You saved money for a down payment for your new home. You met with a real estate agent, looked at dozens of properties, and finally got
approved for a mortgage. You are finally a homeowner. Congratulations!
Now comes the hard part… turning your house into a home.
You want your home to be a reflection of yourself. You want to make it look beautiful and comfortable. After all, it is your safe haven. We know you’re excited to start with the renovation. But before you start knocking down the walls and removing the tile flooring, you might want to consider testing for asbestos.
Is there asbestos in your home?
For so many years, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry in the 60s and 70s. It was cheap, durable, and heat-resistant. In fact, many building materials and insulation materials contained asbestos.
It wasn’t until the 70s when the public recognized the health hazards of asbestos. As a result, the use of asbestos as a building material has been banned in over 50 countries around the world.
But the truth is, it has not been completely banned in the U.S. Only spray-applied asbestos, as well as flooring, felt specialty paper, corrugated paper, and a few other products were banned in the U.S.
Despite countless attempts, asbestos hasn’t been completely removed from all building materials. This toxic substance can still be found in roofing products, automotive brake pads, fireproof clothing, and other household products. Asbestos could be a problem in your house if it was built before 1970. But since asbestos has never been fully banned in the U.S, it is best to test for asbestos before any renovation projects.
When is asbestos dangerous?
It’s no secret that asbestos causes health problems. Exposure to this harmful substance can cause serious health conditions such as lung cancer, asbestosis,
mesothelioma, and other cancers.
It is normal to be worried if you find out there’s asbestos in your home. But you also need to know that asbestos doesn’t always pose a threat to your health. It only becomes hazardous when an asbestos-containing material gets damaged.
When asbestos materials are damaged, they turn into dust. These tiny fibers can be inhaled or ingested when released into the air. Once they’re trapped in the body, they cannot be removed or broken down.
People who are exposed to asbestos for an extended period of time are more likely to develop health problems.
What to do if you suspect asbestos?
As mentioned above, asbestos poses minimal risk unless it is damaged. If you are renovating an older home, start by doing a visual inspection of different areas of your home. Check to see if the flooring, insulation, ceiling, hot water pipes are in good condition.
If it looks like they’re in good shape, please leave it alone. Do not damage or disturb the materials. If you do, asbestos fibers will be released into the air. Remember, the more asbestos enters your body, the more likely you are to develop health problems. It can be impossible to determine the presence of asbestos through visual inspection.
So what should you do next? Hire a professional for asbestos testing. They’ll inspect your home and identify areas where asbestos could be present. Then, they’ll collect samples and test different materials for asbestos.
You may not think it’s necessary, but it will ensure the safety of everyone around you, including your family and neighbors.
Final thoughts
Asbestos fibers can cause serious health problems when inhaled or ingested. If you’re in doubt, hire a licensed professional for asbestos testing before you start with the renovation process. This is especially important if you’re renovating a house that was built before the 1970s.
Don’t take a risk with asbestos. If you have a reason to believe there may be asbestos in your home, please call us at 303-995-7015 , so you can learn more about our asbestos testing services. We offer free consultations and quotes.
