Finding the perfect home can be a long and difficult process. You may spend hours scouring the internet looking at available listings. You may have also visited several potential homes and might now believe that you've found the perfect one.
Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:
But, before you sign on the dotted line, have you asked for a home inspection? Home inspections typically evaluate the condition of the property. It can save you a lot of headaches in the future. You get information that can help you decide whether or not the home is a good buy.
So, now the home inspection documents are in. Everything seems to be in order, but is it? Please take a minute to confirm that they also check for asbestos within the property. It is a potential life–saving measure that you cannot ignore.
Our article provides an in–depth explanation of why you need home asbestos inspections in Burke, VA. At Envirotex, we have been in the asbestos home inspection business for many years.
You can relax knowing that we have the knowledge and expertise to give you proper advice.
We should start by saying that a home seller is under no obligation to do a home asbestos inspection in Burke, VA, for potential buyers. The only legal requirement for the inspection is for commercial property.
But, if you go ahead and purchase the home and later discover that the owner knew that there was asbestos, you could seek legal redress. Unfortunately, it may not be easy to prove that the owner had prior knowledge. The onus is on you to have enough evidence to prove that this is the case.
So what does each inspection cover? A home inspection covers a range of things. The inspector looks at things like plumbing, the overall structure of the home, and HVAC systems, amongst others.
They have a list of components that are critical to the overall safety and condition of the building. If you are lucky, the home inspector may have some training on identifying asbestos. However, few have the experience or licensing.
Further, most home inspection contracts are clear that checking for asbestos is not part of the scope of work. At Envirotex, we take the training of our teams very seriously. There is a lot that goes into handling asbestos, especially if it is in a fragile state. We shed more light on this a little bit later.
During a home inspection, you can also ask for an asbestos inspection. However, the seller may decide not to incur the cost. It doesn't hurt to ask, though, because some are willing to split the cost with potential buyers.
But, this is not the only limitation you may face. An asbestos home inspection may lead to destruction to some parts of the property. Collecting bulk samples, for example, can be an issue.
If the inspector wants to check insulating material, they may need to destroy part of the wall. The law is also on the side of the seller. They have a legal right to refuse any destructive asbestos testing. Always negotiate with the seller where you can collect samples. The asbestos inspector can, for example, collect from areas that are not easily visible.
Another reason for the reluctance could be the impact of a positive result. Some home buyers stop further negotiations if there is asbestos in the property. Even if they decide to proceed with the purchase, they may want to negotiate the cost. That makes sense, though, because removing asbestos from the property can be costly.
We have talked quite a bit about asbestos home inspections. But you may be wondering why the concern. Without sounding alarmist, you may want to think about proceeding with the purchase if the inspector finds asbestos on the property.
The reason is that long–term asbestos exposure can be dangerous for your health. Do you know that many countries in the world have banned the use of asbestos completely? The list stands at about 67 countries. However, some like the United States, India, Canada, China, and Brazil are still permitting its use.
Asbestos is a malleable silicate mineral fiber that has some fantastic properties. It is malleable, durable, heat resistant, strong, and incombustible. It allows for flexibility in a wide range of applications. The construction industry has been a beneficiary of the positive properties of asbestos.
You may find it in a wide range of materials that form part of the structure of your home. Such include ceilings, floors, insulation, and so much more. Even the car you drive may contain some asbestos in the brake linings and gaskets.
There are six types of asbestos, with chrysotile being the most common. Others are Amosite, Crocidolite, Anthophyllite, Actimolite, and Tremolite. The structure typically comprises needle–like fibers that are very fine in texture. For those with training, they can easily tell the different types apart from the colors. Chrysotile, for example, is white, and the Amosite is brown.
Asbestos occurs in two states, which determine whether it is dangerous or not. In a stable or non–friable state, you have no cause for concern. But, asbestos is fragile and can easily disintegrate. In this state, we refer to it as friable. This is where the fine, needle–like fibers find their way into the atmosphere. You could, at this very moment, be breathing them in. Since you cannot see them, you can inhale them for years without realizing it.
Now, here are two things that make asbestos scary yet interesting. The first is that; once it enters your body, the system cannot flush it out. It is unlike other toxins that the body may find a way to expel. The second is that; it can take between 20 to 30 years to see any impact on your health.
Long–term asbestos exposure can result in severe health implications. Such include mesothelioma, different cancers, and asbestosis, to name a few. You may also experience other symptoms that are attributable to asbestos poisoning.
They include wheezing, difficulty breathing, and chest pain. You may attribute it to the common flu or cold and ignore them. By the time most patients seek treatment, it is usually too late.
A home asbestos inspection in Burke, VA, entails the following;–
If it is in a non–friable state, we typically leave it alone. We may, however, apply some remediation steps like covering it up. We do this to ensure that nothing disturbs it at all.
If the asbestos is unstable or in a friable state, we recommend its removal. Depending on the level of exposure, the process can be costly and time–consuming. However, we would not recommend that you take on the job unless you have the relevant expertise and gear.
The task is delicate because we must avoid further disintegration of the asbestos. After removal, we have specific processes that we follow in disposing of asbestos. We aim to give you back your property in good, livable condition.
You may be wondering whether you need to move out of the home temporarily. We can only advise once we see the extent of the exposure. However, it is a good idea to consider the option. If you have alternative accommodation, it does not hurt to take extra steps to remain safe for you and your family.
We do not take the presence of asbestos on a property lightly. We understand the implications it could have on your health and that of your family. Protect your loved ones by having a home asbestos inspection.
Our teams have specialized training and the right equipment to handle such tasks. We understand that you may have many more questions. We are available at your convenience to answer them.
Start the discussion with us by filling in the form on our website. Then you know that your search for a home asbestos inspection expert is over.
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.
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