Uncover the Truth About Asbestos in Your Home

Here are 5 reasons that make professional asbestos testing important - 

1. Your Health - And Your Family’s - Could Be At Serious Risk

One of the major reasons why you must get asbestos testing is to protect your health and that of your family. Asbestos fibers are incredibly tiny and become airborne when disturbed. Once inhaled, these fibers can accumulate deep into the lungs, where they stay for years. 

Over time, these can cause serious health problems, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, etc - and sadly, they often show no symptoms until it’s too late. Professional testing ensures you know what you’re dealing with before starting any renovations or even just moving into an older home. 

Without testing, you’re simply guessing - and that guessing could cost lives. 

2. There Could Be Asbestos Around - Even If You Don’t See It

If you’re thinking it’s just the insulation that has asbestos in it - well, it’s time to think again. It’s often found in places you’d never expect, such as - 

• Floor tiles
• Pipe lagging
• Roof shingles
• Textured ceilings
• Old adhesive glue
• Drywall compounds 

So, even if your home looks clean, it could still harbor asbestos. Getting testing by a professional can help identify these often-overlooked sources using tools that you, as an average homeowner, might not have access to. 

In fact, if you’re planning to do renovation or asbestos removal, a licensed professional can pinpoint where exactly the testing is needed. This ensures you don’t accidentally disturb dangerous materials. 

3. Professional Testing Is More Accurate Than DIY Kits

Well, a DIY asbestos testing kit can be tempting to use, mostly because it comes cheap. But you must know that DIY kits often provide inconclusive or misleading results due to contamination, user error, subpar sample handling, etc. However, it’s important to note that accuracy in this field is non-negotiable. 

A professional collects the samples and sends them to certified labs for assessment. Lab testing ensures that the results are accurate, reliable, and legally recognized. In something as high-stakes as asbestos, a false negative can result in something more dangerous. 

So, always opt for professional testing over DIY methods - this gives you peace of mind and real results. 

4. You Might Be Required By Law To Test Before Renovations

In some regions, asbestos testing is required by law. Local building codes and environmental regulations recommend that homeowners, landlords, or contractors test for asbestos - before performing demolitions, renovations, and repairs on buildings older than the 1990s. 

If you ignore asbestos testing, it can lead to hefty fines, construction delays, or even legal liabilities. Hence, calling in a professional ensures that your building adheres to these regulations set by the EPA and is free from any legal violations. 

Also, it protects everyone involved in the process, such as construction crews, future occupants, etc. It also makes the renovation process responsible and safe. 

5. It Can Affect Property Value And Insurance

Asbestos is a serious red flag for investors, potential buyers, and even insurers. If testing results show that the property is asbestos-free, it adds a layer of confidence and credibility. Also, it can positively influence the sale or premium for the insurance. 

On the other hand, asbestos issues that are found later on can lead to costly remediation and reduced property value. Some insurance companies can even refuse to cover homes with known asbestos unless proper abatement is done. 

Getting professional asbestos testing can help you make wise financial decisions that could save you thousands of dollars later on!

Protect Your Health – Schedule Professional Asbestos Testing Today!