Reasons to Arrange an Asbestos Inspection and General Information
If your house hasn't been checked for asbestos, you might want to book an inspection to discover if this substance exists on the property. Here are several reasons to do so, plus some general information about asbestos.
Safety
It's a good idea to arrange an asbestos check for peace of mind, so you know that there are no hazardous items stored in the shed or garden that may have been sitting there for years. After all, asbestos was commonplace in construction before the 1980s and 1990s, when its dangers weren't known. An inspection can provide a clean bill of health, saying no asbestos exists or that it's safely contained within the building and doesn't pose a threat.
Renovating
If you plan to renovate a house built before 1990, an inspection is wise. Asbestos can be found in innocent places where you might not expect it, such as in the glue that binds old vinyl floors. It was also used in carpet underlay, so it can be dangerous to rip up old flooring and renovate it without getting an asbestos inspection. If asbestos is discovered and an expert advises that it needs to be removed, they will use protective gear and follow stringent protocols to leave your house free of contamination.
Buying or Selling a House
Another reason you might want to book an asbestos inspection is when buying or selling a house. A check will let you know where asbestos may be found in a home you are considering buying. You can then factor in the removal cost or negotiate for a better sale price.
An inspection is also helpful when selling a house, as it gives buyers certainty. If no asbestos is found, you can use this fact as a selling point. If the inspection reveals its presence, the buyers will at least be sure of the situation and can plan for asbestos removal if necessary.
Non-friable and Friable Forms of Asbestos
Having some background knowledge of asbestos is useful, though you should always follow expert advice. Asbestos can be found in a home in non-friable and friable forms. Non-friable asbestos is bonded within a material such as cement sheets, and this means that asbestos fibres are less likely to be floating freely in the air. These loose fibres pose the greatest threat as they can be inhaled.
Sometimes products that contain non-friable asbestos are left undisturbed if they're in good condition. However, cutting into these products can release the fibres, which is something to keep in mind.
Another form of asbestos comes in a friable form, which means it's loose and can be crushed by hand, thus making it dangerous. This kind of asbestos product was used in the past for lagging or insulation around pipes, for example.
For more information, contact an asbestos removal service near you.