Get matched with top asbestos removal specialists in Stover, MO

When asbestos fibers become airborne, they enter a person's respiratory system. These fibers scar and damage the lungs and often lead to serious cancers like mesothelioma. Like many dangers in the house, asbestos isn’t easy to see when it could be causing serious damage. The amount of time exposed, combined with the person’s tolerance for asbestos inhalation and the amount inhaled, will all contribute to health problems.

You are not really supposed to seal asbestos with paint, but in theory it could work—the caveat being that this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The only real way to seal asbestos is with the professional application of an encapsulating material like epoxy. Due to the negative effect asbestos can have on your home, however, it is usually the best course of action to accept a costly fix and remove the material entirely.

Scraping off asbestos siding is extremely dangerous. When asbestos is inert, it does not pose a risk, but once disturbed, the fibers enter the air that you breathe and can cause irreparable damage. Professionals may scrape it off, but they will have more protective equipment and specialized tools that most homeowners do not have on hand.

In most cases, homeowners insurance doesn't cover asbestos abatement. Insurance policies frequently exclude coverage for pollutants, contaminants, and hazardous materials, which include asbestos. It's considered a pre-existing condition in homes built before its ban, so removal is seen as a maintenance expense rather than an insurable loss. There may be an exception if the asbestos-containing materials are disturbed due to a covered event, such as fire or storm damage. Some policies may cover the abatement as a part of those repairs.