The value of real estate across the country continues its incremental rise, almost on a weekly basis. This increase has led many to consider adding to their property through a home renovation. For those with older properties, there is often an added challenge to face when renovating: removing asbestos, the hazardous substance that can cause cancer.
When it comes to identifying and removing asbestos, you need to do it properly, or you risk harming yourself or others, and jeopardizing the sale of your home. Let’s examine why it’s important to consult a professional asbestos inspector.
You Cannot Identify Asbestos Alone
When renovating your home, you might find materials that contain asbestos, and you may not even realize the hazardous minerals are present. Asbestos was commonly used by homebuilders as recently as the 1990s, so it’s not uncommon to find asbestos within the following home areas:
- Insulation
- Roofing tiles
- Textured paints
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Hot water pipes
Even if your property has many materials coated with asbestos, the product will likely be invisible to the naked eye. This highlights the importance of hiring an asbestos expert.
Asbestos Testing Companies Can Assure Safety
Because of the toxicity of asbestos, you shouldn’t try to move or even touch any element of the home that might contain asbestos. By hiring an asbestos inspector before commencing the renovation project, you will remove the risk of being exposed to the substance.
The work of an asbestos inspector includes:
Assessing the Safety of Your Home
The specialist will visit your home to determine if there is asbestos, and will analyze how safe it is. Make sure the inspector provides a written evaluation if they suspect asbestos is present in the property.
Testing Samples
Once the specialist establishes the presence of asbestos, he or she will take a sample of the material for further testing. If the material tests positive for asbestos, you will be advised on the next course of action.
Recommending Removal Contractors
Once the analysis has been completed, the asbestos testing specialists will then recommend specific removal procedures, as well as provide advice on qualified contractors for the removal process. Removal must be completed carefully to reduce the chances of contamination.
Are You Concerned That Your Home Has Asbestos?
If you suspect that you house might have asbestos, you’re going to need professional help. Dealing with asbestos needs to be done properly, and there is no way to cut corners.
At Assurance Environmental Inspection Services, we have helped countless homeowners accurately identify whether they have asbestos, which in turn leads to asbestos removal recommendations. Our certified asbestos specialists will use state-of-the-art technology to properly detect and identify presumed asbestos containing material in your home, so you can confidently renovate and/or resell your home. Request a quote, and gain peace of mind (and a healthier home).
