What You May Not Know About Asbestos and Home Inspections in Marshall, VA

Asbestos and Home Inspections in Marshall, VA.

Keep Your Family Safe With Asbestos and Home Inspections in Marshall, VA

Perhaps you're a homeowner, and you've overheard that many people are now going for asbestos and home inspections in their Marshall, VA homes. Maybe you're now trying to find out more about asbestos.

Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:

  • Safe and vigilant containment and removal following the highest safety procedures
  • Thorough site decontamination
  • Lawful disposal
  • All asbestos testing performed by an independent, certified lab

Take note that asbestos is a mineral silicate that occurs naturally. The six different types of asbestos include:–

  • Amosite (brown asbestos)
  • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
  • Chrysotile (white asbestos)
  • Anthophyllite comes in different colors
  • Actinolite has a dark color
  • Tremolite looks a lot like Actinolite

Distinguishing the different types can be difficult if you don't have the proper training. However, the one commonality amongst all of them is that they're all dangerous. Long–term exposure can lead to a multitude of health problems. We'll find out more about this later.

The mineral comprises needle–like, fine fibers. Perhaps the most critical thing to know is you cannot see asbestos fibers with your naked eyes. That means it can be in the air for years, causing damage to your house, yet it may take you many years to know this.

It wasn't until the mid–1970s and early 80s that some countries banned the use of asbestos. There was sufficient research to show that some health implications were attributable to asbestos. But, some countries like the United States continue to use it in industries.

Perhaps you may have heard that asbestos is dangerous, yes. But, you may not know what to do since you might not have the correct information.

Our Envirotex team put together a list of what we see as some of the most frequently asked questions. You will get tons of information that will clarify why asbestos shouldn't be part of your life. Let's find out more below.

How Can Asbestos Affect Me as a Homeowner?

Asbestos is malleable, flexible, heat resistant, sound resistant, and fireproof. For a long time, it was a critical component of building and automotive materials. Around the home, you may find it in insulation, ceilings, and even floors. Your brake lining and gaskets may also contain it.

In a stable or non–friable form, you have nothing to fear. But, asbestos is a fragile mineral. If you disturb the stable form, it becomes friable. The fibers may find their way into the atmosphere.

Since you're sharing the same space, you may start breathing them in. And, that is where your problems begin.

Statistics show that asbestos could be responsible for an annual fatality rate as high as 5,000 deaths.

Some of the complications include:–

  • Mesothelioma is a cancer type that invades the lining of the lungs. Most of the causes of this type of cancer are attributable to asbestos exposure.
  • Lung related cancers.
  • Asbestosis or scarring of the lung tissue: The condition may not be fatal, but your quality of life could never be the same.
  • Diffuse pleural thickening of the lung membrane: Sufferers struggle with breathing because the lungs cannot expand to their total capacity.

Now here is where it gets terrifying. You may not see any symptoms of the conditions for up to 20 to 30 years. Some symptoms may present, but you dismiss them as the common flu. All this time, the asbestos could be damaging your internal organs. By the time symptoms start to present, it may have caused maximum damage.

Something else noteworthy about asbestos is that; it doesn't flush out of the body once it finds entry. It takes permanent residence, unlike other toxins that leave. The cumulative nature of asbestos makes it more lethal for you.

What Should I do About Asbestos Found in a Newly Bought Home?

Many articles say that the most significant risk of asbestos exposure is in older homes. This may very well be true for countries that have banned the use of asbestos. Some countries got together in the 80s and decided to form a treaty to ban asbestos in its entirety.

However, a country like the United States decided otherwise. You can still find asbestos in some applications. That means that even modern houses may contain the mineral silicate. So, if you're planning to buy a home, we will encourage you to factor in the cost of asbestos and home inspections in Marshall, VA. Once you find one that you like, ask the seller to give you an inspection report. But, do note, the seller doesn't need to do it for you. It is an expense that you may have to undertake fully.

If you are lucky, the seller could agree to share the costs with you. Also, read up on your rights in case you buy a home that contains asbestos. If the owner knew that it was present and did not inform you, you could seek legal recourse.

Can I Do the Asbestos and Home Inspections in Marshall, VA by Myself?

You can absolutely carry out asbestos and home inspections by yourself. But, when asked, we highly advise against doing it yourself. Only inspect if you have the proper training and equipment. This is not one of those DIY jobs that you can depend on a YouTube tutorial for.

The process of recognizing and collecting samples is highly delicate. You must ensure that you don't interrupt the asbestos in any way. If it is in a stable form, you want to leave it that way. If in a friable condition, you want to ensure that no more fibers get into the atmosphere.

After collecting samples, you must send them to specialized labs. There are special tests that determine the type and state of asbestos. We restate our earlier point for emphasis; please do not undertake asbestos inspection if you don't have the experience. Consider it an investment to hire professionals to do the work. When you do it without any expertise, you'll be putting your health and that of other family members at high risk.

What Happens If There's Asbestos on My Property?

Your contracting company can give you options on what to do if there is asbestos on the property. There are two main courses of action.

  1. Remediation– this involves some steps to maintain asbestos as it is. We advise on this if it is still in a stable condition. We would aim to cover it up so that no one disturbs it further. We may, for example, enclose or seal it using specific material.
  2. 2Removal– this is the only option if the asbestos is friable. The process may, for example, include removing parts of the construction that has asbestos–containing material. We give this as a last resort because removal can be pretty expensive. But, it is the best option if:–
  • You never want to worry about asbestos in your property ever again.
  • You may want to renovate or remodel your house in the future.

With remediation, you don't have the freedom for such processes. Any sawing, grinding, or cutting action can make the asbestos unstable.

During this time, the home inspectors should advise on whether you may need to move out of the home or not. If the asbestos is in the basement, for example, they can contain it within that space. But, if they fear the damage is extensive, they may ask that you leave for the removal duration. However, some of our clients seek temporary accommodation just for their peace of mind.

Call Envirotex Experts for Asbestos and Home Inspections in Marshall, VA

Are you looking for a reputable, expert company that understands the processes of asbestos inspections and removal?

We know that deciding on a reputable company for your asbestos and home inspections in Marshall, VA can be difficult. You may find many people claiming that they have the right expertise. That's why you must take time to do your research before signing on the dotted lines.

When researching a company, you should also ask for references. A company should be happy to share such with you. It's evident that they have happy customers who are satisfied with the level of professionalism in their job completion.

For over three decades now, Envirotex has been in the business of asbestos removal and remediation. This alone should be proof of our authenticity as the company. We also have relevant certifications covering documentation, sampling, and handling of asbestos. Our highly trained technicians are available at your convenience for a consultation.

Start by giving us your details in the form available on our website, and we shall get in touch with you.

About Envriotex Environmental Services

Established in Northern Virginia in 2000, Envirotex Environmental Services was founded on military service. While serving his country, the company's owner Mr. Freeman gained vast knowledge and experience in the environmental services field. His expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing prepared him for his post-military career.

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