Asbestos is a complex topic, and most property owners feel anxious when it comes up. The anxiety is due to the health risks that people think it contains.
But a lot of stress around asbestos is from not knowing enough about it. Most properties that contain this material are not going to cause harm immediately.
It’s important to know where it is commonly found, when it poses risks, and when calling a removalist becomes necessary to handle the situation calmly.
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in Properties
Asbestos was widely used in construction materials across much of the 20th century. If your property was built before the mid-1980s, there is a strong chance that asbestos is present somewhere in the structure.
Roof sheeting and eaves lining are the most common locations. Similarly, flat cement sheeting that is used for walks and fencing also contains it. Floor tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms from that era are another common source.
The Difference between Bonded and Friable Asbestos
Before you call an asbestos removalist, understand that not all materials have the same level of risk. Bonded asbestos (also called non-friable asbestos) easily bonds to cement sheeting or floor tiles. Generally, bonded asbestos doesn’t release fibers into the air and poses minimal risk if undisturbed. The risk arises only when bonded materials are damaged or break in a way that releases fibers.
Friable asbestos is a completely different matter. Here, asbestos fibers are loosely bound and can be reduced to powder by hand pressure alone. Ceiling insulation products and certain spray-applied coatings fall into this category. It releases fibers more quickly, so it requires greater caution.
When to Get a Professional Assessment
If you think asbestos is present on your property, have a professional assessment first. Never attempt to test material yourself, as it could create the same problems you’re trying to avoid. A professional will take samples safely and have them analyzed by an accredited laboratory. They’ll also give you a clear picture of how materials are behaving.
A thorough assessment is especially important before renovation or demolition work. The materials (that were safe when undisturbed) could become hazardous the moment construction activity disturbs them. It’s also a legal requirement in most jurisdictions to have the property fully assessed.
When Removal Becomes Necessary
Asbestos-containing materials (in good condition) don’t always need to be removed immediately. In several cases, management in place is a more appropriate response than removal. This is especially true for bonded materials that are intact and unlikely to be disturbed. You can ask a qualified assessor whether removal or management is the right approach for your specific situation.
But removal becomes a must if the materials are damaged or deteriorating. It’s also important to consider that your renovation or demolition plan could disturb the asbestos-containing materials. And it’s also a must when the ongoing presence of asbestos creates a management burden that removal would resolve permanently.
You’ll remove most of the anxiety if you understand where you stand. You’ll also act appropriately and avoid costly mistakes that most property owners fall into.
