Why you should have an asbestos test before renovating your home
A lot of things end up in conversations when it comes to renovating your home. And talks can start from costs and expenses to elements that affect a house like rust and weathering. Asbestos is one of those things. Read on to learn more about this intriguing material, why you must be wary of it, and why you should test your house for its presence first if you have renovation plans.
A Short Introduction To Asbestos
Asbestos is an ideal compound for constructing building complexes and residential homes. It is resistant to heat, can form well with other materials to improve durability, and acts as a suitable electrical insulator. The seventies and the eighties used the material a lot for constructing purposes. And some companies manufactured various products that contained asbestos. It is now illegal to mine and use due to the many health hazards it possesses. Individuals exposed to asbestos may suffer from lung conditions, lung cancer, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other diseases.
Where Can You Find It?
A residential home may contain asbestos, so it is paramount that you know where to locate it on your property. Below are some locations where asbestos may be present.
- Ceiling tiles
- Roof shingles
- Popcorn ceilings
- Old furnaces
- Boilers
- Piping systems
- Old floor tiles
- Insulation
- Fireplaces
- Pipe cement
- Textured paint
Why Have An Asbestos Test Before Renovating?
If your house is a product of the seventies or the eighties, then there is a chance that asbestos is present. You must consider a test because asbestos is highly toxic, and it can cause a lot of dangerous conditions for you or your loved ones. Exposure happens if you disturb or damage a surface that contains the material. Asbestos has fibrous compounds that can get into the air and enter a person’s lungs. You can do asbestos testing at your home without any professional assistance. There are many items, such as asbestos test kits and equipment available online to aid you with the task. But we do not recommend this at all. It is dangerous, and performing it without proper gear and training can result in unforeseen consequences. Other states even consider the act to be illegal. So you better check out with the specific authorities before taking such an action. So it may be best to get a quote from a professional in your local area instead. They can do the job for you while you wait and handle other things from a safe distance. They will manage things efficiently and give you a detailed report each day. You cannot argue with the results they deliver, even if you have to pay a lot more cash for their services. Better their costs than outrageous hospital bills, don’t you think so?
A Final Thought
Testing your home for asbestos is paramount. You can go ahead with your renovation once the testing is over without worrying about getting exposed to asbestos. You can find out more about testing and other related matters online.
