With spring officially underway, many of us are finally getting around to our cleaning and home remodeling projects. For most, spring cleaning entails home maintenance, including cleaning out the attic and performing long-overdue home renovations and repairs. However, before you dive headfirst into these exhaustive tasks, make sure you are avoiding the threat of asbestos when performing your spring cleaning.
Performing Home Renovations
For some, spring cleaning means completing those renovation projects they spent the winter planning. However, if your home was built before 1990, it’s important to be extra vigilant before beginning construction.
Changes to the Interior
Interior renovations can result in toxic exposure to asbestos. Some textured paints, patching compounds, or popcorn ceilings in older homes can contain asbestos. Disrupting these materials during renovations can result in asbestos becoming airborne and entering your lungs.
Exterior Remodeling
Due to its fire-resistant properties and durability, asbestos was once used in siding. If your goal this spring is to replace your home’s siding, it’s important to realize that the current materials can contain asbestos, requiring removal and proper disposal by a licensed asbestos abatement team.
Upgrading Utilities
If you are looking to upgrade and modernize some of your home’s utilities this spring – such as your water heater or furnace – know that older houses may have hot water and steam pipes coated with asbestos material, as it was once used to prevent corrosion. With age or tampering, the asbestos coating can become torn or cracked, leading to the fibers becoming airborne. Furthermore, oil or coal furnaces, and even door gaskets, can potentially contain asbestos insulation.
Cleaning the Attic and Crawlspaces
When cleaning the attic, it’s often best to be wary of the insulation. If your house was built between 1930 and 1950, there is a possibility your attic may contain asbestos insulation. Disturbing the insulation in the attic floors and walls by moving boxes or attempting to remove the insulation yourself will put you at serious risk of asbestos-related health issues.
Taking the age of your home into consideration is vital when it comes to avoiding the threat of asbestos during spring cleaning. If you discover or are concerned about the presence of asbestos, it’s important to reach out to an asbestos abatement team. Fiber Control, Inc. has the tools and equipment necessary to safely encapsulate, remove, and perform demolition on areas containing hazardous materials. Contact us today to learn more about our services.
