Finding Asbestos in homes before the 1980s is a real risk for many homeowners. Although asbestos was once highly praised for its strength and heat resistance properties, it has since been banned from the construction industry due to the health risks associated with its presence. Once a ubiquitous material used throughout the building industry, keeping an eye out for Asbestos can be critical in maintaining safety and health in homes today. So, this blog post will discuss where to look for asbestos in the house or building and how to recognise it.
Where Can I Find Asbestos in Homes or Buildings?
If there is suspicion that a material contains asbestos fibres, one should take samples for testing. Finding asbestos in the home or building can be tricky; however, you can find it in many places in your home or building, including the following:
- Insulation around pipes
- ductwork
- acoustical plaster
- ceiling tiles
- roofs
- siding
- fireproofing material
- vinyl floor tiles
- sheet flooring
Furthermore, some adhesives used for floor tiles or other floor coverings may contain asbestos. Additionally, textured paint coatings on walls and ceilings may contain asbestos. It is important to note that asbestos is sometimes visible.
How to Check for Asbestos in Home
Asbestos-containing materials are generally safe when undisturbed since they do not release fibres into the air. However, when disturbed by renovating or other work activities such as sanding, drilling, cutting, or sawing, they can become hazardous by releasing microscopic fibres that people can inhale into the lungs. To find out for signs of asbestos in home, do the following:
1. Check the Building Records and History
If you can, look at the building records or talk to the past owners to find out if asbestos-containing materials were used in the building’s construction or renovation.
2. Hiring a Professional Inspector To Check Asbestos in Homes
If you want a whole-house inspection to determine whether the house with asbestos needs removal, hire a licensed inspector. Additionally, these experts have the knowledge and tools to identify products that contain asbestos correctly.
3. Professional Evaluation for The Building
After getting the test results, talk to a professional environmental expert or asbestos abatement contractor about understanding them. Furthermore, they can advise you on safely handling or getting rid of things that contain asbestos.
4. Contemplate Removal of Asbestos in Home
If you have a lot of asbestos-containing products in your home, you might need to get them removed or decreased by a professional. Similarly, licensed pros should only do this process to ensure safety and follow the rules.
5. Learn About Asbestos in Home
To keep yourself and your family safe, learn about the dangers of asbestos and how to handle it safely. Take action to control the asbestos in the house and to keep it a healthy and safe place to live.
To determine whether a material contains signs of asbestos in home or building without having to take samples for testing, look for certain characteristics such as texture (a sandy consistency), colour (white/gray/brown), age (was installed before 1980) and brand name (many products containing asbestos had “asbestos” printed on them). If doubts persist about asbestos content, seek testing by a qualified professional.
The Bottom Line
Asbestos detection in buildings is critical for health protection. It might be found in textured paints, insulating material, carpeting, ceiling tiles, roofing shingles, and pipe insulation. Safely identifying and handling asbestos-containing products requires regular inspections and the assistance of professionals.
Call the Experts for Asbestos in Homes
Whether renovating or demolishing a house with asbestos, you must hire an asbestos removal contractor. You can trust our Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage expert team to remove asbestos from your property safely. Based in Upper Swan, call us at 08 92278222 for a free quote on asbestos removal.
