3 Things to Consider When Remodeling a Home That Might Contain Asbestos

Posted On Wednesday, 18 September 2024 12:49
3 Things to Consider When Remodeling a Home That Might Contain Asbestos Designed by Freepik

Spending on home improvement projects this year could add up to $485 billion, so people are investing in their residences. That makes sense since most people’s largest investment is their home sweet home. Maintenance, repairs, and renovation projects can help maximize the ROI. 

But if planning a DIY renovation or remodeling project, you should tread carefully. It’s not just about ensuring you have the skill to pull it off without a hitch. That’s essential, of course. There are, however, other things to be mindful of. One of those things is safety. That could be an issue if your home contains products with asbestos. And there’s a possibility that it does. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that can be highly dangerous if breathed in. When airborne, asbestos fibers can circulate, get breathed in, and lodge in people’s lungs. It can take years for symptoms to manifest themselves. Unfortunately, the issues can be severe. 

Asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, ovarian cancer, and mesothelioma. While no one wants to deal with any of these diseases, mesothelioma is an especially aggressive and severe form of cancer. Considering that homes built decades ago could have materials with asbestos, you’ll want to be careful when remodeling. 

Here are three things to do if embarking on a home improvement project in an older home. 

1. Consider if You’re at Risk

Asbestos was largely banned in 1989. That drastically reduced the amount of asbestos-containing products used in residential construction. Earlier this year, the U.S. government finalized a ban on ongoing uses of asbestos to safeguard people from cancer. 

If your home was built after 1989, you likely have nothing to worry about and can breathe a sigh of relief. You can proceed with home renovation projects without asbestos worries.  

2. Get Your Home Checked if It Was Built Before the Asbestos Ban

Something to consider is that asbestos-containing products only pose a problem when disturbed. So, if you have tiles or insulation made with asbestos, it's only as you interact with them, break them, or simply unsettle them that they may release harmful asbestos fibers. Doing any of these things is easier than you think -- especially if the materials are brittle. 

The asbestos fibers can lead to diseases if they’re inhaled and get into your lungs. You might not find out until decades later that you have asbestos-related diseases. 

So, if your home was built before the ban, find a professional service provider that tests for asbestos and cleans up such problems. If there's a problem, a service provider can safely remove the threat. But if you get the thumbs-up, you can proceed with the renovation project.

3. Know What Things in Your Home Could Potentially Have Asbestos 

If your home was built before the asbestos ban, there are many places where asbestos-containing materials can potentially be found. Things to be wary of include -- but aren't limited to -- house siding, roofing products, ceiling and floor tiles, plaster and cement, paint and putty, automotive components, vehicle transmission parts, and insulation. 

Again, you won’t have to worry if your home was built after the asbestos ban. But if it wasn’t, and you wish to work on a remodeling project, should you try to rid your home of asbestos independently? While you might balk at hiring a third party to rid your home of asbestos, making it a DIY affair could lead to mistakes that cost you more than money. Finding a company specializing in detecting and removing asbestos is a worthwhile investment. 

DIY home renovation can save money and give you a sense of accomplishment. But ensure you don’t take on more than you can handle or expose yourself to needless risk.

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