If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve heard of asbestos. And if you’ve found yourself reading this blog, chances are you’ve encountered asbestos in your home or while working on a construction project and you’ve made the smart decision to seek out professional assistance.
A naturally occurring mineral that was once used in a wide variety of building materials for its fire-resistant properties, asbestos was commonly used in insulation and other places where fire safety was a concern.
Today, however, asbestos is known to be a carcinogen, and its use is heavily regulated. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos, it’s important to have it tested by a qualified professional before making any decisions on how to proceed with removal or sealing.
How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
If your home was built before 1980, there’s a good chance that it contains asbestos. The only way to know for sure is to have your home inspected by a professional—they will take samples of materials from your home in various locations known to contain the mineral, and then test them for the presence of asbestos fibres. Once you have a credible result confirming the presence and location of the asbestos, you can decide what to do about it.
Where Is Asbestos Found in the Home?
Asbestos can be found in many different places in the home. Some of the most common places include:
– Insulation around pipes and ductwork
– Flooring
– Ceiling tiles
– Siding
– Roofing materials
– Joint compound
If my home has asbestos, what should I do?
If your home does contain asbestos, the best course of action is to consult a professional on how to best eradicate the exposure risks. This is not a job that you should attempt on your own, as you could unintentionally release asbestos fibers into the air. While the industry standard has relied heavily on the complete removal of any tainted materials, there is another option that negates any need for tearing down walls, scraping up tiles, or virtually any destruction of your home.
When done right, toxic asbestos fibres can be sealed in place!
Today, products like PerfectPrimer enables people to conveniently encapsulate and paint asbestos so that it no longer poses a threat. These products are inexpensive—immensely inexpensive compared to hiring a certified professional to remove asbestos, which is a delicate and complex process. When you choose to safely seal asbestos rather than digging it all out, you prevent any asbestos fibres from becoming airborne—if nothing is disturbed, you seal in the danger. This actually makes sealing a much safer option than removing tainted materials in the house’s structure, not to mention significantly less expensive!
If you think your home may contain asbestos, it’s important to have it tested by a qualified professional. Once you have the results, you can develop a plan of attack that works for your home, your loved ones, and your budget!
