Asbestos Home Renovations
If your home was constructed between 1950 and 1980, a strong possibility exists that some of the materials in your home contain asbestos. Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can usually be found in any type of insulation (e.g. furnace ducts, walls, roofs) and floor tiles. While these are the most likely places you'll find ACMs, their prominent use in many home construction products before the late 1970s means these materials could be found in many other building materials as well.
Despite the known dangers of asbestos—namely that exposure to it can cause lung cancer and asbestosis—there is a good chance that you are in no immediate danger just because ACMs might be in your home. Asbestos only poses a problem when it becomes damaged, or "friable." In this state, asbestos fibers are easily released into the air, creating a health hazard for anyone in the area.
Will I still be able to remodel or renovate my home?
Absolutely. If you are interested in upgrading your home—whether adding on a new bedroom or knocking out some interior walls to create space—it's best to start by hiring a licensed asbestos inspector to determine whether there are any potential risks in your home.
If your inspector does find ACMs in your home, or if they suspect certain materials of containing asbestos, you will have to develop an asbestos management plan before proceeding with your renovations.
Will I have to remove all ACMs from my home?
Generally speaking, materials containing asbestos are quite safe as long as they remain undisturbed. In fact, attempted removal of ACMs can sometimes be more dangerous than leaving them in their place. One good example of this is floor tiles, which are very difficult to remove without creating a potential hazard.
In the case of your home, ACMs directly in the way of areas targeted for remodel or renovation will likely need to be removed, or at the very least abated. In the case of the aforementioned floor tiles, a safer (and cheaper) option would be to cover the tiles with a protective surface.
Can I perform any asbestos removal work myself?
The answer to this question is that it depends on where you live. However, when it comes to your home and the safety of you and your family, cutting corners on costs may not be the soundest strategy. Licensed asbestos removalists are much more thorough and much more knowledgeable than the average homeowner, and can ensure the safety of your home much better than you can alone.
Resource: http://www.qbm.com.au/
Despite the known dangers of asbestos—namely that exposure to it can cause lung cancer and asbestosis—there is a good chance that you are in no immediate danger just because ACMs might be in your home. Asbestos only poses a problem when it becomes damaged, or "friable." In this state, asbestos fibers are easily released into the air, creating a health hazard for anyone in the area.
Will I still be able to remodel or renovate my home?
Absolutely. If you are interested in upgrading your home—whether adding on a new bedroom or knocking out some interior walls to create space—it's best to start by hiring a licensed asbestos inspector to determine whether there are any potential risks in your home.
If your inspector does find ACMs in your home, or if they suspect certain materials of containing asbestos, you will have to develop an asbestos management plan before proceeding with your renovations.
Will I have to remove all ACMs from my home?
Generally speaking, materials containing asbestos are quite safe as long as they remain undisturbed. In fact, attempted removal of ACMs can sometimes be more dangerous than leaving them in their place. One good example of this is floor tiles, which are very difficult to remove without creating a potential hazard.
In the case of your home, ACMs directly in the way of areas targeted for remodel or renovation will likely need to be removed, or at the very least abated. In the case of the aforementioned floor tiles, a safer (and cheaper) option would be to cover the tiles with a protective surface.
Can I perform any asbestos removal work myself?
The answer to this question is that it depends on where you live. However, when it comes to your home and the safety of you and your family, cutting corners on costs may not be the soundest strategy. Licensed asbestos removalists are much more thorough and much more knowledgeable than the average homeowner, and can ensure the safety of your home much better than you can alone.
Resource: http://www.qbm.com.au/
Source...