When thinking about home renovations, there is always a sense of excitement, anticipation, and enjoyment in planning everything to turn out perfectly. But in some instances, such as an old house remodel, that perfect result can end up being thwarted by dangers lurking behind your walls.
Asbestos danger in old home renovations is a very troubling subject if it is disturbed.
Why Asbestos?
While 1990 doesn’t seem like all that long ago to most of us, asbestos was commonly used up to that time in home construction. It was cheap, easy to source, and was resistant to heat and fire. That combination made it especially desirable in many products used on construction projects.
But just because you have asbestos in your home, doesn’t in and of itself make it a danger. It’s the act of disturbing the material and breaking it down during the demolition and construction phase of the renovation that can break pieces of the substance apart and allow its fibres into the air. When breathed in, that’s a serious health concern that we talk to customers about frequently when dealing with Red Deer asbestos removal.
The Rising Trend in DIY Home Renovations
With popular television shows that show you how to do a home renovation on your own and those that provide ideas for renovating that might inspire you to take action, you can always find something to watch about home remodeling. Plus, there are countless videos online that offer all kinds of advice, ideas, solutions, and instructions to make it happen in your home. But before you do, think about what you may be running into.
There is a right way and a wrong way to proceed with home renovations, particularly where there is a possibility for asbestos exposure.
Where You Might Find Asbestos
According to the experts, asbestos was used in all kinds of ways during pre-1990 home construction. These include:
- Pipe insulation
- Vinyl tile
- Linoleum
- Wiring
- Textured ceilings
- Spray insulation
- And more
You may not see it in your older home, and in fact, that should be the case, but that doesn’t mean it can’t cause you harm if it’s disturbed enough to be let loose into the air. So planning must be a priority before taking any action.
What’s So Dangerous About Asbestos?
You can live with asbestos in your home for years and not even realize it. You can touch asbestos in its solid form and it’s not a problem. But when broken down into dust particles that float through the air, asbestos danger in old home renovations becomes a serious concern.
Breathing in asbestos particles can cause scarring on the lungs and even mesothelioma, a deadly lung cancer for which there is no cure.
How to Avoid Asbestos Exposure During a Home Renovation
The main thing to do before any demolition takes place is to plan and consult with an expert who can test the home for asbestos. If your home is found to have asbestos, hire a specialized professional who knows how to deal with it safely. That means working your plans around it or removing it entirely.