Seymour Indiana home inspector reveals Asbestos

What Is Asbestos

In Indiana & Kentucky, Asbestos is still a concern for this Indiana Home Inspector! If you have questions on asbestos, don’t hesitate to call us with your questions at 1-866-417-9591 or schedule your home inspection
online today! Certainty Home Inspections performs inspections in Southern Indiana and Louisville

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What Is Asbestos? Asbestos is made from fibrous minerals and was widely used in many products because of its strength and tolerance to high temperatures and chemicals. Commonly found in older home construction materials.

On the exterior, asbestos shingles and siding were often applied and although the asbestos cement shingles are less commonly found these days, the asbestos siding has proven very durable and quite resilient. The asbestos cement siding has no health concerns unless pulverized to create dust or burned to release fumes.

Homes of 1930 through the 1950s construction are commonly found to have asbestos or (vermiculite) insulation. Other interior asbestos uses included floor coverings; these are typically square tiles or vinyl sheets applied with an adhesive backing. Plumbing supply and drain pipe insulation, this usually has a white canvas type covering over a fibrous insulation material. Flue pipe and heating distribution insulation, somewhat resembles white surgical tape and most commonly seen on metal distribution pipes for the heating system, as it was used to seal junctions and connections of the piping,. Ceiling tiles and wall coverings, normally found in suspended ceiling tiles and wall paint and patching or repair material. Use of these materials was banned in 1977. Gas fire place embers and ashes and old stove- pads may contain asbestos. Asbestos paper, or cement compounds were used to protect the floor and wall around wood stoves.

Not so fast though, identifying asbestos material is not so easy and visual examination alone is not always reliable. This means sampling and lab analysis will be required to confirm the presence of asbestos.  Taking samples your self is never recommended. Most reputable home inspection firms provide certified sampling professionals who know what to look for and how to reduce risks while extracting a sample and can provide you with lab results within 72 hours.

In fact, the EPA states that when you’re in doubt about the material you should treat it as if it contains asbestos or have it sampled and analyzed by a qualified professional. This is because sampling done incorrectly can be more hazardous than leaving the material alone. Material that is not deteriorated, damaged or hat is not going to be physically disturbed, should be left alone.

Although we always recommend that sampling should be done, we have had home buyers decide not to have a sample analyzed, choosing to encapsulate this material on the heating distribution pipes by tapping over it with common duct tape, only to be denied service from a local heating and air duct cleaning company. Upon discovering the possible asbestos tape, the cleaning company refused service.

If you choose to live with suspect asbestos materials you’ll want to be cautious not to cause damage or disturb it in any way. If it is or becomes damaged avoid being in the immediate area don’t clean up any debris from the damaged area and be careful not to track it inside. Consulting a professional for repair or removal of the material is recommended. Keeping in mind that removal posses risks of exposure and can be expensive and sometimes required by state regulations when remodeling.

For more information on asbestos, please visit the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)