Get matched with top asbestos removal specialists in Mullens, WV

Whether or not to buy a home containing asbestos is ultimately a decision for the homebuyer, and there are several things to consider. When in good condition and contained, asbestos is unlikely to present a health risk—it’s when those tiny fibers are loose and airborne that they become a problem. Consider any renovations you plan on doing to the home that could disturb existing asbestos and the cost of removal. If an inspection finds asbestos in a home on the market, you could negotiate with the seller for a lower price, though this isn’t a sure thing.

It's okay to live in a house with asbestos siding as long as it's intact. Asbestos siding in good condition poses minimal risk since the fibers remain bound. If the siding is damaged, or deteriorating, or if renovations are planned that may disturb it, the risk of exposure increases significantly. Consult a professional asbestos inspector to assess the situation and provide recommendations.

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.

In most cities, it isn’t legal to cover asbestos tile. This is because it’s difficult for the average homeowner to know if they’re causing fibers to become airborne. While there is a method of sealing the asbestos in place—called encapsulation—this needs to be done by a pro, and isn’t appropriate for all situations.