Home Asbestos Inspections in Fairfax, VA

Asbestos Testing in Fairfax, VA

The Process of Home Asbestos Inspections in Fairfax, VA.

The reality of the 21st century is that pollution is at an all-time high. Yet you know the importance of breathing in clean air. That is why you may have invested in the best HVAC system and always maintains it in good running order. It is essential because you may want to avoid respiratory illnesses from breathing dirty or polluted air.

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

But wait, do you know that there could be an enemy lurking right within the home. Do you know that every breath you take could be slowly poisoning you? It sounds like a horror movie, doesn't it? But, before buying that property, did you request a home asbestos inspection in Fairfax, VA?

We don't mean to alarm you in any way. Please take some time to read this article.

Home Asbestos Inspection in Fairfax, VA; Why You Need It

Asbestos is a mineral silicate used in many industrial applications. It was very popular in construction material. We refer to it in past tense because many countries worldwide banned its use in the 80s.

But, countries like China, the USA, Russia, and India continue to permit its use. However, the applications may be fewer due to the ongoing concern around asbestos and its impact on health.

What makes asbestos very popular is that it is a very flexible material. It also has fantastic features that make it ideal for construction and the automobile industry. You may, therefore, find it in different parts of the home. Such include ceilings, insulation, floor tiles, and so much more.

Brake linings and gaskets may also contain asbestos- Suppose you are buying one of the older homes, especially those built within the 1940s to the 70s.

In that case, it is crucial to get a home asbestos inspection, but do note that the United States continues to use asbestos. Some of the asbestos-containing material may, therefore, still find its way into the newer homes.

Why Should You Be Concerned About Asbestos?

Let's use an analogy to describe asbestos. Perhaps you know that one friend who has so many fantastic qualities. He is kind, loving, and generous, but he also has this dark side when you ruffle his feathers. You could almost describe him as having a Jekyll-and-Hyde personality. When Hyde shows his face, you all run for the hills. That is asbestos in its simplest element.

Asbestos is awesome in a stable or non-friable state. It has many qualities, making it ideal for use in industrial applications. It is malleable, flexible, heat resistant, and incombustible. However, in a friable state, asbestos is hazardous. In this state, it has already disintegrated and is flying about freely in the atmosphere.

You cannot see the fibers, but they find a way into your body with every breath You Take. You could be breathing in asbestos for years without knowing the damage it is causing. Over time you may start to develop breathing difficulties and other respiratory complications. In the worst-case scenario, you can develop cancer, with the most common being mesothelioma.

Now, what makes it dangerous is that; it operates in stealth mode. The symptoms can take an amazing 20 to 30 years to show themselves. For the respiratory complications, many tend to confuse them with the common cold or flu. By the time you seek medical intervention, it may be too late. You can keep yourself safe by requesting for home asbestos inspection in Fairfax, VA.

Does a Standard Home Inspection Check for Asbestos?

Unfortunately, the answer to the question above is no. You must specifically ask for a home asbestos inspection if you want one. Let's take the example that you're buying a home. The home inspector only looks for things like structural damage or other critical components. Asbestos inspection is not part of their contractual obligation.

Further, a home inspection certificate does not mean that the concerned have the expertise for asbestos inspection. It is a specialized field requiring specific training. It is crucial to engage the services of companies like Envirotex to do the asbestos inspection.

Should You Expect an Asbestos Report From a Home Seller?

If you are buying a home, the seller is under no legal obligation to carry out an asbestos inspection. Ironically, the same does not apply to commercial property. In the latter case, it is a requirement for the seller to carry out the inspection.

Do note some sellers may have reservations about the process. The inspectors may cause some damage in trying to access the sample material. They may, for example, have to remove a part of the wall to get to the insulation. The seller may not agree to the destruction. Unfortunately for you, the law sides with him.

Some sellers may also be afraid that a positive asbestos report could chase away potential buyers. It could also devalue the home, meaning they may have to sell it cheaper.

The other concern is the burning question of who bears the cost of a home asbestos inspection in Fairfax, VA? Since you are the one requesting it, you have to pay the inspectors. Some sellers agree to split the cost. It all comes down to your negotiating power.

What is the Process of Getting an Asbestos Inspection?

If you worry that you may have asbestos in your home, call in the experts. As we have already stated, you cannot see it with the naked eyes. Neither can the experts. That is why they use specialized equipment during the inspection. They also have the added advantage of knowing where to look for it.

The team collects samples from several parts of the home. The process is very delicate because we aim to avoid any scenario that could disturb the asbestos. It does not take much to turn the asbestos from a non-friable to a friable state.

We then send the samples to labs for testing. This is when we get to know the presence and type of asbestos and its condition. The information from the lab determines the next course of action.

What Happens if There is Asbestos on the Property?

There are two main courses of action. We recommend remediation for non-friable or stable asbestos. The aim is to leave it alone by not messing with it at all. We may, however, recommend sealing or encapsulation to protect it further.

If in a friable state, the only option is to remove it. The process is delicate, and only experts should handle it. They have the right gear and processes to remove it as safely as possible. It helps to avoid more of the fine fibers that find their way into the atmosphere. The team disposes of the asbestos so that you do not have to deal with it at all.

Do You Have to Move Out During the Processes?

Depending on the severity of the situation, we may recommend you temporarily look for alternative accommodation. If the asbestos is unstable, it may be necessary. The professionals have protective gear that keeps them safe from inhaling the asbestos. Unfortunately, you do not. Consider moving out as a minor inconvenience that keeps you safe during the removal.

In a non-friable state, there may be no point for you to move out. It poses no danger to you as long as we leave it like that. We also take all the necessary measures to ensure we do not disturb it at all-

We aim to avoid any disruption to your daily life. Thus, we can only advise once we are on-site.

Envirotex is Your Answer for a Home Asbestos Inspections in Fairfax, VA

It is essential to take care of your health and that of your family. An asbestos home inspection is one way of doing it. Envirotex has been in the asbestos management industry for over 30 years. Our teams have undergone rigorous training on the handling of asbestos. We have also invested in the right equipment and gear for the job.

Only entrust the job to a company like ours. Feel free to ask for our certification, licensing, and client testimonials. If you are ready to start the discussion, please fill in the form on our website. We are ready to work at your convenience to rid your home of asbestos.

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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