We bought our house knowing it needed a fair bit of work, but we could never have guessed how complicated the job would get in the end. It turns out not only do we have asbestos in the walls, but also, at some point, the previous owners had some asbestos insulation put in the roof. There are a lot more precautions that we need to make as result but, I'll feel a lot better knowing we aren't cooking and eating our meals near asbestos. Our remodeling contractor has been great and has stepped us through the whole process. Join us on our remodeling journey!
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Asbestos was used in construction for most of the 20th century, and many Australian homes still contain this fireproof material. As a rule of thumb, the Department of Health explains that homes built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos. Unfortunately, asbestos fibres can have significant health consequences, meaning asbestos removal is sometimes necessary. This brief guide explains four situations in which safe, professional asbestos removal might be the best option.
The Asbestos Is Damaged or Crumbling
Asbestos becomes dangerous when loose fibres are released into the air, meaning that asbestos in good condition is generally not worth removing. However, if your asbestos is damaged, it might be safest to have it carefully removed. If your asbestos has become damaged by building work or is visibly crumbling or deteriorating, you should call an asbestos specialist and have them evaluate your home.
The Asbestos Is in a High-traffic Area of Your Home
Whether you need to have asbestos removed sometimes depends on which area of your home it's in. For example, if there is asbestos in an attic that you never use, it might be more dangerous to your health to remove the asbestos. However, if you have a bathroom ceiling that contains asbestos, or the cladding of your living room walls is made with asbestos products, removal may be the easier option. This is because there's more risk of it getting damaged and releasing fibres during the course of everyday life.
The Asbestos Is Exposed to the Elements
If the asbestos in your home is exposed to the elements, then it is more likely to end up becoming damaged. This is especially true for houses where the roof contains asbestos, as wind or rain could easily lead to the asbestos being damaged over time. However, eaves, fencing, flue pipes, shingles, and siding can also contain asbestos, so it might be sensible to have a professional look at them and decide whether removal is wise.
You're Planning a House Renovation
If you're planning large renovations on your home, it's a good idea to get your asbestos evaluated beforehand. Renovations are the most common way that asbestos gets damaged and disturbed, putting your family's health at risk. This is especially true if you know the room or feature you're renovating definitely contains asbestos. A professional inspection and removal will give you peace of mind before your renovation begins.
If you're worried about the condition of the asbestos in your home or are planning renovations, you should contact an asbestos expert for a full inspection and, if necessary, safe removal. Remember that you should never try to remove asbestos from a home by yourself, as this could put your health at risk.
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