When Do You Need to Conduct Asbestos Inspection in Your Building?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that can cause severe respiratory problems when inhaled. Most of the people who suffer from the effects of asbestos are construction workers who handle the material and homeowners who have exposed asbestos in their home and are unaware of it. What makes this a dangerous material is the fact that a mere visual inspection cannot be used to conclude its absence. You will need a professional asbestos inspector to collect samples of the building material and test them for asbestos.
Not all buildings have asbestos; however, the following circumstances may necessitate an asbestos inspection and asbestos removal in your building.
Old construction
If your building was constructed or underwent structural renovations before or in the 80s, you might have to inspect it for asbestos. Before this period, asbestos was freely used in construction, particularly for insulation due to its high tensile strength, resistance to chemical corrosion and fire resistance. It was usually embedded in cement and other construction materials. In older buildings, asbestos can be found in the following areas:
- Internal and external walls of the building
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Cement sheeting used on walls and floors
- Beneath roof sheeting
- Hot water pipes installed in walls
- Insulation in wood heaters
The use of asbestos material in construction was banned in the 90s, but buildings that had been constructed or renovated before this period may have had asbestos, so it is important to have the building inspected to determine whether the material is present.
Before property sale
Asbestos inspection is a necessary procedure to undertake before selling a property. Property owners are required by law to disclose any items in the property which can be of potential harm to the buyer so that protective measures can be taken. Selling a property with asbestos and failing to disclose this fact can get you sued by the buyer once they find it Before the sale of a building, let the building inspector undertake among other inspections, an asbestos inspection. Doing so can save you a lot of money that would otherwise be spent battling things out in court.
Before renovations
Building renovations involve loosening up material, and if asbestos is present, you and the workers may suffer respiratory conditions associated with inhaling the fibres. Unless the building was constructed recently after the asbestos ban was effectively implemented, it could be difficult to determine whether asbestos was used. To be on the safe side, have the building inspected before undertaking any renovations or structural disturbances. The procedure may set you back financially, but it can save you from life-threatening conditions.
Hiring an asbestos inspector is the only way to be sure whether your building has asbestos. If asbestos is present, it can be removed safely without causing harm to you or your family members.
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