Asbestos Inspection: What Homebuyers Should Be Aware Of
Homebuyers should be aware of the risks associated with asbestos in older homes during inspection. Learn about the importance of an asbestos inspection and what to look for.
Asbestos Inspection: What Homebuyers Should Be Aware Of
Buying a new home can be an exciting experience. But before the purchase is complete, it's important to learn about potential health risks. One of the most common and important inspections that you should have done before making a decision is an asbestos inspection. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber that can be found in some building materials used in homes.
Exposure to asbestos fibers has been linked to serious illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. An asbestos inspection should tell you whether or not the house might have this harmful substance present and how to best mitigate it.
Why You Need an Asbestos Inspection
When buying an older home, particularly one built before the 1980s, it's advisable to have an asbestos inspection done. Asbestos was commonly used as insulation and as a fire retardant in homes built during this time period. Even if you're purchasing a newer home, asbestos can still be present, so it's important to inspect for any potential sources.
An asbestos inspection should be completed by a professional asbestos inspector. The inspector will take samples from the home and send them off to a laboratory for testing. Based on the results of the laboratory test, the inspector should provide a written report outlining the presence of asbestos and make recommendations for reducing health hazards.
Tips for Avoiding Asbestos Exposure
If asbestos is present in the home, it's essential that you take steps to reduce exposure. The best way to do this is by hiring a professional abatement company to properly remove it. This may be time consuming and expensive, but the long-term health benefits far outweigh the short-term costs.
If asbestos removal is not possible, you may be able to reduce the risk of exposure by repairing damaged materials and caulking or sealing any cracks or other openings. It's also important to keep the area clean and regularly inspect the affected materials for signs of deterioration.
Conclusion
When buying a home, it's essential that you thoroughly inspect for potential health risks. Conducting an asbestos inspection is one of the best ways to ensure that the home is safe and free of this harmful substance. Be sure to hire a qualified inspector and take any necessary steps to protect yourself and your family from the risks of asbestos exposure.