Got Asbestos?
February 16th, 2008 categories: Home Buyers
I happened to take this picture during a showing I did this week. While I can’t say for sure the wrap on the pipes is asbestos (you need an actual test), it probably is. Asbestos is relatively common in older homes and can be found in pipe insulation, roofing materials, shingles, and floor tiles.
The general rule is to leave asbestos alone - don’t take it down yourself because not only is it a health hazard when the particles are disturbed and become airborne but you can’t dump it anywhere without paying for its disposal.
You can also have it wrapped if the asbestos is deterioriating - this is far less expensove than removal. This wrap actually looks to be in pretty good shape. If this were located in a basement that was finished or could be finished, I would have it wrapped or removed.
For more info on asbestos, see these related posts:
Home Inspection Options in Real Estate Purchase & Sales Contract
How Much Does It Cost? A guide to some common and not-so-common repairs
Home Buying 101 - Step 10: Get A Home Inspection
Sure does look like asbestos. It is one of those things that you hope you don’t find when viewing an older home. I have seen a lot worse than this one. It is when it is all frayed that you wonder if you be anywhere near it.
It looks like it to me also. I grew up in a house with those kind of pipes in the basement with it flaking off and when I think back to what I may have been exposed to I shutter. We spent little time in our basement so hopefully it had no effect.
I think you need to disclose to seller and be removed by a professional company they will come in and make a plastic tent and take it out and vacumn area and remove all and then you know it’s a safe home.
Just like lead paint years ago was used and needs to be removed for fear children will eat the paint chips. Many older homes have lead window sill and porch paint and this is to be evaluated when buying an older home.
This is something to be removed by professionals only. It is a proven fact to cause cancer.
Definately to be considered when buying older homes to check for these types of things another reason to get a inspector.