Asbestos in the Home: A Homeowner’s Guide to Staying Safe

If you live in an older home, you may have heard the term "asbestos" mentioned, and for good reason. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the 1980s due to its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. While it's no longer used in new buildings, homes built before this time may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). As a homeowner, it’s essential to understand asbestos in homes, the risks it poses, and how you can ensure the safety of your family and property.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to identify and manage asbestos in your home, including the importance of home asbestos testing, the need for asbestos home surveys, and asbestos safety tips for when you're planning renovations.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous in the Home?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is made up of tiny fibres. These fibres are strong, heat-resistant, and effective at insulating, which is why asbestos was widely used in building materials such as:

• Insulation (pipe and attic)

• Flooring (tiles, vinyl, and backing)

• Roofing materials

• Wall panels and textured paints

• Ceiling tiles and popcorn ceilings

The problem with asbestos is that when its fibres are disturbed—through renovation, demolition, or simply age—they can become airborne. Asbestos exposure occurs when these tiny fibres are inhaled, which can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Asbestos in homes can be especially dangerous if the materials containing it are damaged, broken, or deteriorated over time.

Why You Need an Asbestos Home Survey

An asbestos home survey is an essential first step if you're concerned about potential asbestos in your home. If your property was built before 1980, there’s a higher likelihood that asbestos-containing materials are present, especially in older insulation, flooring, or roofing.

A professional asbestos survey will:

• Identify the areas of your home that may contain asbestos.

• Assess the condition of any materials that are likely to contain asbestos.

• Provide recommendations on how to safely manage or remove asbestos if necessary.

It’s important to remember that asbestos-containing materials that are intact and undisturbed are typically not a danger. However, if you’re planning renovations or repairs, it’s crucial to know where asbestos may be present so that you can take proper precautions.

Home Asbestos Testing: What You Need to Know

During an asbestos survey, asbestos testing will be conducted. Testing is the only definitive way to determine if a material contains asbestos fibres. This testing involves collecting samples from suspected materials, which are then analysed in a laboratory.

Some common materials that may require testing include:

• Pipe insulation

• Flooring tiles and backing

• Roof shingles

• Wall panels and textured surfaces

If your test results show the presence of asbestos, don’t panic! The material may not pose an immediate health risk unless disturbed. If you plan to make any alterations, such as drilling, cutting, or removing these materials, it’s crucial to call in a professional to safely manage and remove the asbestos.

Home Renovation Asbestos Risks: How to Stay Safe

Planning a home renovation? As exciting as it is to update your living space, it’s important to understand the home renovation asbestos risks involved. During renovation projects, asbestos-containing materials can be disturbed, releasing hazardous fibres into the air.

Here are some essential asbestos safety tips for homeowners embarking on renovations:

Get an Asbestos Survey Before You Start: Before you begin any major work, hire a professional to conduct an asbestos survey and testing. This will help identify if any materials in your home contain asbestos.

Don’t Disturb Asbestos Materials: If you find materials containing asbestos in good condition and they are not at risk of being disturbed, leave them alone. If you are planning any work that could damage these materials, such as cutting or drilling, call an asbestos removal expert.

Hire Certified Asbestos Removal Professionals: If asbestos needs to be removed, it should only be handled by trained professionals. Attempting to remove asbestos on your own can be dangerous and is typically illegal without proper training and certifications.

Ensure Proper Ventilation: If you must work in an area with possible asbestos-containing materials, make sure the area is well-ventilated to reduce the risk of inhaling asbestos fibres. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).

Understand the Regulations: Local regulations often require that you notify authorities before removing significant amounts of asbestos from your property. Make sure you’re aware of your legal obligations.

Why Choose JSL Asbestos Solutions?

At JSL Asbestos Solutions, we specialize in providing safe, efficient asbestos removal services to homeowners across the region. Our team is trained in home asbestos testing and asbestos home surveys to help you identify potential hazards and take the right steps to protect your home.

Whether you're renovating, demolishing, or simply want peace of mind, we provide comprehensive services to ensure your home is safe from the dangers of asbestos. We follow strict health and safety regulations and are fully licensed and insured to handle asbestos safely.

Contact JSL Asbestos Solutions Today

If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home, don’t wait. Contact JSL Asbestos Solutions today to schedule an asbestos survey or home asbestos testing. We’ll help you understand the risks, safely manage asbestos, and ensure that your home remains a safe environment for your family.