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ResidentialAugust 12, 2026

Asbestos in New Orleans Shotgun Homes: What Pre-1980 Owners Should Know

The beloved shotgun home is a New Orleans icon — and a common host for asbestos-containing materials. Here's what to look for before you renovate.

Asbestos in New Orleans Shotgun Homes: What Pre-1980 Owners Should Know

Why shotgun homes deserve special attention

New Orleans shotgun homes built before 1980 almost always contain some asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The good news: intact asbestos is not an immediate danger. The risk comes from disturbance.

Common ACM locations

  • Floor tiles and the mastic beneath them
  • Popcorn ceilings and textured coatings
  • Pipe insulation on older hot-water lines
  • Roofing felt and sealants

Before you renovate

A pre-renovation survey is not just a regulatory formality — it's the only way to know what you're cutting into. We sample representative materials and return a clear, location-specific report.

Intact asbestos is manageable. Disturbed asbestos is a hazard. The difference is information.

If your renovation will touch flooring, ceilings, or plumbing in a pre-1980 home, schedule an inspection first.

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