The word asbestos can be scary for many people. If you’re in the market to buy a home or maybe doing some remodeling, you might want learn more information on what asbestos is, how you can spot it, and most importantly how to treat it. Check out the rest of this article to learn more on how you can tell if your house has asbestos.
How To Tell If Your House Has Asbestos
Generally asbestos is not identifiable by the naked eye. It’s a mixture of natural fibrous minerals that’s odorless and colorless. However, there are signs that your home could be at risk for asbestos. Homes built prior to 1980 are at a larger risk of having asbestos contaminated products. This was before there was a ban on the material.
Some construction materials used that could potentially be hazardous due to asbestos contamination include:
- Old floor tiles or laminate
- Roof shingles
- Pipe cement
- Insulation
- Heat and water piping
The only way to be sure if your home is contains asbestos is to have professional testing done on suspected areas in your home.
Asbestos Removal: Is It A DIY Project?
When going through any kind of real estate transaction most people have a budget. If you’re a handy person it’s a smart idea to do some home projects yourself, especially if you’re trying to cut back on costs. However, asbestos removal is very different then painting your walls, or putting in new lighting fixtures.
When asbestos is disturbed and the fibers get into the air, breathing them in can be extremely hazardous to your health. If you suspect your home has asbestos, it’s best to seek professional help and have the area properly tested before doing any attempted removal, cleaning, or construction yourself.
What To Do If Your House Has Asbestos
If your home does test for asbestos it’s best to have a certified company come in and do the necessary asbestos removal. The process of removal will be determined by what kind of asbestos and where in the home it’s located. In some cases, if the materials containing asbestos are in good condition and fibers can not be released it’s best to leave them alone and not disrupt them, but the areas should be monitored for any future deterioration. After the removal is completed, air quality testing should be done to ensure that the asbestos was properly treated and the homeowners are no longer at risk.
Calling A Professional
Whether your home needs a temporary solution or a complete asbestos removal, it’s important that you call a professional to come to your home and properly do the testing and give the pending results. Most home repair companies are not certified to do asbestos removal. Do you research or ask for a referral to a professional who will help keep you and your home safe.
Still Have Questions About Asbestos?
If you still have questions about asbestos testing , take a look at our FAQ page for more information. If you still can’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to contact us online or give us a call at (908) 206-0073 and one of our friendly team members would be happy to help you.