Beware of Lead and Asbestos in Older Homes – Safety and Health Tips

Home renovation is definitely a must, especially for houses that are considered historic and traditional. Homeowners who enjoy buying homes that are 30 years old or older should be aware of the important components of their valuable investment when it comes to home improvements. Lead and asbestos are two of the most prominent contents found in properties that have stood the test of time. It is of the utmost importance to be aware of these two prominent components of the home and to know their implications on the health and quality of your home.

For example, it is imperative to know what lead and asbestos are in order to know how to deal with them in the course of your home remodeling project. Asbestos is known to be a common and widely used insulating material for broilers and ovens in old houses. This is due to its fire resistant characteristics and durability that made it a reliable and preferred material for houses. Asbestos is also used for roofing, flooring, and wall cladding systems, among others. However, in the years following its popularity in the construction industry, it has been banned due to its threat to the health and well-being of the human body. Therefore, if you have purchased a historic property, it is important that you check your foundation and verify that there are no asbestos materials in your home.

Your home renovation should be done with extreme care and caution, especially if you doubt that you have asbestos floors or walls in your home. Never touch a single tile or wall without consulting your local building authority and obtaining permission for such major construction. This is because asbestos is not harmful at all when it remains intact; however, when there are cracks or breaks in the surface, it is sure to eject dangerous asbestos dust. These elements are preferred as they are a fatal threat to those exposed to air containing the dust. In addition, asbestos materials are definitely not recyclable, which means that they are not advisable to reuse, especially when they are damaged or broken.

The best thing to do is obtain a permit from your local authorities and hire a licensed asbestos abatement specialist to remove asbestos from your home. These experts have substantial knowledge and training to properly dispose of these materials without the threat of damaging them and increasing the chances of releasing extremely dangerous asbestos dust when introduced into the body.

Another component in traditional houses is the use of lead to paint and coat the wall surfaces both inside and outside the house. Lead-based paints are common but dangerous to health. These are known to trigger cases of nervous breakdown, hearing loss, and IQ degradation, among others. It is definitely harmful, especially for young children who have weak immune systems. Therefore, updating your home with lead paint also requires a removal specialist to do the job of removing the paint without scratching or sanding the surface.

Checking your home for lead and asbestos, especially during a home renovation, is critically important. It definitely guarantees your health for a productive and reliable real estate investment.