In the process of buying or selling a home, a crucial step often involves home inspections. One of the essential inspections undertaken is the home asbestos check. Revealing hidden flaws and features can sway decisions and prices significantly. Let dive deeper into understanding what an asbestos check during home inspection entails.

Identifying the Asbestos

The presence of asbestos inside buildings that have existed since the mid-20th century is almost inevitable. It was used in various building materials due to its excellent insulation, sound-absorption, and durability properties. However, if this substance becomes airborne or disintegrated somehow, it poses health hazards.

The Dangerous Nature of Asbestos

Asbestos is not harmful unless it is disturbed or damaged, which then allows its fibers to become airborne. When inhaled, these tiny microscopic fibers accumulate in the lungs causing scarring and inflammation. Extended exposure can lead to severe health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Why You Need an Asbestos Check

A simple visual examination cannot ascertain whether or not asbestos-containing materials are present in a building, hence necessitating an asbestos check during a home inspection. This procedure ensures you avoid potential health hazards and costly future removal if not taken care of at an early stage.

Finding Asbestos Inside Homes

Common areas where asbestos is typically found inside homes include sidings, flooring tiles, insulation around heating pipes and ducts, furnace insulations, plaster walls & ceilings among others. It crucial to avoid disturbing these areas until proper assessment by professionals has been done.

The Process of Asbestos Inspection

The inspection process usually begins with an area-by-area visual examination of the home. It is then followed by collecting samples of suspected asbestos materials which are then sent to an accredited laboratory for testing. The analysis helps in determining whether or not asbestos fibers are present.

Asbestos Testing Results

If the testing results indicate the presence of asbestos, immediate expert intervention is needed. The condition of the material determines the course of action. Materials that are slightly damaged may need repairs, while extensively impaired ones often necessitate complete removal.

Professional Asbestos Remediation

The remediation process should only be carried out by trained professionals. This ensures safe handling and removal of harmful carcinogen substances. The usual methods employed include encapsulation, enclosure, repair, or total removal.

Critical Role of Asbestos Inspectors

Asbestos inspectors play a essential role in identifying and advising on best practices if asbestos is discovered within your home. Hiring a certified inspector guarantees you accurate results from their testing and inspection routine which gives you total peace of mind.

The Cost Factor

The cost associated with carrying out an asbestos inspection and subsequent actions can significantly vary depending on several key factors like the size of your home, location where it is found among others. However, overlooking this procedure can result in even more expensive health costs.

What If You Choose to Sell?

If you choose to sell a house where asbestos has been identified, it would be prudent to disclose this fact to potential buyers as it can pose severe health risks if not properly handled. Failure to report could lead to legal suits that carry heavy penalties.

Final Thoughts

Getting a thorough home inspection including an asbestos check is an absolute must when acquiring property built before the 1980s due to prevalent use of asbestos during that period. Understandably, the whole process might seem intimidating, but the peace of mind and safety precaution it brings is absolutely worth it.