The Importance of Pre-Purchase Asbestos Survey

In today's property market, where new houses have become very expensive, people prefer to buy old homes and upgrade them through renovations. Not only are aged properties cheap, but they also allow owners to renovate and add a touch of personality. However, increasing cases of asbestos-related illnesses in the country are being linked to home renovations. As such, conveyancers are encouraging property buyers to conduct a pre-purchase asbestos survey before signing on the dotted line. This article highlights the reasons behind a pre-purchase asbestos survey.

Locate Asbestos  

While the primary function of a pre-purchase asbestos inspection is to look for asbestos and ACMs (asbestos-containing materials), an abatement company also needs to know where the substance is located. Asbestos can be found in various places, such as inside walls, the floor, on the roof, or paint coatings. It is essential to know the exact location of asbestos in your house-to-be to ensure that an abatement company removes all the asbestos, making your house safe for renovations. However, if a survey is not conducted thorough enough to reveal all asbestos sites, you will still expose occupants and renovation personnel to illnesses.

Do an Assessment of Asbestos  

Asbestos can be friable or non-friable. The type of asbestos found inside a building determines the ideal management procedure. For instance, friable asbestos is considered the most dangerous type due to its delicate fibres and ease of disintegrating when disturbed. If an asbestos abatement company finds friable asbestos, priority is accorded to its removal rather than management. On the other hand, if a service provider finds non-friable ACMs whose chances of disturbance are low, the company prioritizes management. It is crucial to note that asbestos assessment can be conducted onsite or in a lab for extensive and accurate results.

Determine the Extent of Intrusion  

Removing asbestos requires some level of intrusion from an abatement company. However, factors such as the type of building, the nature of construction, and accessibility determine how far abatement companies can go when removing asbestos. For instance, removing asbestos from chimneys can be challenging because of poor accessibility. In such a case, you might be tempted to demolish the whole structure to get rid of the asbestos. However, the strategy might be expensive, which is the reason why asbestos abatement companies prefer less intrusive methods of containing the material, such as sealing the chimney. It prevents asbestos from posing a danger to occupants and workers during renovations.

For more information, reach out to a local asbestos survey company.

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