Asbestos, if disturbed, lets off microscopic fibers into the air, which can enter the mouth, esophagus, and lungs and presents dangerous and fatal outcomes. This is why asbestos testing may be necessary for homes in Ashburn, VA.
Asbestos is present in most older homes in Ashburn, VA, and can even be found in some newer construction of houses. The only sure way to know if your Ashburn, VA home has any asbestos–containing materials is through proper asbestos testing by professionals such as the Envirotex Environmental Services team. Asbestos testing is a necessary process to protect you and your family members.
Some of these materials may include:
- Drywall
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Pipeline wraps
- Plaster
- Popcorn ceilings and textured paints
- Roof coatings
- Siding
- Shingles
Even though home test kits are available at your local Ashburn, VA Home Depot or Lowes, If you suspect any asbestos–related materials in your home, you should call a specialist. The EPA does not recommend using these home kits because asbestos testing done by homeowners may expose them and their families to toxic airborne particles.
Asbestos testing by a professional environmental company will involve inspecting high–risk areas, sampling, sending samplings to an outside lab, and reporting back to the homeowner the results from those samples collected.
If asbestos is determined, a remediation plan will be mapped out for you. Sometimes you may have asbestos–related materials that are in great shape and, if left alone, will not cause anyone any harm. However, if you have asbestos–containing products in your home that are damaged, frayed, or broken, or if you plan on renovating and these products need to be torn out, this poses a health risk for your family members living inside your Ashburn, VA home.
When buying an older home, you may consider having asbestos testing before signing on the dotted line. Then you can negotiate who will pay to remove the asbestos and make the necessary repairs to put the house back in its original state with safer products. If a seller is aware of any asbestos–containing materials in the home in Ashburn, VA, they must inform the buyer. Still, if they aren’t aware of any asbestos, they are not responsible for asbestos testing; that would be up to the buyer.
If you have any questions about your home in Ashburn, VA, or are in the process of buying an older home, contact Envirotex, and they will be happy to answer any questions you may have about asbestos testing.