Home Improvement

How To Maintain An Asbestos-Free Home

Technically, asbestos in one’s home is not considered a source of hazard for the household inhabitants. It only becomes hazardous when the areas where this naturally occurring mineral is located are disturbed, and the dust that contains asbestos fibres is released. These fibres can cause several health issues, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques and the dreaded mesothelioma, when inhaled in large amounts.

To keep houses in Sydney and the rest of Australia safe and asbestos-free, the government has prohibited the import and use of asbestos in any products in Australia since 2004. However, many Sydney residents, especially those who live and own old houses, are still worried about the possible presence of asbestos in their respective dwellings. 

If you are currently caught in such a situation, you can consider doing the following to ensure that your home is asbestos-free.

Check the History of the House

If you suspect that there is asbestos in your house, it is best to check its history. You might need to contact the previous owners, the developer or the applicable government agency to know its actual construction date. 

If the house was first constructed before 1990, there is a high chance that it contains asbestos. This is because the mineral was among the most widely used construction material during that era. However, if it was built after 2004, it is most likely asbestos-free because the government banned the use of the mineral in all Australian products that year. 

But either way, consider doing the following techniques to ensure that your house is free from asbestos and your loved ones are safe from the potential health hazards associated with it

Have Your House Inspected by Experts

The most effective way to ensure that your home is asbestos-free is to have this inspected by one of the registered Sydney asbestos removal companies. Typically, the inspection should be done before you finally move into your house. This is regarded as the ideal setup because it allows the experts to detect the presence of the harmful element before you move in. Also, it prevents your entire household from being exposed if asbestos is seen in the area. 

Furthermore, having the inspection conducted upfront makes asbestos removal (when needed) more convenient because the house is not yet occupied. The asbestos removal company can easily position their equipment and mobilise their personnel to remove all the components made from or contaminated by asbestos. They can also perform all the procedures needed to remove the asbestos without worrying that this will affect the household activities. 

Have Your House Tested for Asbestos

You can also check the presence of asbestos in your home by having it tested. However, this method involves collecting the suspected asbestos fibres and sending them to a certified laboratory to be analysed. Given that the fibres are dangerous when inhaled and mishandled, this technique is best accomplished by hiring a certified asbestos professional.

The sample is usually tested using transmission electron microscopy and polarized light microscopy methods to determine the presence of asbestos. Although this method is highly scientific and accurate, the overall results still depend on where the samples are collected. So, if the collection of samples did not cover the areas where asbestos is likely to be found, you will most likely obtain an unreliable result.    

Replace Old House Components 

If you suspect that there’s asbestos in your home, you can have it repaired. Replacing the old components of the house will help you eliminate the materials with asbestos deposits. 

Unfortunately, this technique does not always guarantee a positive outcome. This also increases the workers’ and your household members’ exposure to the harmful element. Thus, this method is usually done after the portions that will be repaired are subjected to test. You might also end up incurring huge expenses to cover payment for the tests and the repairs, yet you are not yet 100% sure that the house is asbestos-free.

Important Factors to Consider When Choosing an Asbestos Removalist

Asbestos removalists play an essential role in ensuring that your house is free from asbestos. However, not all removalists are capable of providing excellent results. As such, looking and hiring the service of the most reliable ones is very important. Consider the following factors during your selection process.

Reputation

A reliable asbestos removalist is known for providing the best outputs. You can easily find one by simply asking around. Most of the clients they have worked with will most likely recommend their service when asked. 

Work Portfolio

Aside from the reputation, it would be best to examine the work portfolio of the removalists before hiring them. Go for the company that has successfully served more customers. This can be a good sign that they can provide the best service.

Also, don’t forget to assess the operational capabilities of the service provider that you are planning to hire. Always check their registration, personnel certifications and the equipment they use. Consider hiring a duly registered and well-equipped contractor to obtain the best results.

Customer Service Record

Don’t forget to check the customer service records of the asbestos removalists that you are planning to hire. You can use these records to determine which available service providers have provided the best services. To do this, you can check their customer feedback and the customer service ratings from their respective websites. Consider hiring the removalist with the most positive feedback and the highest rating from their previous clients.

The Bottom Line

Contrary to common belief, maintaining an asbestos-free home is very easy. The best thing to do this is to have your house checked by asbestos experts before you finally move into your new home. Early detection is essential as it prevents your household from asbestos exposure. You can also use the information obtained from the inspection to negotiate for repairs or discounts from the previous house owners or developers in case the presence of the harmful element is detected.

 

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