Asbestos is naturally occurring mineral fibers known for their fire-retardant and insulating properties. Companies used asbestos in most construction jobs before 1980. If you are remodeling or selling a house that was built before 1980, there is a high risk of being exposed to harmful asbestos.
How to Identify Asbestos
Take a look around the house. Pay careful attention to the ceilings, flooring, and insulation. Again, if the home was built before 1980, watch for
- Popcorn Ceilings
- 9 x 9 Floor Tiles
- Linoleum or Sheet Vinyl
- Exposed Insulation in Attic or Crawl-space
If your ceilings are popcorn style built before 1980, then it has asbestos. 9 by 9 floor tiles almost certainly have asbestos. Also, if you have linoleum flooring in your kitchen or bathroom, contractors coated their underside with asbestos in homes built before 1980 and should be inspected before the flooring is removed. In your crawlspace or in your attic, there may be pieces of old insulation scattered around the floor or peeling from the pipes. If you are unsure, it is best to ask a professional. Our [new smartphone app] allows you to take a picture of the suspected substance and send it directly to us for our opinion!
When Can Asbestos be a Problem?
If you are in a house with delaminated, damaged and exposed, asbestos, you are at risk for
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
Even if the symptoms are not immediate, these diseases can manifest 20 to 30 years after exposure to asbestos. It is best to have regular check-ups with your physician to catch these early. It is best to have the house inspected than live with this threat.
Asbestos Removal
Give us a call today and we will be happy to inspect and remediate the asbestos in your home.