Asbestos is a dangerous construction material which is found in old homes. The estimated fraction of houses in the country with asbestos products is about a third. If your house was built or refurbished before 1985, there is a high possibility that there are asbestos containing materials (ACM) in the structure. Also, building which were erected between 1985 and 1990, the probability is still significant. The use of the mineral was popular in the past due to characteristics.

The material is notable for great insulation, chemical stability and exceptional strength. Unfortunately, the fibres which make up the material were found to have dire health consequences. If you are planning on performing a renovation project which will disturb your building and release the hazardous particles, it is important to commission an asbestos inspection before commencement. Here are the different asbestos assessments you can commission for your home.

Visual Inspection

The most basic form of inspection for asbestos in homes is the visual survey. The process is also known as the presumptive asbestos inspection. In general, this examination can be defined as a preliminary check-up of the building to identify materials which could contain asbestos fibres. Simply speaking, a hazardous materials consultant will assess the residential structure and take note of all elements in the house which are suspected of containing the dangerous mineral. Typically, the expert presumes that every suspect material does contain asbestos.

Sampling Survey

The preliminary visual inspection is favoured because the process is inexpensive. However, it does not confirm with certainty the existence of asbestos in the building. If you would like to confirm the presence or absence of the mineral in your home, you should consider commissioning a sampling survey. The consultant will collect pieces of the suspect ACM, and a laboratory technician will use microscopy to confirm the presence of asbestos. While this process is expensive, it will give you certainty.

Clearance Inspection

If asbestos is identified in your home and you decide to have the hazardous material removed, you should have a clearance inspection carried out. This assessment will confirm that all the ACMs are eliminated from the structure. Moreover, the consulting firm can monitor the air to confirm that there are no dangerous fibres lingering in the air. This process is critical before you can reoccupy your home, especially if the structure had friable or powdery asbestos.

If you are uncertain about the right asbestos management strategy for your home, you should discuss the merits of each option with your contractor.