Asbestos is a natural mineral that was earlier used in construction activities due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating nature. It is now accepted as a major health risk if it is tampered with or moved around, as this results in the release of dangerous asbestos fibers. When inhaled, it leads to respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma, lung diseases due to fibers. Here are the key signs that your home may need asbestos testing and removal:
Damaged Materials
In the situation where the asbestos-containing materials are remained in their original condition, they do not pose a threat. However, when these materials begin to wear out, fibers containing asbestos are released into the environment. Common signs of deterioration include:
- Crumbling drywall or plaster
- Peeling paint
- Cracks or breaks in ceiling or floor tiles
- Broken or damaged insulation
Actually, if there are any of the mentioned problems to be identified, then it is high time for asbestos testing. These damaged materials contain fibers that are likely to disintegrate and spread into your living space, thereby affecting your health.
Presence of Old Insulation
Some of the common asbestos products included those used in the manufacturing of the insulation products, such as pipe insulation, attic insulation, and spray-on insulation. One type of insulation that may contain asbestos is the vermiculite insulation that existed in most homes of the past, and is often found in the attics. Old and outdated insulation, insulation that was installed probably decades ago, could benefit from an asbestos inspector.
Planned Renovation or Demolition
In case you have some plans to renovate some parts of your house or even to demolish the whole or a part of your house, asbestos testing is very essential before you embark on the exercise. In renovations, especially when walls are demolished, floors are removed, or places that have insulation that is chopped are likely to let fibers in asbestos material fly around. In fact, a number of local ordinances that exist demand testing of asbestos in before demolition can commence. Through home inspection and elimination of asbestos before renovations, you will avoid putting your lives, workers, or families at risk of the dangerous fibers.
Older Roofing and Flooring Materials
Older vinyl floor tiles or sheet flooring may harbor asbestos fiber, especially where the tiles or sheet is brittle, cracked, or curling. Shingles used as the roofing material may also become worn out and brittle over the years, hence becoming a source of asbestos. One can call a certified asbestos professional to do an inspection and determine whether or not removal is needed.
Older Cement Products
Many construction materials, like cement sheets, pipes, among others, that were used in the construction of older homes contained asbestos because of its ability to strengthen the cement and also for its fire and weather resistance. But such materials can degrade, break, or turn brittle in the course of time. As a result, there are situations in which cement containing such asbestos fibers can be released to the air. If your home contains any of the older cement products or other cement products that have been used in the building of your home, especially those that have been in contact with the outside weather conditions, it is important that you perform an asbestos test on the products.
History of Water or Fire Damage
Materials containing asbestos, such as the insulation, are most dangerous when water or fire has affected them, as they are likely to release asbestos fibers. For instance, if you have ever had a flood, a leaking roof, or a fire disaster in your home, it is important to call an asbestos inspection, especially in areas such as the basement, the attic, or walls, which are most likely to contain ACMs. Asbestos gets damaged when there is water or fire, and this damage can result in making asbestos friable, which means that it will crumble and release asbestos fibers into the surrounding air.
If one recognizes any of the above signs, then he or she should not interfere with any materials that have asbestos in them. The only conservative method is to somehow contract a licensed asbestos inspector to have a look at your home and decide whether or not it requires testing and removal. The only way to ensure that your house is free from asbestos risks is to hire professional asbestos removal (abatement). It is not recommended to try to get rid of asbestos on your own since that can be downright deadly.
Asbestos fibers are dangerous when inhaled, and this requires a professional to strictly observe high levels of safety when stripping the material. Lastly, professionals conduct one last test to confirm that the existing air quality of your home has improved.
Final thoughts
Asbestos inspection and its removal is important for home improvement because many houses have asbestos, and if your house was constructed before the 1980s or if it has suffered from deterioration, there could be asbestos trace. Minimizing the exposure of oneself and/or the family to asbestos is possible but has to be done early enough. In case you have any idea that you have asbestos, call a demolition company in San Francisco for an examination and, if needed, dismantling and disposal. When you address these risks when they are small, it will be possible to increase the lifespan of the home so that your family will live in a healthy environment throughout their lives.