Many homes from the 1970s
About 19 percent of the county's roughly 185,000 homes were built in the 1970s alone, by the American Community Survey's count. In all, about 48 percent predate 1980.
Homes from that decade often have textured ceilings and sheet vinyl flooring, both on EPA's list of materials that can contain asbestos. A 1970s house finished before 1978 also falls on the higher-risk side of EPA's lead-paint line.
Hot, dry summers
NOAA's 1991-2020 normals for the Modesto airport show about 12 inches of rain a year and average July highs near 95°F.
Rural households on their own wells can add well water testing to a request. For mold, the trigger is usually a leak under a sink or around a swamp cooler rather than the weather.
Smoke and fire testing
If smoke or ash reached a home in Stanislaus County, you can request smoke and fire testing. A partner can sample soot and ash on surfaces and have their lab analyze it.
Before you demolish
Stanislaus County is in the Valley air district's territory. A survey for asbestos may be required before demolition or renovation under federal rules, and in some cases the district must be notified.
Services
Nearby
- Central Valley
- San Joaquin County
- Santa Clara County
- Alameda County
- Modesto
- Merced County
- Tuolumne County
- Calaveras County
- Mariposa County
Questions
My house was built in the 1970s. What should I test before remodeling?
Asbestos in ceiling texture, flooring and duct wrap is the usual first check. If the house was built before 1978, add lead testing for painted surfaces you plan to sand or remove.
Do you cover Turlock and Oakdale?
We accept requests from anywhere in Stanislaus County. Whether a partner can take yours depends on who is working near that address.