Buying An Old Home? What You Need To Know About Asbestos
If you are planning to purchase an old home that you want to renovate, it is crucial that you keep the possibility of asbestos at the forefront of your decision-making process. Asbestos is a mineral fiber that can cause a number of health problems when it is inhaled. Be aware of the following before you move forward with the home purchasing process:
Asbestos Is Toxic
Asbestos is a toxic element that must be removed before anyone can live in the house. It is a very common cause of lung cancer. It can be a hazard to anyone who is working to renovate the house, particularly if proper precautions are not taken, such as wearing particular masks. If asbestos is inhaled, it can inflame the lungs or cause serious respiratory pain, as well as other uncomfortable and life-threatening complications.
Where Asbestos Is Most Commonly Found
Asbestos can be found in a variety of places in old houses. The locations of fire sources in a house, such as near fireplaces or stoves, are among the most common places to find the presence of asbestos. This is because it used to be a common precaution to place asbestos paper near fire sources. Asbestos can also be found in painted walls and roof shingles.
How To Detect Asbestos
The only safe way to detect asbestos is to hire a professional abatement company like Delfa Contracting LLC to inspect the house. The professionals have the training and specialized knowledge to find and remove asbestos from a house. Even if you are not sure if you have asbestos, it is advisable to locate an asbestos abatement professional in your area to look at the home to ensure asbestos is not present.
Testing Positive For Asbestos
If your house has been inspected and tested positive for asbestos, you will need to take action to have it removed immediately. If you are living in the house, plan to leave until it can be removed. If the levels are low, you may be able to stay in the home if you are able to cover and secure the affected areas to prevent exposure to yourself and your family. Ask the asbestos abatement inspector for their professional opinion about what you should do.
Finding asbestos in what may be your dream home can be very upsetting. You must take action to have it removed for the health of everyone living in the house. Before you even move in the home, it is best to have it inspected so you do not have to be concerned with leaving for a period of time. If the asbestos is found prior to the sale of the home, you may be able to negotiate the expense of removal with the party selling the home.
