Even though an asbestos inspection might not be required for buildings constructed after 1980, there is still a chance that some building materials in your Washington, D.C. home might contain asbestos-containing materials. A 1991 appeals court ruled that some common consumer products are still allowed for use in the United States when a large portion of the “Asbestos Ban and Phase Out” rule was overturned. These consumer products include:
- Vinyl-asbestos floor tile
- Roofing felt and coatings
- Asbestos-cement products (flat corrugated sheets, shingles, pipe)
- Asbestos clothing
- Pipeline wrap
- Millboard
- Gaskets
- Non-roofing coatings
- Automotive products
With products being imported where asbestos is not regulated as strong as in the U.S., homes and buildings in Washington, D.C. have a real potential for new products being installed that contain asbestos. With home renovations increasing for Washington, D.C. homeowners, it is important that you be aware of possible asbestos-containing materials in your home. Be safe and contact an asbestos inspection specialist to check your home in Washington, D.C. for any asbestos-containing materials before you start any renovations.
The first step of an asbestos inspection will be a visual inspection by a professional inspector in Washington, D.C. A typical home might take around 2-3 hours whereas a commercial property might take longer, depending on its size. An asbestos inspection will include inspecting the foundation, heating and air-conditioning and ventilation’s systems.
Any asbestos-containing materials will be checked for its current state to make sure materials are not harmful. Materials which are in good shape and that will not be interrupted during the renovation are not releasing fibers so these should be of no concern.
Any asbestos-containing materials found during the asbestos inspection that will be destroyed in the renovations as well as any materials that are showing signs of deterioration and wear and tear such as tearing or abrasions should be handled by a Washington, D.C. professional to remove or repair these asbestos materials.
An asbestos inspection, abatement, or removal should always be handled by a certified, licensed, and insured environmental services professional. These professionals are equipped and experienced in the handling of asbestos and will comply with the increasingly complex regulations surrounding asbestos in Washington, D.C.