How do I know If There Is Asbestos In My Home?

Asbestos is a dangerous mineral fiber that can only be positively identified through a microscope specifically designed for asbestos identification. Asbestos can be found in the home in numerous locations and if your home dates prior to 1990 it is strongly recommended that you get an asbestos evaluation done.

Prolong exposure to asbestos can cause Lung Cancer, Mesothelioma, and Asbestosis. It takes many years for the symptoms of asbestos effected diseases to show up in those who have been in excessive contact with asbestos. Almost everyone has had some level of contact with asbestos, and in small amounts and not on a regular daily basis will have no ill effects from the exposure. However, increased exposure increases one's risk to often-fatal diseases.

Asbestos is present in places you'd never believe

Asbestos can be found in the insulation materials used for steam pipes, broilers, and furnace ducts, the backing used in resilient floor tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, and the adhesives to lay the floors. Cement sheeting, millboard, and paper insulating materials can also contain asbestos. Soundproofing and decorative materials used for giving swirled and other aesthetic effects on ceilings and walls can also contain asbestos along with patching and joint compounds and textured paints.

Cement tiled roofing, certain shingles, and siding as well contain dangerous levels of asbestos and should be replaced. Trained professionals should only do removal of asbestos from a home. There are proper disposal measures that must be met that only a professional is trained in dealing with. By improperly trying to remove asbestos from your home, it can result in health risks to you and your family.

A Professional Home Inspection to offer peace of mind

By hiring a professional asbestos contractor, you can receive a home inspection to see if asbestos is a problem in your home and if so at what level. Some contractors are all exclusive, meaning they will not only do an inspection of your property but also take the corrective actions needed if it is repair or removal. If there is a specific area of concern a homeowner has, such as the roof, it is cost effective to hire a roofing contractor that also specializes in asbestos inspection and removal.

The only real way to know if there is a presence of asbestos in your home is to have an inspection done, and if your home was built prior to 1990 it is a wise choice for you and your family’s health. For more information on asbestos roof removal consult your local government agency or visit www.mtr.net.au.