3 Ways You Can Find Asbestos In Your Home

Older homes are full of character and special features you just don't see in more modern, up-to-date house hunting. Whether it's the architecture or unique characteristics that drew you in, there's something special about a home that's been around for years. However, older homes come with some baggage that can be extremely harmful for you and your family's health. Because of a lack in regulation, homes built before 1980 can have traces of asbestos. To learn more, here are three ways home-renovation projects can do more damage than good. 

1. Updating the Attic

The attic in your older home could be full of asbestos particles that once you touch will spread throughout the air. If you see brown pieces of insulation in your attic you think just need replaced, think again. Have the particles tested before you start moving stuff around. By testing the insulation first, you risk exposing your family to asbestos in the air. Without knowing, you may end up stirring up more than you intended.

2. Fixing Your Car in the Garage

While having a roof over your head and a temperature-controlled space to work in is a great perk when updating your car, depending on how old your car is, that may cause problems. If you have a classic car that you keep conditioned, opt to work on it outside. Seeing rusted-out parts or dust that you want to clean can put asbestos in the air when you blow the particles around. You're inhaling the particles, and they'll stay active in the garage. Simply wiping the dust off or working outside will ensure you're not activating asbestos. 

3. Putting in Drywall

Updating your walls with new memories, awards and special souvenirs is one of the many joys of living in your home. You truly make the space yours by what you choose to showcase. However, what's hiding beneath your drywall? Without having your walls tested, if they are older, asbestos could be hiding behind the sheetrock. When you start drilling and applying new items to your walls, that opens up space for the asbestos to sneak out and live in the air of your living, dining, family rooms etc. Before shaking anything up, an asbestos test would give you some peace of mind putting up your new wall hanging. 

Coming home should feel safe and comforting. However, some homes are hiding a deadly secret. Make sure you're on top of the pollutants that could be present by testing for certain contaminants before doing simple updates. It's the best way to stay safe and healthy in the four walls you cherish so much. 

Photo by Mauricio Thomsen from Pexels