Does My Home Contain Asbastos?

If you suspect your home contains asbestos, it is essential to conduct the proper tests. There are several steps homeowners should take when they believe there may be an issue with their property. This blog post will give you a list of things to check if you think your house might have asbestos in it.

1. Look for Warning Signs

If you suspect your home contains asbestos, it is essential to look for signs of the substance. Asbestos is typically grey or white and can be identified by its texture and ease of crumbling between your fingers. Before attempting any removal, check with your local government department that deals with health regulations. You may also want to check with your local fire department, as asbestos can pose a fire hazard.

2. Is The House Older Than 1960?

If you purchased your home before the mid-1980s, there is a good chance it contains asbestos. If you see any warning signs discussed above, contact an environmental inspector to do some testing.

3. Look for Thin, Rocky Fibers On Pipe Insulation and The Water Supply System

Asbestos was extensively used in the 20th century to insulate hot water pipes. If you see thin, rocky fibers making up your insulation or attached to your home’s piping system, there is a chance that your house contains asbestos.

4. Find Out What Materials Were Used in Your Home

Homeowners with older homes should investigate the history of their property. When was it built? What kind of heating system does it use? Do you know when asbestos became popular with builders and insulators ?” If you are unsure about your house’s origins or construction, contact a building inspector to learn more about its history.

5. Look for Paper or Cardboard Insulation Around the House’s Heating System

Asbestos was used as an insulating material in many homes built before the 1980s. If you have any of this kind of insulation, it may be laced with asbestos.

6. Get To Know Your House’s Heating System

If you have asbestos in your home, it is likely near the furnace or hot water tank, two of the most common locations for insulation at one time. Before taking out any insulation without knowing what it is, investigate your home’s heating system. Please talk with a heating contractor about whether or not the insulation will likely contain asbestos and what methods will be safest for its removal.

7. Get A Dry Sample of The Material

It isn’t easy to test whether or not your house contains asbestos just by looking at it. If you suspect that there may be asbestos in your heating system or any of your home’s insulation, get a sample of it to take to a professional. This will allow you and your team to start the testing process and determine what kind of hazard exists in your home.

Conclusion

A professional should test your home for fibers and other signs of asbestos before removing the substance. If you take down insulation at home without trying it first, you risk releasing asbestos into your home or yard, which can cause health issues such as lung cancer.