Not All That Glitters is Gold – Sometimes it’s Asbestos in Your Flooring
Beware of the Sparkly Trap: How to Identify and Avoid Asbestos-Ridden Flooring
You’re renovating your home and can’t wait to rip out that old flooring. But wait, before you go all crazy with the tear-out, you need to know that not all that glitters is gold – sometimes it’s asbestos in your flooring.
Asbestos was once considered to be the “miracle mineral” due to its durability and heat-resistant properties, and it was often used in building materials, including flooring.
Unfortunately, we now know that asbestos fibers can cause lung cancer and other respiratory diseases with prolonged exposure.
So how can you identify if your flooring contains asbestos? Here are some common types of flooring that may contain asbestos:
- Vinyl Tiles – if the tiles are nine inches square and have a slightly waxy feel, they probably contain asbestos.
- Linoleum – if the linoleum is from the 1970s or earlier, it could contain asbestos.
- Asphalt Tile – asphalt tiles from the 1920s to the 1960s often contained asbestos fibers.
If you suspect your flooring contains asbestos, don’t try to remove it yourself.
Asbestos fibers can be released into the air if the material is disturbed, which can cause serious health problems. Instead, call a professional asbestos abatement contractor to safely remove and dispose of the flooring.
The Golden Rule of Home Remodeling: Don’t End Up with Asbestos on Your Butt
You might chuckle at the thought of having asbestos on your butt, but trust us, it’s no laughing matter. If you’re planning on remodeling your home, whether it’s a small bathroom or a whole-house renovation, it’s important to follow the golden rule of home remodeling: don’t end up with asbestos on your butt.
The best way to avoid asbestos exposure during home remodeling is to have a professional asbestos inspection done before any work begins. A licensed inspector can test materials such as drywall, plaster, and flooring to determine if they contain asbestos. If asbestos is found, a professional asbestos abatement contractor should be called to safely remove and dispose of the material.
When remodeling your home, it’s also important to wear the right protective gear, such as a respirator and gloves, if you’re doing any demolition work. You don’t want to inhale any asbestos fibers that may be released during the process. Better yet, leave it to the professionals who have the proper equipment and training to safely remove asbestos-containing materials.
When Life Gives You Asbestos Flooring, Make Lemonade – And a Hasty Call to the Professionals
Okay, maybe making lemonade out of asbestos flooring isn’t the best idea, but you get the point. If you discover that your flooring contains asbestos, don’t panic – just call a professional asbestos abatement contractor.
They can safely remove and dispose of the material, so you can continue with your home renovation without the worry of asbestos exposure. It’s important to remember that asbestos-containing materials are only dangerous when they’re disturbed, so if your flooring is in good condition and not showing signs of wear or damage, it may be safe to leave it in place.
However, if you’re planning on removing or disturbing the material, it’s best to call in the professionals.
In conclusion, not all that glitters is gold – sometimes it’s asbestos in your flooring.
If you suspect your flooring contains asbestos, call a professional asbestos abatement contractor. Don’t try to remove it yourself, as this can release asbestos fibers into the air and cause serious health problems down the road. Following the golden rule of home remodeling – don’t end up with asbestos on your butt – is the best way to ensure a safe and healthy home renovation.
And remember, when life gives you asbestos flooring, make a hasty call to the professionals.
