Everything to Know About Asbestos and Home Inspections in Virginia Beach, VA

Asbestos and Home Inspections in Virginia Beach, VA Prevent Health Issues

Hearing the word asbestos may not have too much significance for you if you did not have previous exposure to it. However, if you plan to purchase a home, it is crucial to know whether there is asbestos present. You could experience health implications, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:

• Safe and vigilant containment and removal following the highest safety procedures
• Thorough site decontamination
• Lawful disposal
• All asbestos testing performed by an independent, certified lab

We receive many queries about asbestos from potential homeowners. Our article will explore everything you need to know about asbestos and home inspections in Virginia Beach, VA.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos comprises silicate mineral fibers that can be hard to determine. It is a critical component in some of the home elements, such include; fire and heat resistant insulation. You may also find asbestos in the ceiling, interior walls, and floors.

Some manufacturers also use it for car parts for gaskets and brake linings. It is a malleable and durable product, hence making it an attractive option for such uses. The most common type is chrysotile, but there are five other types.

There has been a decline in the use of asbestos for building materials. However, until the 1980s, many construction companies continued to use asbestos in some of the buildings. You must get thorough asbestos and home inspections in Virginia Beach, VA. It helps to identify and remove any asbestos.

Do note; private homeowners do not have to remove asbestos from the premises. The same does not apply to commercial property owners. Therefore, ensure you get a proper asbestos inspection if you want to purchase a home.

Health Implications of Asbestos

Long–term asbestos exposure can result in several issues. The most common is lung cancer and mesothelioma, which will attack your abdominal and chest cavities. It may also lead to scarring of the fibrous tissue in the lungs.

Symptoms will typically not appear until 20 to 30 years after the initial exposure. Disturbing asbestos fibers can result in their release into the atmosphere. Any home DIY projects that include sanding, sawing, or scrapping could also destabilize the asbestos.

You are at risk of developing the health implications the more you live in a home that contains this high–risk silicate mineral fiber.

There are two classifications to be aware of:

• Friable asbestos refers to those that will easily crumble. Friable asbestos is hazardous because once airborne, you breathe it in. Continued exposure will result in serious health implications, as we have highlighted above.
• Non–friable asbestos is more solid in its construction. The fibers will not release the dangerous particles into the air. It is, however, possible to make them friable if you disturb them.

If you live in one of the older homes, it is possible to know if you may be having health implications from the asbestos. Look out for signs like chest pain, crackling sounds when you breathe, and wheezing sounds. The signs above show that you may have plaque or fluid buildup in your lungs.

You may confuse the symptoms with those of an ordinary cold. These symptoms may, however, persist for a longer time. In this case, please seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Asbestos and Home Inspections in Virginia Beach, VA; Why You Need to Ask For it

You may think that home inspectors will immediately check for asbestos. The truth is that it is not a routine check, and most of them will not do it. You must ask them to carry out a check, especially if you are buying one of the older homes. They have the relevant tools and equipment to carry out such inspections.

We would recommend you work with a company such as ours. We have the expertise and certification to do asbestos testing. We know exactly where to get the samples for the best results.

What You Must Know About Asbestos in Home Inspections

As we have already highlighted, it is not possible to see asbestos with the naked eye. We must take samples and test them in the lab. Only then can we determine whether or not the home contains asbestos.

The testing process requires special equipment such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and polarized light microscopy (PLM).

It is essential that the handling of samples happens with the right safety measures in place. You need the right equipment to do the job. Unless it is your area of expertise, consider it an investment in your health and safety to call in the experts.

What Happens if the Experts Find Asbestos in the Home?

There are several options that the home inspectors can take if they discover asbestos in your home. Such include:–

• The removal of asbestos, which can be quite costly for you. You may, for example, need to replace entire sections. It will, however, depend on where the home inspectors find the asbestos. It also requires careful handling of the material so that it does not find its way into the environment.

The process of removing asbestos is very complicated. It requires proper training and can be time–consuming. We will not always be in a rush to recommend this course of action. If we find that the asbestos does not expose you to any health risk due to its condition, we may recommend repair work instead.

• Repair work so that you can maintain the asbestos without having to remove it. The home inspectors can recommend:–
• Sealing with the use of a sealant to bind the fibers together. We can also coat the fibers so that they do not become airborne. We will typically recommend this if the asbestos is in the boilers, furnace, or pipes.
• We can cover the asbestos with a protective wrap. If we, for example, find a section of the pipe without proper insulation. We will use this alternative. It is a cheaper option than total removal, which would require parts replacement.

To Buy or Not to Buy a Home with Asbestos

What happens if the home you want to purchase has asbestos? It can be a tricky decision on whether you should go ahead with the transactions. Note that it needs not to be a deal–breaker; you only need to take the necessary steps. Here is what we would recommend:–

• Ask for a home inspection and get a proper report. Check the credentials of the company you want to work with. It pays to contract a company that has the training and certification for such a complicated task.

Consider it a worthy investment because you must know whether the property is safe for human occupation. If the fibers are still intact, then you have nothing to worry about.

• If there are signs of asbestos, you may want to consider the cost of repair or removal. Since you may be liable for the cost of removal, it could impact the home's overall cost.

Have a discussion with the homeowner to reach a comfortable agreement for both of you. You can ask that they take on some of the cost. If they are not willing to, you may want to reconsider the whole transaction.

• Determine whether or not you will need to make some improvements to the building. Renovations may result in disturbing the asbestos. You may need to remove it once you decide to start any construction or changes to the home.

Some homeowners may be aware that there is asbestos on the property. They, however, do not disclose this information to potential homebuyers. If you can determine that the homeowner knew the situation, you can pursue legal recourse. The law, in some states, requires that the seller is upfront about such information.

Call Envirotex Today for Asbestos and Home Inspections in Virginia Beach, VA

We have looked at what you need to know about asbestos and home inspections in Virginia Beach, VA. Long–term asbestos exposure can lead to profound health implications. Do not let things get to a critical level before you call us in for a home inspection.

You have resources such as those we offer at Envirotex to help you. Contact us through our website by filling in the forms, and we will get in touch with you for an inspection of your property.

We have been in the asbestos business for more than 20 years and have the experience for the work. Our teams have undergone thorough training and understand everything to do with asbestos.

About Envriotex Environmental Services

Established in Northern Virginia in 2000, Envirotex Environmental Services was founded on military service. While serving his country, the company's owner Mr. Freeman gained vast knowledge and experience in the environmental services field. His expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing prepared him for his post-military career.