Making My Home More Energy Efficient
A Bit Of Information About Buying A Home With Asbestos
Aubrey Kelly
If you love older homes and are looking to buy one, you need to be sure to have an asbestos inspection performed before going through with the purchase. But just because the inspection shows that there is asbestos in the building does not mean you should give up on buying it. However, you should understand what the report tells you and what it will mean if you do go through with the purchase. Here is a bit of information about asbestos in houses.
Where it is Found
Before 1980, many different materials used in the construction of a home contained asbestos. The backing on floor tiles contained it to help with the absorption of water so the flooring did not lift. Popcorn ceiling tiles also contained it to help with sound proofing and insulation. The insulation used to wrap the pipes also had asbestos in it. In addition, roofing tiles and house siding often contained it to help with both insulation and water absorption.
The Danger It Presents
The inspection report will tell you the condition of the asbestos. The first thing you should do any time it is discovered is to check with the state authorities regarding what must be done. If the asbestos is in good condition, meaning it is not broken or fraying, it does not pose a health hazard. However, if the asbestos has been disturbed and the fibers are free to float about in the air, you have a big problem. These fibers can be inhaled and trapped in the lungs. Lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis can be the result of the trapped fibers.
Options for Dealing with It
You may not have to do anything to it to keep the house safe, or you may be required to have it encapsulated to ensure none of the fibers become airborne. The inspector and state authorities will tell you if you can have the materials encapsulated or if they need to be removed. If it needs to be removed, you may have to hire a licensed asbestos abatement company to take care of things.
While asbestos in your home can be a big concern, do not give up on having your dream home because of it. Talk with the inspector, such as those at Hutzel & Associates, Inc, to find out how dangerous the situation is and make your decision based on what needs to be done and if you are willing to take care of the problem. You may be able to get the home at a lower price due to the presence of asbestos. These savings can be used to get rid of the asbestos so the home you have always wanted can be safe for your family to live in. Don't let the presence of asbestos be a deal-breaker.
Share
After struggling with yet another high power bill, I realized I really needed to work on my home's energy efficiency. I started thinking about what I was doing wrong, and it occurred to me that it might be smart to install solar panels and perhaps a windmill. I started going through and evaluating my personal impact on the power grid, and I was able to calculate that those additions would be a good idea. This blog is all about reducing your impact on the environment so that you can enjoy a happier, greener life, and spend less money during the process.