Yes. Gutting a house to the studs may actually be a good option if you believe a home contains toxic materials like asbestos, mold, or lead paint. However, this must be done under the supervision of licensed remediation experts.
Asbestos is absolutely cancerous. In fact, around 4% of all lung cancer cases are the result of asbestos exposure. This is why we recommend a full, professional removal and cleaning of any asbestos found in your home. If you are unsure whether there is any present, you should call a pro who will inspect your property.
Asbestos was most commonly produced and integrated into building products from the 1920s to the late 1980s. In reality, asbestos use should have ceased much sooner because asbestos was linked to cancer in studies produced as early as the 1950s. You can even extend that number past the 1980s due to stockpiled materials and because some countries treat asbestos use differently. It may also be found more in commercial applications than residential.
While it's possible to cover asbestos tile with carpet, it's not recommended. Encapsulating tile beneath carpet doesn't eliminate the health risks. Over time, the asbestos tiles could degrade, releasing fibers into the air and potentially contaminating the carpet. Disturbance during carpet installation or removal might also release fibers.
Depending on the size of your home, the inspection process could take a few hours or a few days. While inspecting your home, the asbestos specialist will take small sections of the potentially contaminated material. They will then send the sample to an accredited laboratory or the local health department for testing.
The cost of asbestos testing depends on your location, the home's size, and the testing area's complexity. Plan to spend between $230 and $800 for testing. During testing and while handling potential asbestos, the specialist may wear protective gear, including gloves, overalls, appropriate footwear, and respiratory equipment.
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