Where is asbestos most commonly found in older homes?

Asbestos is most commonly found in pipe coverings in older homes due to its insulating properties and resistance to heat. This material was extensively used in the past for insulating pipes and ducts, especially in areas where fire resistance was a concern. The widespread use of asbestos for these purposes makes it a significant health risk in older buildings, where deteriorating or disturbed asbestos can release harmful fibers into the air.

The other options, while they may contain other materials, do not have the same historic prevalence of asbestos. Steel roofing typically does not contain asbestos, and modern wood furniture is made from various materials that do not include asbestos. Septic tanks are primarily made from concrete or plastic and are not associated with asbestos use. Thus, pipe coverings represent the most common presence of asbestos in older homes, underscoring the importance of awareness for renovation and maintenance activities in these structures.