3 Reasons Why You Should Get an Asbestos Inspection for Your Home

30 November 2018
 Categories: Construction & Contractors, Blog

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Materials containing asbestos were commonly used in construction prior to 1980. These materials were cheap and strong and had thermal insulation features, and that is why most people preferred using them. However, the production of these materials with asbestos was banned in the late 1980s. This is because it was discovered that there were health risks which were a result of being exposed to asbestos. If your home was constructed during the time asbestos was common, it means the material is still present. If you still use your home in the present time, it is important that you have an asbestos inspection done by a professional. Here's why.

Not Easy to Detect Asbestos

You cannot tell if there is the presence of asbestos in your property just by looking at it. Asbestos is found in walls, ceilings or roofs of your home. This is why it would be hard to detect its presence. If you suspect the presence of asbestos, getting a professional inspection is important. Professionals have the experience that is necessary for asbestos testing. They will take a sample of the product they want to test and have it tested in the laboratory so that they can tell if the product has asbestos content or not. If they detect the presence of asbestos, they will advise you how it should be removed.

You Want to Renovate

If you are planning to demolish your house and renovate it, it is important that you get an asbestos inspection to ensure the safety of your family and everyone around. If you demolish a building that has asbestos, it would mean that the material will be exposed to the environment. If you inhale the asbestos fibres, your health will be at risk. The fibres will penetrate deeply into your lungs, leading to lung inflammation and potentially causing lung cancer. Continuous exposure to asbestos may also lead to mesothelioma, which is a condition that also affects the lungs or abdomen. Symptoms of these diseases are detected only after many years, and by then the damage would be severe. That is why it is important that you have an asbestos inspection conducted before any demolition project begins.

Selling Your Property

If you are selling your property, showing an asbestos inspection certificate to the potential buyers is necessary. This would make your sale easier, especially if the home you want to sell is old and the buyers are aware of the risk of asbestos. An asbestos inspection may also identify other issues with your home. This way you can solve the issues before you sell the property.