Today, let's dive into a topic that might not be the most glamorous but is definitely important: asbestos. Yep, that not-so-friendly mineral that used to be a staple in construction but is now infamous for its health risks. But fear not! By the end of this article, you'll be armed with all the knowledge you need to understand, detect, and deal with asbestos in your home.

Friable vs Non-Friable 

First things first, let's clear up a common confusion: the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos. Friable asbestos refers to materials that can be easily crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, while non-friable asbestos is more solid and cannot be crumbled easily. Think of friable asbestos as the flaky, dangerous stuff, while non-friable asbestos is more contained and less likely to release harmful fibers into the air.

Finding Asbestos in Homes

Now, you might be wondering, "How do I even know if my home has an asbestos problem?" Well, it's not always easy to tell just by looking. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials like insulation, floor tiles, and roofing shingles, especially in homes built before the 1980s. If your house falls into that age range, there's a chance it could contain asbestos. The best way to find out for sure is to hire a certified asbestos inspector to conduct a thorough assessment.

Potential Dangers

But why all the fuss about asbestos anyway? Isn't it just another outdated building material? Unfortunately, no. Asbestos poses serious health risks when its fibers are released into the air and inhaled. Prolonged exposure to asbestos can lead to lung diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive form of cancer. Scary stuff, right? That's why it's crucial to address any asbestos issues in your home ASAP.

Professional Help

So, let's say you've discovered asbestos lurking in your attic or behind your walls. What now? Don't panic! While asbestos removal is a job best left to the professionals, there are safe and effective ways to remediate asbestos in your home. This typically involves encapsulating the asbestos-containing materials to prevent fiber release or carefully removing and disposing of the materials following strict safety protocols.

Asbestos and Real Estate Transactions

Now, let's talk real estate. Whether you're buying or selling a home, asbestos can be a major concern. For buyers, it's essential to include asbestos testing as part of the home inspection process, especially for older properties. Knowing about any asbestos issues upfront can help you make an informed decision about whether to proceed with the purchase and negotiate repairs or remediation if needed.

On the flip side, if you're selling a home that contains asbestos, it's crucial to disclose this information to potential buyers. Failure to disclose known asbestos hazards could land you in hot water legally and ethically. However, don't fret too much—many homebuyers understand that older homes may have asbestos and are willing to work with sellers to address any issues.

In summary, asbestos might be a bit of a headache, but with the right knowledge and precautions, you can keep your home safe and sound. Remember the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos, get a professional inspection if you suspect asbestos in your home, and don't underestimate the importance of addressing asbestos in real estate transactions. Stay informed, stay safe, and happy homeownership!

After years in advertising and marketing, living and working for companies in Georgia, North Carolina, and China, I decided to acquire my real estate license so I can use my established marketing and communications skills to help others and work for myself.

For many people, buying and/or selling their home is one of the most important and most stressful times of their lives. Having an advocate and an agent who has experienced years of corporate marketing, managing teams through challenging projects with tight deadlines, and negotiating complex deals - will aid in the home buying or selling process.

If you or anyone you know is interested in real estate investment, a personal real estate search, or property management, please reach out to me directly - I would love to provide my services to help find your goal property as soon as possible.

David “Bo” Hardegree, NC Real Estate Broker
Espin Realty
[email protected]
704-748-0958