Renovating Old Homes: Your Ultimate Guide

Every homeowner considers their budget when it comes to home remodeling. They focus on factors that will enable them to spend less but still end up with their dream home. Besides the other renovation tips such as decorations, assessing damages, checking the quality of roof, doors, and windows, it is vital to consider if the material used in construction is free from asbestos. Before, most homes were built using asbestos due to its heat and fire resistance feature. However, exposure to this chemical is a health hazard. Below are three essential tips to consider when renovating old homes that reduce asbestos exposure.

Building Products with Asbestos at Home

Asbestos was added to most building materials used for constructing homes to increase their functionality. It had natural properties that make it a good conductor for electricity and fire. Asbestos was mixed to vinyl flooring tiles, cement, roofing materials, window glazing, building glue, attic insulation, corrugated sheets, and pipes.

Effects of Asbestos on Human

Asbestos does not interfere with human health if left alone. However, renovation involves many activities, for instance, wall drilling, fixation of damaged pipes, grinding, buffing, and sanding. It is vital to seek assistant from licensed and credited professionals before remodeling. An inspector will help you identify the materials with asbestos and advise you on the best procedure to handle the situation. During the renovation, the activities may cause the fibers to become airborne and poses a danger to anyone who inhales or ingests it. Too much exposure may lead to lung cancer or mesothelioma cancer. Mesothelioma cancer takes time before you identify its symptoms. Moreover, the diagnostic process and compensation procedure require professional assistance.

How to Reduce Asbestos Exposure

Do you have plans to remodel your old home? Taking upfront health precautions is vital. Asbestos is always mixed with other buildings or construction material. You cannot identify it on your own. Also, ensure you know every location of the building with asbestos material within your home. The precautions procedures include:

Carrying out an Inspection 

Before you commence any renovation activity, carry out an inspection. An inspector will help you identify the toxic materials and offer you a solution to get rid of them. For instance, you do not need to carry out any activity like sweeping on the toxic area. The best thing to do is to block the place and call the experts.

Do Not Interfere with Affected Material

If you find a damaged material in a specific area, do not touch it. Any interference can change the fiber into airborne. Restrict movement within that area and seek services from experts to advise you on the way forward. 

Focusing on your finances is essential during renovation. However, your health is also a priority. Initially, manufacturers mixed asbestos with building materials—the reason why most old homes are more exposed to asbestos. Due to the ban within some states, asbestos use is limited. Moreover, before the renovation, it is vital to take the recommended precautions to avoid asbestosis diseases caused by exposure.