Preserving Ocean County’s Historic Homes: Safe Asbestos Abatement Practices

Walk through the neighborhoods of Ocean County, New Jersey, and you’ll find more than just houses. You’ll find history. From the ornate Victorian homes in Point Pleasant to the quiet charm of colonial cottages in Barnegat, these buildings stand as living reminders of the region’s architectural legacy.

For many homeowners, preserving that legacy is a labor of love. Whether passed down through generations or rescued and restored with care, these homes deserve protection that honors their past while securing their future. 

Yet, preservation doesn’t come without challenges. One of the most serious—and often hidden—threats in these older structures is asbestos.

If you own a historic property in Ocean County, understanding asbestos’s role is essential. In this post, we’ll explore the prevalence of asbestos in old homes, its dangers, and how to approach safe abatement while respecting the home’s integrity.

Why Asbestos Is Common in Ocean County’s Historic Homes

For much of the 20th century, asbestos was considered a “miracle” building material thanks to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. In homes built before the 1980s, it can be found in a wide range of materials—from boiler pipe wrap to vinyl floor tiles.

That makes it a widespread concern across Ocean County. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, nearly half (48.9%) of the county’s housing stock was built before 1980. In historic towns like Barnegat, Toms River, Point Pleasant, and Lakewood, that percentage may be even higher.

Take Barnegat, for example. Its historic district features homes dating back to the 1700s, many of which still include original building materials. While those details add charm and authenticity, they can also pose hidden risks. When disturbed, those materials may release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air.

Resources like the Ocean County Cultural & Heritage Commission can help homeowners better understand the age, materials, and history of their properties. Recognizing the likelihood of asbestos is a critical first step in preserving these homes safely and responsibly.

The Dangers of Asbestos in Older Homes

Asbestos-containing materials may seem harmless when left undisturbed. But the moment they’re damaged, deteriorate with age, or are disrupted during renovation work, tiny asbestos fibers can release into the air.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. Inhaling asbestos fibers has been directly linked to several serious medical conditions, including:

• Mesothelioma: A rare, aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
• Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by scarring of lung tissue from prolonged exposure.
• Lung cancer: Especially in individuals with long-term asbestos exposure or those who also smoke.

The risk is even greater for families in Ocean County’s historic homes. Aging building products can become brittle and break down over time. Even routine maintenance—like drilling into a wall, replacing floor tiles, or patching a ceiling—can unknowingly disturb asbestos materials.

Understanding these dangers is key to protecting your household. If you suspect asbestos may be present, it’s important to leave the materials untouched and consult a licensed professional before proceeding with any work.

One of our clients shared, “Shortly after purchasing our first home in Bergen County—an area known for older residences (and the building materials issues that come with them)—we had a water issue in the basement that led us to identify asbestos tile under the damaged flooring on top of it. We also discovered some asbestos insulation that had been poorly handled during a prior abatement.”

Asbestos Abatement Challenges in Historic Homes

Preserving a historic home goes far beyond maintaining its curb appeal. It’s about protecting the craftsmanship, character, and legacy woven into every detail.

Homes built a century or more ago often feature one-of-a-kind elements. These materials are not only beautiful but irreplaceable. Once lost, they’re gone for good.

Standard asbestos abatement methods (such as full material removal or widespread demolition) can put these delicate features at risk. Safe removal in a historic home requires a more careful, customized approach that balances safety with preservation.

Local asbestos regulations add another layer of complexity:

1. Asbestos abatement is governed by strict procedures outlined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) and local health departments.
2. Property owners may also need to coordinate with preservation authorities, including local historic commissions.

Successful abatement demands certified asbestos professionals who understand both the legal landscape and the care required when working in historic structures. With the right team, it’s possible to protect your health and preserve your home’s original charm for generations to come.

Safe Asbestos Abatement Practices in Ocean County’s Historic Homes

Steps for Homeowners to Take Before Abatement

A responsible approach to asbestos in old homes starts with planning and transparency. Here are practical steps for Ocean County historic homeowners:

1. Schedule a Certified Asbestos Testing
   
   Never guess or take a DIY approach. Hire a licensed asbestos inspector to assess your home. They’ll test materials like floor tiles, plaster, pipe insulation, and ceiling texture to determine if asbestos is present, and in what condition.
2. Document Historic Features
   
   Before any work begins, photograph and take note of the original architectural details you want to preserve. This can include moldings, built-ins, plasterwork, and decorative trim.

3. Review Local Guidelines
   
   If your property is located in a designated historic district, you may need approval from a local Historic Preservation Commission before making exterior changes or removing historic materials.

4. Hire the Right Asbestos Abatement Professional
   
   Not all asbestos removal companies are created equal. Look for one with experience working in older homes and a commitment to preserving delicate materials. Companies like Brick Asbestos & Demolition specialize in safe, respectful abatement throughout Ocean County.

“Eric, the owner, was extremely receptive and went out of his way to accommodate my schedule so he could take a look in person and test what needed testing to confirm asbestos content. He even agreed to test some suspicious plaster from another part of the house (thankfully, negative). The flooring had to go, and the insulation had to be treated properly,” said Jes A, Brick Asbestos and Demolition’s satisfied client.

“Once we got the test results back, Eric quickly worked with us to coordinate the removal and abatement. He explained what the whole process was going to look like in advance and was very transparent about how long it would take, what it would cost, and any other concerns we had. He always answered texts quickly and was readily available for calls when necessary, which was reassuring,” Jes added.

Abatement Techniques That Preserve Historic Integrity

When asbestos removal is necessary, there are abatement methods that minimize damage to a home’s original structure:

1. Encapsulation

In some cases, asbestos-containing materials can be sealed with a protective barrier to prevent fiber release. This method avoids the disruption that comes with full removal and is often ideal for surfaces like pipe insulation or textured ceilings.

2. Selective Removal

For materials that are too damaged to encapsulate, selective removal targets only the affected areas, leaving the surrounding structure intact. This approach is especially valuable in homes with antique woodwork, original plaster, or custom finishes.

3. Containment & Air Monitoring

Most asbestos professionals use containment systems and advanced filtration throughout the process to protect both residents and the home itself. After removal, the work area is thoroughly cleaned and inspected before re-entry.

The key to a successful outcome is choosing a contractor who understands the balance between safety and preservation. Don’t hesitate to ask questions about their process, certifications, and experience working on historic properties.

Preserve the Past, Protect the Future

Historic homes are part of what makes Ocean County such a special place to live. They connect us to the past, enrich our neighborhoods, and offer architectural beauty that can’t be replicated.

But with age comes responsibility, and for many homeowners, that means facing the reality of asbestos.

The good news? You don’t have to choose between health and heritage. At Brick Asbestos & Demolition, we’re proud to serve Ocean County with asbestos testing, removal, and demolition services that honor the past and protect the future. 

Ready to get started? Contact us today to learn more about our historic home abatement services. Your home’s next chapter starts with peace of mind.