Many people who live in older homes decide to renovate at some point. This could be to improve safety, practicality, and functionality, as well as to modernise the property. However, one thing you have to remember is that older properties were made with materials that are no longer used in construction, and for good reason. One of these is asbestos, which was once widely used in house building until the serious dangers of exposure came to light.
As a result, older homes that were constructed decades ago are likely to contain asbestos. The hazards arise if the asbestos is disturbed, as this results in airborne fibres. When ingested, these fibres can lead to serious and even deadly health issues, some of which might not even become evident for years. When renovating an older house, you might end up disturbing asbestos, and this is why you need a professional on hand.
In this article, we will look at some of the reasons you need an asbestos removal specialist if you are looking to renovate your home.
Why You Need These Professionals
There are many reasons why you need an asbestos specialist before you begin work on major renovations at your home. Some of the key ones are:
Identifying Asbestos
One of the key reasons you need an asbestos specialist when renovating your home is to identify asbestos. It is important to remember that asbestos was used in a variety of ways in older homes, such as insulating pipes and walls, for floor tiles and adhesives, and in roofing materials, among other things. It is not always obvious, and you probably don’t know which areas of your home have asbestos. An expert can quickly identify these areas so that you know where the risks are.
Expert Removal
One thing you must never do is try to remove or disturb asbestos yourself, as it can put you and your loved ones in serious danger. If there is asbestos that needs to be removed as part of your renovation, an expert will be able to handle, remove, and dispose of it safely and responsibly. This means that any health risks to you and your family are minimised. Make sure the professional you use has the necessary certifications and licensing to carry out this type of work.
Ensure Compliance
There are very strict regulations in place when it comes to the handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos. If you try to handle things yourself, you could find yourself on the wrong side of the law, which can bring all sorts of problems and penalties. Turning to a professional asbestos removal expert means that you can ensure you stay compliant throughout the renovation project.
Assessing Risks
One additional reason to turn to one of these experts is to assess risks when it comes to the asbestos in your home. By using their expert knowledge, techniques, and tools, these professionals can determine whether asbestos in your home can be safely managed in place or needs to be removed based on the work you are carrying out. This means you can make more informed decisions when it comes to the renovations you make on your home.
Contact Our Experts
If you are considering renovating your older home, contact one of our asbestos specialists for assistance. We can carry out a proper inspection as well as removal and disposal of asbestos, which means that you can continue with your renovations with greater peace of mind. Call us today for more information about our services.