Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. It can be found in both fixed and removable forms in buildings across North America. The distinction between friable and non-friable asbestos helps guide proper removal procedures.
This post focuses on the difference between the terms “friable” and “non-friable” to help you understand their correct application. Let’s break these terms down with simple explanations.
What Is Asbestos, Really?
Asbestos naturally occurs as tiny fibrous crystals. This so-called “miracle material” became popular for its unique combination of fire resistance, durability, and heat insulation. Asbestos was widely used in construction—from floor tiles to furnace insulation—from the 1940s to the late 1980s.
Breathing in asbestos fibres poses serious health risks. Asbestos fibres penetrate deep into lung tissue to cause serious illnesses, which include asbestosis, alongside lung cancer and mesothelioma. The scariest part? Symptoms might not appear until decades after exposure.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?
Homes and buildings built before 1990 often contain hidden asbestos that’s easy to overlook. Some common sources include:
- Insulation (in attics, around boilers, pipes, or ducts)
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Textured ceilings
- Cement board (used in walls or siding)
- Roof shingles and felt
- Furnace or duct wrap
- Plaster and drywall compound
Older buildings should be professionally inspected for asbestos before any removal or demolition work begins.
The key difference between friable and non-friable asbestos lies in how easily the material can break apart.
These terms can sound technical, but understanding them is crucial, especially if you’re planning renovations.
| Friable Asbestos Asbestos crumbles easily with just a touch, releasing fibres into the air when disturbed. It’s the most dangerous form because those tiny fibres become airborne and are easily inhaled. Typical examples: Loose-fill attic insulation (like vermiculite), Spray-on insulation deterioration or flaking of pipe insulation, Damaged drywall compound | Non-Friable Asbestos In non-friable asbestos, the fibres are tightly bound in materials like cement or vinyl, so they don’t become airborne unless the material is cut, drilled, or broken. Examples include: Asbestos cement pipes, Floor tiles, Siding and roofing materials. Non-friable asbestos becomes hazardous if the material is damaged or deteriorates. |
How Should You Handle a Possible Asbestos Presence?
Don’t touch it, and don’t try to remove it yourself. The smallest disruption to this material can release hazardous fibres into the air.
At Advanced Environmental Services Inc., we handle asbestos abatement in full compliance with provincial safety regulations. Whether it’s friable or non-friable, our team is here to detect and safely remove it, and help you plan renovations with confidence and peace of mind.
