Renovating Your Home or Business? Be Careful of Asbestos in Older Structures!

Here is a fact that many home and business owners may not know: over 35 million residences and commercial buildings in our country are laden with asbestos-containing products, including attic and piping insulation, floor and ceiling tiles, and roofing tiles. If you are thinking about renovating your structure, it is crucial that you take the necessary first steps before beginning any renovations. Exposure to asbestos has been linked to the development of a number of asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis and the deadly cancer mesothelioma.

First, it is advisable to hire a home inspector to survey the structure so that there are no “surprises” during construction. Too often building owners receive a phone call from their contractor halfway through the renovations informing them that asbestos has been discovered in the structure – and at that point, renovations stop and an asbestos abatement plan must be put into place before the project can move forward, costing additional money and pushing back project deadlines significantly. A home inspector can point out any issues, including structural concerns and the presence of asbestos before renovations begin, allowing home and building owners the opportunity to properly handle any issues and ultimately protect their investment.

If asbestos is located within a home or commercial building, the appropriate next step is to hire a licensed asbestos abatement company to safely handle the removal and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. It is unwise to tackle a do-it-yourself asbestos abatement project, as it can potentially expose you and others to harmful asbestos. An abatement company will handle all aspects of removal and disposal, including alerting local environmental authorities and obtaining the necessary permits. Once asbestos materials are removed, renovations can begin.

If you own a home or commercial building and are considering renovations, it is a perfect opportunity to remove potentially toxic materials (such as asbestos insulation and ceiling tiles) and consider installing more earth-friendly construction products. For example, after removing aging asbestos-containing attic insulation, consider installing foam insulation, a great “green” alternative.

For further information regarding residential and occupational asbestos exposure, please visit Mesothelioma.com.