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For sale sign outside a home on the market

My Home Has Asbestos – Can I Sell It?

By Asbestos Regulations, Household InfoNo Comments

It is finally time to sell your home, but it is an older home, and it contains asbestos. What do you do? If you know that the home has asbestos, it must be disclosed to the buyer without a shadow of a doubt. If you do not disclose the information, you can be sued. When selling a home, you will need to have a property inspection completed. These inspections do not generally check for asbestos, but the buyer may want an asbestos test if the home is older.

What If I Am Unsure of Asbestos On The Property?

If you do not know for sure, you can have an asbestos test completed. You can also let the buyer decide if they want an inspection. It is best for you to have one completed because of the time and money it can save in the long run. If the buyer wants a test and it comes back that there is asbestos on the property, you may be asked to remove the asbestos or sell the home for a lower price to cover the asbestos removal.

Asbestos is highly hazardous and a danger to everyone that enters the home. If you are still living in the home, it is crucial to have a test completed if the home is older. Older homes could have asbestos in the insulation, roofing, tiles, walls, textured ceilings, and even adhesives. While we stated it is legal to sell a home containing asbestos, it is best to have it checked before putting your home on the market. You never want to unknowingly cause someone to become exposed to such a dangerous fiber. Asbestos causes cancer and other respiratory issues that can cause lifelong illnesses.

Hire a professional asbestos abatement company such as Asbestos Abatement Services for all your testing, inspection, and removal needs.

Man inspecting the interior of a home

The Importance of A Proper Asbestos Inspection

By Asbestos in the home, Household InfoNo Comments

Asbestos has been used in construction and other materials for centuries. It was a great addition, as it was not only fire resistant but also incredibly durable. Unfortunately, it was found to cause serious illnesses. Respiratory illnesses and cancers such as mesothelioma are common if exposed to asbestos fibers. Asbestos-containing materials were used in homes throughout the world, including the United States. Today, we still see asbestos, even in newly built homes. If you own a home or business, it is vital that you have an asbestos inspection completed on the property.

Asbestos Inspections

Asbestos inspections are very comprehensive, and the asbestos professional must have proper licensing and certifications to administer an asbestos test and inspection. An asbestos inspection is completed by taking samples of all areas throughout the property, including the interior and exterior areas. Once samples are collected, they are sent to a lab to be tested for asbestos fibers.

If your property does have asbestos, an asbestos professional will work with you to form an action plan to remove the asbestos. Asbestos exposure can happen quickly, so it is best to have the asbestos removed as soon as possible. An asbestos inspection not only provides you and your family with protection from asbestos but also leaves you with peace of mind, knowing that your property is free from harmful asbestos fibers.

If asbestos is on your property, it is crucial that you have a professional asbestos abatement company remove the asbestos. You must have licensing and certifications to remove asbestos and dispose of the hazardous material. If your property has never had an asbestos test or inspection administered, it is a perfect time. Even newer homes should be tested, as asbestos is not entirely banned in the United States, making it possible for newly built properties to contain asbestos. Utah Asbestos Abatement provides complete asbestos inspections and removal services for all of Utah.

Close-up Of A Human Hand Stopping The Wooden Blocks From Falling On House Model

Will My Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

By Household Info, Service InformationNo Comments

Learning that your property contains asbestos is a terrifying feeling. No one wants a toxic material in their home. Your home should be your safe place and to find you have a fiber that can cause cancer in your home is devastating. Asbestos has been found in many areas around homes, including:
• Insulation
• Walls
• Flooring
• Roofing
• Adhesives
• Popcorn Ceilings
• Gaskets
• Textured Walls

Once you learn that you have asbestos in your home, your instinct will be to have it removed as soon as possible. This is the wisest decision you can make. Once you have overcome the shock of finding asbestos on your property, you will begin to think of the cost. Asbestos removal is not cheap. You may wonder if you can remove it yourself. The answer is no. A licensed company can only complete asbestos removal. It is illegal to remove asbestos without the proper license because of how dangerous it is.

Will My Insurance Cover Asbestos Removal?

n most cases, insurance companies do not cover the cost of asbestos removal. However, there are some circumstances where your homeowner insurance may pay for your asbestos removal. It is best to contact a professional asbestos removal company. They will be able to check with your insurance to see if they can file a claim. If your property has been damaged by flooding, storm damages, or tornadoes, your policy may cover the safe removal and replacement of asbestos-containing materials.

While asbestos abatement can be costly, it is also necessary to protect you and your family from asbestos exposure. It is best to work with a certified asbestos abatement professional. They will be able to create a plan and work with your budget on the safe removal of asbestos from your home.

Luxury apartment interior with fireplace

Are There Alternatives To Asbestos Removal?

By Household Info, Service InformationNo Comments

As an advocate for asbestos research and education, it is important to us that you receive all the facts about asbestos and its dangerous effects on people. We have seen a lot of people discussing alternatives to asbestos removal. While some may believe this is the right course of action, we can assure you that asbestos should permanently be removed from properties. Asbestos exposure is a health risk. With asbestos being such a risk with mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other severe illnesses, why would you even consider keeping it inside your home or business?

Can I Live With Asbestos In My Home?

While it is true that asbestos that has not been disturbed is not of immediate danger, it can quickly turn friable, which means it is of immediate danger. Non-friable asbestos is asbestos-containing materials that are still intact and in good condition. Friable asbestos is when the asbestos has become damaged or disturbed through remodels, construction, or other means. Friable asbestos could expose you at any moment. While you could live with asbestos for a limited amount of time, it is not the best decision for you or your family. It only takes one instance of asbestos exposure to have mesothelioma.

Sealing Asbestos

Encasement of asbestos, also known as sealing, is just a quick fix. Sealing asbestos-containing materials only delays the asbestos from becoming friable. This option is not a viable choice for most people. It is not only costly but does not last forever. You will eventually need to have the asbestos removed, meaning you are still at risk, even when the asbestos has been sealed.

Asbestos in your home or business is a severe problem that should be handled promptly. Asbestos exposure can be deadly. When dealing with such a hazardous material, it is vital that you contact a certified asbestos abatement company for the safe removal of asbestos from your property.

Dumpster full of demolition debris

Asbestos Demolition Services

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

When it comes to demolition processes, especially for commercial properties, the rules become more strict. Commercial properties have specific rules and regulations that they must follow when starting a demolition process. Demolition of older buildings is quite common as companies want to build newer and more innovative buildings. With demolition and rebuilding usually comes more revenue for the states. As older buildings become new again, you see an increase in interest. While this is a great thing, commercial property demolition can be a headache for the demolition and construction teams.

Older buildings must be analyzed for asbestos before demolition can occur. If the test says the company has asbestos, an asbestos contractor will need to be a part of the demolition process. With the specific rules and regulations in place for asbestos-containing property demolition, the process can take longer. The demolition process for asbestos-containing buildings is a lot different. Instead of breaking down the old structure, more care will need to be taken.

The asbestos abatement contractor will devise a plan to begin removing the areas that contain asbestos first. This process can take time, as the areas will need to be sealed, and the asbestos abatement team will wear respirators and special clothing to enter the areas. Once inside, they will begin to remove the asbestos-containing materials. Once the materials are removed, they will carefully seal the asbestos for safe disposal from the building. This process will be completed over and over until all asbestos has been removed from the property. Asbestos demolition is completed so that no one is exposed to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can float throughout the air and can affect people in the general vicinity. Controlled demolitions still release particles into the air, floating to neighboring homes and businesses, exposing innocent people. If you are in need of asbestos demolition, always contact a certified asbestos abatement contractor for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos from the commercial property.

Home inspector writing on clipboard

Asbestos Testing For New Properties – Is It Necessary?

By Household InfoNo Comments

Purchasing a new property that has been built specifically for you can be one of the more major milestones in your life. People dream of building their dream home or purchasing a freshly built property. It is an exciting time in your life. You are purchasing something that only you have lived in, but all the excitement can come dangers. While you would not think a freshly built home could contain asbestos, you are wrong. Asbestos is still being found in new homes across the United States. While there are strict regulations in place, asbestos is still finding its way into construction materials. All asbestos has not been entirely banned in the United States. Imported goods are still coming in with trace amounts of asbestos. While small amounts may not seem like a huge deal or a deal-breaker, it is!

Shockingly, it only takes one fiber to enter your nose or mouth. One asbestos fiber can cause you severe illnesses for years to come. Asbestos is highly hazardous and can cause cancer. If you are purchasing a new build property, it is important to have an asbestos test completed. An asbestos inspection and test will ensure your home is truly free of asbestos fibers. If your home doesn’t have asbestos fibers, you can go on with your life, knowing you and your family are not a risk of asbestos exposure. If your test comes back that asbestos is in the home, you can have it removed before you expose your entire family to the hazardous fiber.

Asbestos removal is being seen more and more in newer homes. More people are realizing the dangers of asbestos and having their homes tested. This simple asbestos test is saving the lives of thousands each year. If your new home is ready for you to move it, wait an extra few days and have an asbestos inspection completed. It is a simple yet thorough test that will give you peace of mind that you are protecting your family at all costs!

Two house painters in hazmat suits removing lead paint from an old house

Lead Abatement – Why Is Lead So Dangerous?

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Lead is naturally occurring around the world, which shouldn’t make it a danger. Wrong! Many naturally occurring materials are hazardous. Asbestos and lead are both naturally occurring and very dangerous if you are exposed. Lead was used in paint for decades. Over time people realized that lead poisoning was a thing, and that lead was actually very hazardous to your health. Once this was discovered, lead was removed from paint and banned for use. Today, we are still finding homes that have lead paint in them. Below, we will discuss why we see lead paint in homes that have been remodeled and why it is so dangerous!

Lead Paint

Lead paint was just one of many parts that make up the paint in homes. However, it was the most dangerous. Lead paint can cause lead poisoning, especially in the elderly, young adults, and pregnant women. Once lead paint was banned, it was not really removed from homes. A home that had lead paint would eventually receive a remodel, which would lead to someone putting a fresh coat of paint over the existing coat. This only sealed the lead into the home. Lead is still a danger, even if covered by a fresh coat of paint. This is why we see many renovated homes still containing lead paint.

Why is Lead Paint So Dangerous?

Lead poisoning caused a wide array of symptoms for the elderly, children, and pregnant women. It is so dangerous that it can cause a coma or even death if the exposure levels are high. Luckily, there are tests that can be administered to check for lead paint in the home. These tests are relatively simple, and you receive the results quickly. Lead poisoning can cause many symptoms, but some of the main ones include:
• Cognitive Issues
• Behavioral Problems
• Swelling
• Abdominal Pain
• GI Issues
• Heart Problems

As you can see, lead poisoning is very hazardous to your health. If your property has lead, it is best to have it removed by a professional lead abatement company.

Open faucet and washbasin

Asbestos and Lead – A Deadly Duo!

By Asbestos Information, Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

Asbestos and lead are a duo of the more toxic hazardous materials that you will find on your property. The main reason being they cannot be seen by the unaided eye. You cannot physically see the dangers, which puts you at a higher risk. If you can see something harming you, you are more likely to have that material removed. Asbestos and lead are both silent killers because you may not know you or your family is being exposed until you develop symptoms or have the home tested.

Asbestos Testing

As we stated above, asbestos cannot be seen, making it even more deadly. Asbestos fibers can spread throughout your home, putting your entire family at risk. You can unknowingly expose everyone in the home through remodels. The only way to know for sure if your home asbestos-containing materials are through asbestos testing. An asbestos test is highly accurate, as samples are taken from different areas of your home. Once gathered, they will be tested at a lab. If your home has asbestos, it will need to be removed as soon as possible, as asbestos exposure is linked to cancers such as mesothelioma, severe respiratory illnesses, and even death.

Lead Testing

Lead poisoning is usually not a concern for the regular healthy adult. Lead poisoning generally affects young children, the elderly, and pregnant women. Lead paint was used for years in homes across the United States until it was found to cause severe illnesses. If your home is older, it is a wise decision to have it tested for lead. Lead paint can lead to behavioral problems, cognitive issues, comas, and even death. If you have or may have any of the above at-risk people in your home, a simple test can ease your mind and know your family is protected.

Man Talking on a Phone

Asbestos Removal – Who Should I Call?

By Household Info, Service InformationNo Comments

Removing asbestos is a comprehensive process that should only be completed by a professional asbestos removal company like Asbestos Abatement Services. It is illegal for anyone without the proper licenses to remove or dispose of asbestos in the United States. This is for the protection of everyone involved. If your home has been tested for asbestos and does contain asbestos, it is vital that you never attempt to remove the asbestos-containing materials. If you cannot remove the asbestos, what should you do?

You should always call a hazardous materials removal company. It is best to hire a company that specializes in asbestos removal, as they will have the most knowledge and the best equipment to handle the job correctly. Asbestos exposure is a genuine concern. No one wants to be exposed to asbestos. It is not only known to cause cancer, but you cannot know for sure if you have been exposed. The fibers cannot be seen by the unaided eye, making it impossible to know if you have been exposed, which is why you need to call a professional. They use respirators and other equipment to remove the asbestos from your property, one room at a time. Rooms must be sealed off before the removal process begins. There is a method to removing asbestos to mitigate the risk of exposure. Asbestos Abatement has the knowledge and skill for safe asbestos removal and disposal. If your home does contain asbestos, do not hesitate to call a professional for removal. The longer you wait, the more at risk you are for exposure to asbestos.

Our job is to remove the asbestos while keeping you and your family safe from the hazardous effects of asbestos exposure. We work with you to find the best time and best price for your asbestos removal.

Attic with Ceiling Insulation

Is Asbestos In My Insulation That Dangerous?

By Hazardous Materials Information, Household InfoNo Comments

There are many areas of your home that you never see. One of those areas is your insulation. The insulation of your home is one of the most vital parts of your property. Your insulation protects you from the outside elements by insulating your home. Unfortunately, insulation was one of the main places that we find asbestos when doing asbestos inspections. Asbestos-containing insulation was once thought to be the best insulation because of its resistance to heat. However, over time it was found that asbestos was highly hazardous to your health.

Asbestos insulation was used for decades in homes and businesses across the United States. It was durable and lasted forever, which was perfect for insulating properties. The question comes from the fact that you never see your insulation, so is it really that dangerous to you and your family? The answer is YES! Insulation that contains asbestos is highly hazardous to you and your family.

If your insulation becomes disturbed for any reason, it can release asbestos fibers. These fibers will travel through the air and enter your air ducts, where they will enter all areas of your home. This is where exposure will occur. Asbestos insulation is highly dangerous and should be removed immediately from your home or business. Asbestos abatement for insulation can take time, as all insulation will need to be fully removed and the area checked for any asbestos fibers. If your home does have insulation that contains asbestos, you will need to leave the home until asbestos removal is completed. This is to protect you and your family from asbestos exposure.
Asbestos professionals will wear respirators, special suits and use equipment to seal areas as they work. This is to avoid asbestos exposure and to limit the asbestos to certain areas. Once the asbestos has been safely secured, it will be disposed of at a location that handles hazardous materials, like asbestos.