Have you ever wondered what might be hiding behind your older home’s walls? The charming, historic home that you bought in Wisconsin most likely had hidden dangers that were not immediately apparent.
One such threat is asbestos, a material once known for its durability and fire resistance. However, now it is recognized for its serious health risks. Asbestos is usually found in different building materials, particularly in homes built before the 1980s. If you also own a house that was built before that time, then it is important to manage it properly to ensure the safety of your household.
In this blog, we will discuss what asbestos is, how you can identify asbestos in older homes, and steps you need to take to address it safely.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos was one of the most used building materials back in the 20th century. It was preferred because of its impressive heat resistance, strength, and insulating properties.
Like many other states, asbestos was also commonly found in homes built before the 1980s in Wisconsin. Mostly, it was used in different building products, including the following:
Insulation
Roofing shingles
Floor tiles
Some types of paint
However, despite its widespread use, asbestos is now identified as a major health hazard. The tiny fibers can become airborne when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, whether due to renovations, deterioration, or even everyday wear and tear.
Therefore, if these fibers are inhaled, it can lead to severe respiratory issues, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma (a particularly aggressive form of cancer).
How to Check for Asbestos?
If you’re living in an older Wisconsin home, you need to check for asbestos to ensure your home is safe. However, you can’t identify asbestos just by looking at it; you need to have an asbestos test. Here’s how you can check for asbestos in your home:
Identify Potential Asbestos-Containing Materials
In Wisconsin, where most homes have a rich history, asbestos might still be lurking in common places like old floor tiles, attic insulation, ceiling panels, and even wallboard compounds. So, if your home has insulation around boilers and pipes (something common in Wisconsin’s older homes), then it will be a candidate for asbestos. This is why identifying where asbestos might be hiding is an important first step in keeping your home safe.
Do Not Disturb Suspected Materials
If you suspect that your home materials might contain asbestos, then it is best to leave them undisturbed. Asbestos fibers are dangerous when they become airborne. This happens when the material is cut, broken, or crumbles due to aging. In Wisconsin, this is especially important as seasonal changes can result in wear and tear in older homes – increasing the risk of asbestos exposure. So, avoiding touching or attempting to repair these materials yourself is best. Instead, you should consider this a red flag and move on to the next step, professional testing.
Hire a Professional Asbestos Inspector
The safest and most reliable way to confirm the presence of asbestos is to hire a licensed asbestos inspector. These professionals are trained to safely collect and analyze samples from your home without releasing dangerous fibers into the air.
During the inspection, the inspector will assess the areas of concern and take samples to send to a laboratory. Once the analysis is completed, you will get a detailed report on whether asbestos is present. If they find asbestos, you will also be provided with recommended steps to take. This is crucial as only a professional can accurately identify asbestos and recommend safe management or removal practices.
How to Handle Asbestos Safely?
To handle asbestos safely, the best way is to conduct a thorough risk assessment, consider encapsulation, and use proper protective gear. Let’s discuss each of these in detail below:
Conduct a Thorough Risk Assessment
Before taking any action, it is best to conduct a thorough risk assessment. This helps determine the extent of asbestos in your home and the potential risks involved. During this assessment, you can follow the following steps:
Identifying all possible asbestos-containing materials
Evaluating their conditions
Considering factors like the age of your home and planned renovations
If you’re unsure about any materials, it’s better to consult with a professional inspector. They are trained to provide a more detailed evaluation.
Consider Encapsulation as an Alternative
If asbestos removal is not necessary or feasible, encapsulation is an alternative method for managing asbestos. This method involves applying a specialized coating to the asbestos-containing material. Encapsulation seals off the fibers and prevents them from becoming airborne. It can be a safe and cost-effective solution, especially for materials that are still in good condition but pose a risk if disturbed.
Use Proper Protective Gear
If you need to handle asbestos on your own or enter an area where asbestos is present, you may use proper protective gear. You must wear a high-efficiency particulate (HEPA) mask, disposable coveralls, gloves, and goggles. Also, avoid using regular clothing or household cleaners, as these can spread asbestos fibers.
Conclusion
Ensuring the safety of your Wisconsin home, particularly if it was built before the 1980s, requires vigilance when it comes to asbestos.
This hidden hazard, once considered a miracle material, now presents serious health risks if disturbed. You can protect your household from potential harm by understanding what asbestos is, knowing how to check for it, and following the proper steps to handle it safely.
Whether you choose to conduct a risk assessment, opt for encapsulation, or bring in a licensed professional, the key is to act responsibly and prioritize the well-being of everyone in your home. Taking these precautions will help maintain the charm of your historic home while ensuring it remains a haven for years to come.
At Homesight, Inc., we understand the importance of keeping your home safe, especially regarding hidden dangers like asbestos. If you own an older home in Wisconsin, our licensed inspectors are here to help you identify and manage asbestos-containing materials effectively. Don’t take risks with your health—schedule a professional asbestos inspection with Homesight, Inc. today. We provide thorough testing and expert recommendations, ensuring your home remains a secure and healthy environment for your family. Contact us now to book your asbestos inspection and take the first step toward a safer home.
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