Asbestos Prevention Tips & Healthy Alternatives for Homeowners – from Asbestoes.com

Found in millions of homes throughout the 20^th century, asbestos materials can still be a problem for homeowners in a variety of scenarios. Typically found as a form of insulation, piping, roofing and flooring, many older homes built before 1980 may still contain asbestos.

It can appear in dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, electrical wires and roof shingles. Asbestos is still regarded as a hazardous building material.  By taking a few precautions, you can prevent asbestos exposure in your home.

Some homes require inspections or renovations especially the ones that live near potential natural disaster areas.  Many real estate agents are taking an active role to make sure potential home buyers obtain all the information they needs before purchasing a house.

Asbestos Tips

From the 1920’s to the 1960’s, asbestos was the insulation used due to its heat resistance and durable properties.  Other materials such as adhesives or glues used in flooring materials contained asbestos as well.  One tell is black or dark asphalt floor ties.

The best thing to do when discovering any asbestos or hazardous building materials is to leave it alone.  Disturbing it could actually make the situation worse by making fibers airborne.  The real problem becomes once those fibers are inhaled.  If your home was built before 1960’s or believe it to contain large amounts of asbestos, a home inspection could be important for your safety and health.

Long term exposure to asbestos can lead to severe asbestos-related lung ailments such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.  By the time a diagnosis of mesothelioma is made, the disease has progress significantly.

Before starting a remodeling project, have specialists analyze samples of material to determine whether a significant amount of asbestos exists within the building materials.  If it is determined that there is, the removal of building materials must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling toxic substances.  In some rare cases inspectors might determine it is better to seal off the asbestos rather than remove it.

Abatement contractors are familiar with regulations protecting you, your home and themselves from exposure to hazardous materials such as asbestos.  Wearing protective equipment, the area is isolated from the rest of the house by shutting down ventilation systems and sealing them.

The materials are always removed in pieces as large as possible placed in sealed bags.  This is to minimize the mount of fibers that are floating through the air.  With the asbestos gone, it is time to replace it with greener, heathier alternatives.

Eco-friendly Alternatives

Home owners desiring to remodel their home can discover a number of resources and companies who help in building with sustainable and eco-friendly materials.  Implementing geener methods of building allow a positive environment and healthy living space for everyone.

Cellulose, cotton fiber, and lcynene foam are all recycled building materials viable for your remodel.  Made from recycled batted material, fire rated cotton fiber is quickly becoming the material of choice for home builders.

Instead of using expensive woods, interior walls are being made from steel and concrete allowing builders to avoid many problems with asbestoes and other insulation methods.  With the proper setup, it is completely insulated and eco-friendly allowing quieter and more energy efficient homes in the 21st century.