Asbestos is one homeowner concern that should never be brushed under the rug. The substance is threat to human health and known to increase the risk of lung disease, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Asbestos detection is tricky but necessary, especially if you have an older home and are considering home renovations.
The Year Your Home Was Built
Asbestos was a popular home construction material from the 1940s through the 1970s. It was a cost effective way to protect a home against fires and provide heat and sound insulation. As of 1980, most homes were constructed without asbestos. The federal government passed a series of laws that regulated the use of asbestos, certification of asbestos inspectors and removal contractors and procedures for handling and disposing of asbestos.
Visual Inspection Isn’t Enough
A simple visual inspection cannot provide accurate asbestos detection, especially if modifications were made to your home. Asbestos is commonly found in wall and ceiling insulation, vinyl flooring, roof shingles, pipe and duct insulation and even outdoor siding. You can probably assume that there’s asbestos in your home if your home was built prior to 1980 with common asbestos-containing materials; however, it is best to verify with laboratory tests.
Hire a Professional Inspector and Removal Contractor
Asbestos detection is best performed by a professional inspector who can also determine whether or not the asbestos needs to be removed. The inspector performs a detailed visual analysis and collects samples for laboratory testing. If the tests yield positive results, the inspector provides a report of the findings and removal recommendations.
Asbestos removal contractors, like ourselves at New York Asbestos Removal, are trained and certified to create a safe work environment and remove, handle and dispose of the asbestos according to safety and environmental regulations. It is not wise to attempt to remove asbestos yourself unless you undergo government-approved training. Make life easier on yourself and protect your family from harm by hiring an asbestos detection professional. To get started click here for a free quote from our team.