When you are completing renovations in your home, the last thing you want to do is find traces of asbestos fibres after you have already started. Unfortunately, by this point, it may be too late because the dangerous fibres have already been released into the air. The best thing you can do is have your home tested for asbestos beforehand so you know what you're working with. Here are some interior places to start looking.
Insulation and Walls
The inside of your home is at risk of asbestos in the walls. Many older homes were made with insulation that contained asbestos since it is durable, lasts a long time and isn't flammable. The wall materials themselves can also contain asbestos fibres. Many older homes were made of a material called fibrous cement, which was originally made using asbestos. This is because, at the time, the dangers of asbestos weren't known, but the benefits were very clear. The walls were quite durable and dependable, being able to handle fire, flood or other events that might occur inside the home.
Plumbing and Heating System
You also need to be aware of the possibility of asbestos in the plumbing and heating systems of the home. Not only will the insulation in the walls contain asbestos, but your home may also have additional asbestos insulation around water pipes. Also be aware of older furnaces and HVAC systems in your home. These systems could have asbestos for many of the same reasons it is used for other building materials. Don't forget to check the vents and air ducts or have them tested for asbestos.
Flooring
Also be aware of certain types of older flooring in your home. Natural stone flooring didn't have asbestos, but manufactured flooring like vinyl or laminate might contain some of the fibres. Like other materials used in the home, it was used for maximum durability and longevity of the flooring materials.
Old Appliances
Not only will a lot of interior building materials contain asbestos, but so can some appliances you have. You might be holding onto antique appliances passed down from relatives, or the house may have come with some appliances you found interesting and didn't want to get rid of. Unfortunately, some of them might contain asbestos. For example, older slow cookers tended to have asbestos in the lining that separated the inner and outer pot. There are also some older hair dryers made with asbestos fibres, as well as popcorn poppers. Do not use these products unless they have been tested.
For more information or for help getting rid of asbestos in your home, contact an asbestos demolition company.
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