Are you looking at a house that was built before the 198s? If so, it’s possible the house was constructed with products containing asbestos. Not sure what asbestos is and if it’s safe to buy a house with it? Then read on to learn the answers!
What EXACTLY IS ASBESTOS?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. There are six types:
- chrysotile
- amosite
- crocidolite
- anthophyllite
- tremolite
- actinolite
all of which are composed of long thin fibrous crystals, each fiber being composed of many microscopic “fibrils” that can be released into the atmosphere by abrasion and other processes.
Does the House You Want to Buy Have asbestos?
The best way to protect yourself against asbestos contamination is to evaluate the extent of asbestos, its condition and come up with a plan to remove it.
To find out if there’s asbestos present in a house:
- inspect the home carefully, and during viewings lookout for the telltale signs of asbestos-containing materials
- ask your real estate agent about the presence of asbestos in the home you’re considering buying
- professional asbestos testing is a worthwhile investment before buying the home
If asbestos is present in the house you like, you don’t have to stop considering buying it.
How Can You Tell If There Is Asbestos in the Home You Consider Purchasing?
Asbestos can potentially be found throughout older homes. Common building materials that contain asbestos and potential locations of asbestos in homes include:
- insulation boards between wall partitions
- white tape on heating ducts
- insulation around boilers, ducts, pipes, wood stoves and fireplaces
- vermiculite insulation
- 9″x9″ floor tiles
- acoustic ceiling tiles
- cement products like sidings, gutters, and rainwater pipes
- popcorn ceiling texture
- glues used under flooring
REMOVING ASBESTOS IN YOUR NEWLY PURCHASED HOME
If the home you’re purchasing has asbestos present, you can still buy the home as long as you take one of these two safety precautions:
- Encapsulate the asbestos – this process makes existing sources of asbestos safer by treating them with a sealant that forms a protective layer between the material and indoor environment
- Remove the asbestos– this process is the safest, long-term option by hiring professionals to safely and completely remove the asbestos
When you work with the team at C&C Unlimited, you’ll get the high-level skills of a specialized contractor who knows how to deal with lead paint. If you’re buying an older home with lead-based paint, we have the experience and workforce to handle the job! Reach out to us for a complimentary quote!