Asbestos Testing & Remediation

Breathing asbestos fibers can be dangerous and each exposure to asbestos material can increase your health risks. So, it is especially important for homeowners to be informed about the potential for asbestos in any home they are considering buying in Middle Tennessee.

Did you know?

You cannot identify whether a material contains asbestos or not simply by looking at it.

What is Asbestos and where is it used?

While asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber found in soil and rock, it’s long been used as a construction material in homes. It’s found in materials like floor and ceiling tiles, cement and friction products, and heat resistant fabrics – because asbestos does not conduct electricity and is resistant to heat and fire.

Why Test for Asbestos?

The (EPA) states that those exposed to asbestos fibers are at a greater risk of developing lung cancer. Since you cannot tell if there is asbestos in a floor or wall or ceiling solely by looking at it, testing is important to gauge the risk. It is particularly crucial for anyone considering home renovations. Disturbing asbestos-containing materials causes fibers to be released into the air, which people in turn breathe in. Breathing in asbestos may lead to serious health effects.

When you breathe in asbestos, the fibers get trapped in your lungs. This can leads to Mesothelioma, a chronic disease of the lungs characterized by shortness of breath and coughing. Because of the potential and serious health effects caused by asbestos, we recommend new home owners and especially home renovators choose asbestos testing at their home or place of work.

Is asbestos testing part of a home inspection?

While not part of a traditional home inspection, we provide this as an added service for homeowners to have peace of mind. Homes built prior to 1980 are likely to have at least some asbestos within the building materials. While contained, it may never be an issue. However, asbestos testing needs to be done if home renovations are part of your future plans. If found, you would need to understand the additional costs for remediation and be sure to add those expenses in with your total renovation budget. A licensed abatement contractor must complete remediation prior to any other demolition being started.

Where is asbestos found?

Since asbestos materials were so popular prior to 1980, it can be found in a number of different places. Typically, it is found in exterior siding, roof shingles, flooring, caulking, attic and wall insulation and paint or patching compounds. Our inspectors can help identify potential asbestos materials that may need to be tested for conclusive results.

Nothing can send a potential homebuyer running more quickly than the word “asbestos” and with good reason. Asbestos is a known hazard since the fibers can damage the lung tissues once inhaled. However, don’t panic! It’s important to keep in mind that it can be removed and should not necessarily prevent you from buying the home you want in Middle Tennessee. The main issue is that you should be informed. Then you can make the best decision for how to move forward.