If you own, manage, or lease a commercial property in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, or anywhere in New Mexico, asbestos may still be present in your building — especially if it was constructed before 1990.
Many business owners assume asbestos is an issue that was solved decades ago. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to serious problems. Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in commercial construction for insulation, fireproofing, flooring, roofing, and sound control. While many uses were restricted in the late 1970s and 1980s, asbestos may have been used up until potentially 1991.
Today, older commercial buildings throughout New Mexico still contain asbestos — and disturbing it during renovations, tenant improvements, or repairs can create health risks, legal liability, and expensive project delays. Buildings built prior to 1981 is legally assumed to have asbestos until testing proves otherwise.
Here is what Asbestos Experts in Albuquerque advises commercial property owners know before starting any upgrades or construction.
Why Asbestos Was So Common in Commercial Construction
From the 1940s through the late 1980s, asbestos was considered a “miracle material.” It was:
- Fire resistant
- Heat resistant
- Durable
- Inexpensive
- Effective for insulation and soundproofing
Because of these properties, asbestos was commonly installed in office buildings, warehouses, schools, hospitals, apartment complexes, retail spaces, and government facilities across Albuquerque and surrounding communities.
Many buildings constructed before 1989 — and even some built later using older stock materials — may still contain asbestos in multiple locations.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in Commercial Buildings
In commercial properties throughout Santa Fe, Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, asbestos is most often found in:
Pipe Insulation
Older boiler systems, steam pipes, and hot water lines frequently used asbestos wrap for insulation. This material becomes especially hazardous when deteriorating or disturbed during mechanical upgrades.
Ceiling Tiles and Acoustic Panels
Drop ceilings in office buildings and schools may contain asbestos fibers. During lighting upgrades or ceiling replacements, these materials can be disturbed.
Floor Tile and Adhesive (Mastic)
9×9 vinyl tiles and the black adhesive underneath them are common asbestos-containing materials in older commercial spaces. Removing flooring without proper testing is a major risk.
HVAC Duct Insulation
Duct wrap, tape, and insulation around older HVAC systems may contain asbestos. Mechanical system upgrades often expose these materials.
Roofing Materials
Certain roofing felts, shingles, and sealants historically contained asbestos. Re-roofing projects may trigger regulatory requirements.
Wallboard and Joint Compound
Some drywall compounds used in commercial properties contained asbestos fibers.
If your building was constructed before federal regulations tightened in the late 1970s and early 1980s, testing should be completed before any renovation or demolition.
The Health Risks of Disturbed Asbestos
Asbestos is not typically dangerous when left undisturbed and intact. The risk arises when asbestos-containing materials are cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or demolished.
Disturbing asbestos releases microscopic fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled and become lodged in the lungs, where they may remain for decades.
Long-term exposure can lead to:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis
- Chronic respiratory conditions
For commercial property owners, the concern extends beyond employee safety. Tenants, contractors, maintenance workers, and visitors may also be exposed if asbestos is not properly identified and managed.
Legal and Financial Liability for Business Owners
Commercial buildings fall under strict federal and state asbestos regulations. Failure to comply can result in serious consequences.
Potential risks include:
- OSHA violations
- EPA enforcement actions
- Worksite shutdowns
- Fines and penalties
- Tenant lawsuits
- Workers’ compensation claims
- Increased insurance costs
If a renovation begins without proper inspection and asbestos is discovered mid-project, work can be halted immediately. Emergency abatement is significantly more expensive than planned removal.
Proactive testing protects both your financial investment and your legal standing.
OSHA and New Mexico Compliance Requirements
Before renovation or demolition of a commercial property, federal regulations require an asbestos inspection.
Key compliance requirements include:
- Inspection by a certified professional
- Written documentation of findings
- Notification procedures if asbestos is present
- Licensed abatement contractors
- Proper containment and removal methods
- Air monitoring and clearance testing
- Approved disposal at designated facilities
In New Mexico, asbestos abatement must be performed by licensed and certified professionals. Commercial property owners cannot legally perform removal themselves.
Even minor projects such as replacing flooring or upgrading lighting may trigger regulatory requirements if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed.
Tenant Improvements and Build-Outs
The spring is a common time for business owners and property managers to begin planning spring renovations and tenant improvements.
Before:
- Expanding office space
- Renovating retail units
- Updating restaurants
- Replacing flooring
- Removing interior walls
- Installing new HVAC systems
- Upgrading plumbing
An asbestos inspection should be the first step.
Without testing, projects may experience:
- Delays in lease agreements
- Contractor rescheduling
- Increased labor costs
- Emergency abatement fees
- Negative tenant relationships
Planning ahead ensures smoother timelines and accurate budgeting.
What a Commercial Asbestos Inspection Involves
A professional asbestos inspection typically includes several steps:
1. Initial Walkthrough
A certified inspector evaluates suspect materials throughout the building based on construction age and materials used.
2. Sampling
Small material samples are carefully collected in a controlled manner to prevent fiber release.
3. Laboratory Analysis
Samples are sent to accredited laboratories for testing.
4. Detailed Reporting
Property owners receive written documentation outlining whether asbestos is present and where it is located.
If asbestos is identified, a licensed abatement team develops a removal or management plan that meets regulatory standards.
Remove or Manage? Understanding Your Options
Not all asbestos must be removed immediately. In some cases, asbestos-containing materials that are intact and undisturbed can be safely managed in place.
Management options may include:
- Encapsulation
- Regular monitoring
- Restricting disturbance
However, removal is often required when:
- Renovations are planned
- Materials are deteriorating
- Water damage has occurred
- Tenants request interior modifications
- Mechanical systems are being upgraded
A professional assessment determines the safest and most cost-effective approach.
Commercial Buildings Most at Risk in Albuquerque
In the Albuquerque metro area and throughout New Mexico, asbestos is frequently found in:
- Schools built before 1985
- Medical offices
- Industrial warehouses
- Government facilities
- Shopping centers
- Apartment complexes
- Older office parks
If your building falls into one of these categories and was constructed before the mid-1980s, proactive testing is strongly recommended.
The Cost of Delaying Testing
Some property owners hesitate to schedule asbestos testing due to cost concerns.
However, proactive testing is significantly less expensive than:
- Emergency remediation
- Project shutdowns
- Legal disputes
- Tenant relocation expenses
- Regulatory penalties
- Reputation damage
Testing early protects your investment and prevents surprise costs later.
Why Choose Asbestos Experts in New Mexico
When managing commercial asbestos, experience and compliance knowledge are critical.
Asbestos Experts provides:
- Certified commercial inspections
- Licensed abatement services
- Full regulatory documentation
- Air monitoring and clearance testing
- Safe containment and disposal
- Service throughout Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, and surrounding communities
Our team is fully EPA-licensed, GS29-certified for asbestos abatement, and GB98-certified, ensuring we can safely handle large-scale structural projects with precision, safety, and full regulatory compliance.
We work directly with business owners, property managers, contractors, and developers to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient project execution.
Our team understands New Mexico regulations and helps keep commercial projects on schedule while minimizing disruption. Our license is #394861.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to test before remodeling a commercial property?
Yes. Federal and state regulations require inspection prior to renovation or demolition of commercial buildings.
How long does commercial asbestos testing take?
Most inspections and lab analysis are completed within a few days, depending on building size and sample quantity.
Can asbestos removal be scheduled around tenants?
Yes. Proper containment and scheduling strategies help minimize business disruption.
What happens if asbestos is found during a renovation?
Work may be stopped until proper abatement procedures are completed. This is why testing beforehand is critical.
Protect Your Business Before You Build
If your commercial building in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Santa Fe, or anywhere in New Mexico was built before 1985, asbestos may still be present.
Before you renovate, expand, or upgrade — schedule professional asbestos testing.
Protect your employees.
Protect your tenants.
Protect your timeline.
Protect your investment.
Contact Asbestos Experts today to schedule a commercial asbestos inspection and ensure your next project starts safely and stays compliant.