Sunnyvale housing by era
About 57 percent of Sunnyvale's roughly 63,000 homes were built before 1980, close to the Santa Clara County share of about 60 percent, according to the American Community Survey. About 20 percent went up in 2000 or later, and the median year is 1976.
Mid-century ranch homes and older apartments can hold asbestos in ceilings, flooring and heating ducts, and lead in pre-1978 paint. Test before a remodel opens those materials up.
Mild bay weather
NOAA's Moffett Federal Airfield station, at the city's edge, records July highs averaging about 77°F; its yearly rain, close to 13 inches, peaks in February (1991-2020).
Damp winters and cool nights slow drying in crawl spaces and on north-facing walls. If a room smells musty after the rainy months, a partner can sample for mold or trace the moisture.
Smoke and fire testing
If smoke or ash reached a home in Sunnyvale, you can request smoke and fire testing. A partner can sample soot and ash on surfaces and send the samples out for analysis.
Bay Area AQMD
CARB lists the Bay Area AQMD for Santa Clara County. When a Sunnyvale demolition or bigger remodel falls under the federal NESHAP, an asbestos survey comes first and the district gets notice.
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Questions
Can I get indoor air quality testing in a Sunnyvale apartment?
Yes. Say what you notice and whether the concern is in your unit only, and we'll check for a partner who serves the building.
Should I test an older Sunnyvale ranch house before replacing the floors?
If the flooring or its adhesive is original to a pre-1980 house, yes. A partner can sample it before removal.