Adding extensions or renovating certain parts of your home may be more dangerous than you think; especially if your home was built before 1990. With asbestos widely used in building materials during a large percentage of the twentieth century, you’re most likely to find asbestos lurking in certain areas of your home.
Thus, if you are planning on creating certain changes to your house, you may want to be on the lookout for asbestos found in these 7 areas – knowing exactly where to test for asbestos in your home.
1. Insulation in walls.
In order to keep your home warm during the winter months, asbestos was often used in insulation placed inside your walls; both for its fire-retardant properties and ability to retain heat. Thus, it’s important, when knocking down walls or fixing holes, to be aware of the possibility that you may still be dealing with asbestos in your walls. Always use protective gear or hire an asbestos removal company to get rid of any dangers.
2. Vinyl floor tiles.
Back in the day, until around 1980, asbestos was used in vinyl floor tiles in order to increase durability. Not knowing the dangers involved to the extent which is known today, many homeowners bought into the idea of longer-lasting vinyl floors. However, it’s extremely dangerous to rip out old flooring containing asbestos due to the fact that the asbestos powder can be released in the air; resulting in inhalation.
3. Garage walls.
When trying to figure out where to test for asbestos in your home, always check your garage walls. Plenty of older Australian garages contain asbestos in the form of fibrous cement sheeting or “fibro”. Whilst intact, fibro is relatively harmless. However, once disturbed, it becomes friable; releasing dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. Always wear protective gear if you must renovate an old garage.
4. Roof shingles.
The discovery of asbestos in roof shingles may be deceiving due to the fact that they often look like slate. Thus, in older Australian homes, you may discover that your roof’s shingles contain asbestos, which can pose a risk due to the constant breakdown of these materials, mostly from natural elements such as hailstorms and heavy rains.
5. Electrical meter boxes.
If your meter board was installed before 1983, you may want to revisit the idea of replacing it. By drilling into the meter board without proper protective gear, asbestos residue can be inhaled which is a major asbestos health risk. Always know the date of installation before attempting any contact with your electrical meter box; especially if you plan on drilling anywhere.
6. Hot water pipes.
Apart from asbestos being present in your hot water pipes, you may also find it in eaves, gutters, chimney flues, and downpipes. In order to spot asbestos in these areas, it’s advisable to hire an asbestos removal company with trained experts who know exactly where to test for asbestos in your home.
7. Carpets.
As with vinyl floor tiles, asbestos was also used in carpets in order to make linoleum more durable. Always use special precautions when getting rid of old carpets installed before 1980. They most likely contain asbestos which is extremely harmful to your health and wellbeing.
It’s important to figure out where to test for asbestos in your home in order to avoid wasting time and effort as well as protecting yourself and your family from asbestos health risks. In which case, it’s best to leave it up to professional asbestos removal contractors in Melbourne to do what they do best. Remember, as eager as you may be to renovate your home, you should always put your safety first.
Contact us for professional asbestos removal without putting your own life in danger.