Buying a home is a huge investment. You need to pay for appraisals, surveys, inspections, etc. It can be an exciting but difficult experience. How about asbestos? In most real estate deals, this is not a requirement. A typical home inspection only assesses the home structure, wall conditions, plumbing, HVAC systems, and other property components. Home inspectors are not trained and licensed asbestos inspectors.
What are the chances that the home has asbestos? Asbestos was a common component of building materials in the last century, especially before the 1990s. It was previously used in many building components due to its strength, fire and water resistance, and insulating properties. Common suspects include vinyl flooring, pipe insulation, drywall joint compound, roofing products, and cement siding.
Modern building materials have asbestos fibers, like roofing tars, brakes, and more. It is considered so beneficial that it can be found in many industrial applications like walls, roofs, insulation, pipes, flooring underlay or backings, fabrics, fillers and sealants, and air conditioners. These fibers are firmly encased in the tiles, for example, and will present no hazard to you unless disturbed.
When these materials that contain asbestos are disturbed, they release the fibers into the air. This presents a real hazard when the fibers are breathed in, which may lead to fatal illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
If you are buying a home and you plan to renovate it, then you can hire an asbestos abatement company to know whether the home you are planning to buy has asbestos in it. You mustn’t try and attempt to identify asbestos yourself. You need to get it done by a professional licensed asbestos consultant who has the qualifications, experience, and equipment.
What are the signs that the home might have asbestos?
- The home was built in the 1980s.
- The home contains vermiculite insulation.
- The home had vinyl flooring or millboard installed between 1952 and 1982.
- The home has corrugated roofing.
- Walls and other areas are constructed from cement sheets.
- The home contains an older cement water tank.
An asbestos abatement company will identify the likelihood of asbestos-containing material in your property and take product samples for testing. The testing is done in a NATA-accredited laboratory. A visual inspection itself cannot confirm asbestos’s presence.
Reasons to consider an asbestos inspection:
- You are planning to renovate.
- Materials have deteriorated.
- For your peace of mind.
You don’t need to cancel buying a home if you find out that it contains asbestos. It can be removed safely by professionals. Get an estimate from an asbestos abatement company, then decide if you want to push through with the home purchase. You can even negotiate this additional expense into your purchase agreement with the home seller.
Asbestos inspection will save you time, headache, and money. CVE’s inspection team is committed to conducting a professional assessment of your home. Their inspectors are ready to answer your questions and will help you deal with any asbestos if discovered.
Call CVE. They are experts in asbestos removal. They will keep you safe and compliant with all required regulations. Click here to schedule an inspection.
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