adjuster before allowing demolition to proceed.
My insurance company hired a contractor who says they don’t need to test—should I be concerned?
Yes. Some contractors and insurance companies try to cut costs by skipping testing, but that doesn’t mean testing isn’t needed. If lead or asbestos is present and disturbed, it can cause serious health and legal issues for homeowners.
A public adjuster can help you demand written proof of testing before any demolition begins. If the insurer refuses, you may have grounds for a dispute.
My home was damaged in a fire. Does that change the need for lead and asbestos testing?
Yes. Fire damage can make asbestos-containing materials more brittle and lead-based paint more likely to flake into dust, increasing the risk of hazardous exposure.
Even if asbestos or lead wasn’t a concern before the fire, demolition of fire-damaged structures should always include testing to prevent airborne contamination.
I have water damage and my insurance company wants to remove drywall and flooring. Should I request testing?
Yes. If your home was built before 1980, your drywall, flooring, and insulation could contain asbestos. Even a simple removal job can release asbestos fibers into the air.
Lead-based paint can also be present in trim, baseboards, and old flooring materials. If your insurance company hasn’t conducted testing, ask them for written confirmation before any work begins.
My insurance company already started demolition without testing. What can I do?
Stop the work immediately and request proof of lead and asbestos testing. If they cannot provide documentation, contact a public adjuster right away.
If asbestos or lead dust has already been released, a certified remediation team may be needed to assess and clean the affected areas. You may also need to file a complaint or legal claim if your insurer ignored safety regulations.
The contractor doing the demolition says they are following “safe practices.” Does that mean testing isn’t needed?
No. Some contractors claim to use “safe” demolition practices, but the only way to know if lead or asbestos is present is through proper testing.
Without testing, there is no way to be sure that hazardous materials aren’t being disturbed and spread throughout your home. A public adjuster can help confirm that testing is done and push your insurance company to pay for any required remediation.
My insurance company says my policy doesn’t cover lead and asbestos testing. Can I challenge this?
Yes. Many policies do not explicitly mention lead or asbestos testing, but that does not mean testing isn’t required. If demolition is part of your claim, your insurance company has a duty to handle the work safely and within regulatory guidelines.
A public adjuster can review your policy and challenge any improper denial of testing and removal costs.
My home is being repaired, not demolished. Do I still need to worry about testing?
Possibly. Any renovation that disturbs old materials—sanding, scraping, drilling, or cutting—can release lead or asbestos dust. If your home is older, testing may be advisable before major repairs or structural work begins.
Even if insurance isn’t covering full demolition, they should still pay for the repairs to be done safely. A public adjuster can help push for testing where necessary. Call (682) 267-0336
What happens if my insurance company refuses to do testing?
If your insurance company refuses to test for lead or asbestos before demolition, you have options:
- Request written proof that testing is unnecessary. If they can’t provide documentation, this may be grounds for a dispute.
- Hire a public adjuster to challenge the insurance company and demand compliance.
- File a complaint with your state’s insurance regulator if your insurer is not following best practices.
- Consult a legal professional if demolition proceeds without proper testing and hazardous exposure occurs.
How can a public adjuster help with lead and asbestos testing disputes?
A public adjuster works for you, not the insurance company. They can:
- Review your policy to determine if the insurer should cover testing and remediation.
- Demand proof of testing before demolition begins.
- Negotiate with your insurance company so they follow proper procedures.
- Stop unsafe demolition work if necessary.
- Help you file complaints or legal claims if the insurer is ignoring safety requirements.
My insurance company already removed materials and didn’t test. Can I take action after the fact?
Yes. If materials were removed without testing and you suspect asbestos or lead exposure, you should:
- Stop further work immediately and request an independent assessment.
- Document everything—photos, emails, and any conversations with the insurer or contractor.
- Consult with a public adjuster or legal professional to explore your options for remediation or compensation.
If hazardous materials were disturbed, your insurer may be liable for the cost of cleanup, medical monitoring, or legal damages.
Have More Questions? Contact YPA Public Adjusters Today
If your insurance company is moving forward with demolition, structural removal, or repairs without proper lead and asbestos testing, you don’t have to fight them alone. YPA Public Adjusters can step in to hold them accountable, protect your health, and secure full coverage for the safe removal of hazardous materials.
Call YPA Public Adjusters now at (682) 267-0336 for a free consultation and protect your rights before it’s too late.
Don’t Let Your Insurance Company Cut Corners
If your insurance company is moving forward with demolition, structural removal, or repairs without proper lead and asbestos testing, don’t take chances.
Call our Texas Public Adjusters now at (682) 267-0336 for a free consultation and protect your home, health, and finances before it’s too late. Our experienced team will verify that your insurance company adheres to all necessary regulations, conducts required testing, and covers the full scope of any needed remediation. Don’t leave your safety and finances to chance—reach out to YPA Public Adjusters now.