If you find that you have asbestos in your home, it’s vital it’s sorted and disposed of correctly. Without doing so you put yourself at risk of harm due to its hazardous nature. The removal of asbestos is a serious task and you want to do it right. Some people might wonder if they can do their own asbestos removal or if it’s better to turn to a professional. Here we explore which is the best choice for you and your home and the things you need to consider when looking into asbestos removal.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring carcinogenic material made of flexible fibres. It is resistant to heat, electricity and corrosion which made it popular in the past to be used for things such as insulation, flooring and roofing. Since it was discovered to be unsafe it has been banned in many countries and if found, needs to be removed with caution.
What are some signs you have asbestos?
If you suspect you have asbestos, it’s important to have it tested by a qualified laboratory to check if this is the case. If left, you can experience symptoms such as:
- Shortness of breath and wheezing
- A cough that won’t go away
- Extreme tiredness
- Chest pain
- Long-term breathing difficulties
DIY v Professional Asbestos removal
If you are doing a home renovation and find that you have asbestos, you’ll be wondering whether you can remove it yourself or need to get someone in to do it. There are pluses and minuses to both so you need to carefully evaluate all the points before going ahead.
Getting a professional to remove asbestos
Many people think that hiring a professional to remove asbestos will be expensive, but when it comes to it, there isn’t a price you can put on your health. Not only do professionals have all the right equipment for your asbestos removal, but they know the specific regulations and guidelines set up by local authorities. A few reasons you should look to get a professional to remove asbestos include:
- They have the necessary equipment for the removal
When removing asbestos from your property it’s not just a case of ripping it out and throwing away, it needs to be done so correctly. When being removed, you need to ensure it’s contained correctly so the fibres don’t spread and this should be done with specialised equipment and techniques. Professionals can create sealed work areas and have all the tools required to safely and effectively remove asbestos from your home. They will also remove it to approved facilities that can safely handle asbestos and prevent it from causing any harm.
- They are compliant with the legal requirements
There are many strict laws about asbestos and its removal, due to the hazardous nature of the material. Hiring a professional means they will already know what laws are in place and ensure they are adhered to. They will know if any permits are necessary and what disposal laws are in place to follow.
- They have the experience and expertise
Having been in the field for numerous years, professionals will be able to do the necessary asbestos testing and have the experience and knowledge to know exactly what they’re doing and what they’re looking for. They will know the different types of asbestos and how to remove them while mitigating the risks they pose.
- They will reduce the risks
If you attempt to remove asbestos yourself you pose a risk of mishandling it which can release the fibres, contaminating the air and making you and those around you sick. Professionals will know how to reduce the risks and keep you safe from exposure.
DIY asbestos removal
The first thing you might think about once you’ve found out you have asbestos is whether or not you can get rid of it yourself. Unfortunately, this isn’t the best idea and there are several laws about asbestos removal. By doing so it can save you money, but the risk it poses to your health isn’t worth it. You would need to follow specific practices and either hold a licence or notify the relevant board if you wanted to do it yourself. Thousands of people think about removing asbestos themselves but don’t think about the health issues of doing so. Asbestos is worse when it’s touched or tampered with so by doing this you pose a more significant risk to your health.
If you are looking for asbestos testing near me or want help removing asbestos central coast, look no further. Here at About The House, we are on hand to help you with everything from asbestos testing to removal, ensuring it’s as safe and efficient as possible. Get in touch with us today to find out more.