Buying A Home? What To Know About Asbestos

Have you found an older home that you want to purchase, but are a bit worried that it has asbestos in it? If so, it's important to know when to be worried about it and what you can do to test for asbestos.

Know When To Look For Asbestos

One thing to keep in mind if you have concerns about asbestos is that asbestos has been banned for quite some time. If the home you are purchasing was built after 1978, then it was constructed after the asbestos ban was in effect, so the chances of finding it in the home are extremely slim. However, those older homes made before 1978 could have used asbestos in them, since it was used often as an insulator. Keeping this year in mind will prevent you from being unnecessarily worried about asbestos. 

Know When Asbestos Is Dangerous

Having asbestos in your home does not necessarily pose an immediate health risk. As long as the asbestos insulation remains intact, then there is nothing really to be worried about. It is only a concern if you are trying to remove the asbestos and it becomes disrupted since the dust can easily be breathed in once it is in the air. For example, if there were asbestos floor tiles in the basement and new flooring was laid on top of it, then you know that the asbestos isn't going anywhere. If you do not disturb it, then everything will be fine.

Know How To Test For Asbestos

If you still have concerns about asbestos, know that you can bring in a specialist to come into your home and test questionable material for asbestos. Sometimes a professional will be able to identify insulation material immediately just from the look of it. However, there is an actual testing procedure that is used to ensure that the material in the home is asbestos. 

The process involves sealing off the area with the questionable material and then turning off the HVAC system. The professional will wear safety equipment and spray down any questionable material to make it soft, which will minimize the dust created when testing so that it is not in the air. Part of the questionable material will be collected in a bag so that it can be taken off-site to be tested. You'll soon receive results that let you know if the home has asbestos in it or if the sample material is free and clear or any asbestos. 

For more information about conducting an asbestos inspection, contact a local professional.