Renovations and asbestos (Houston, Howe: house, inspections, disposal)

[sunkistsyeh]

Hi everyone,

I looked for quite a while in the Houston and national forums as this question may have been asked before, but I couldn't find much.

My question is: How does one handle the possibility of asbestos in the wall if a home owner wants to renovate an area of a 1960s home (either DIY or contracted). Do people do inspections? Or do people just move ahead and keep it clean with plastic barriers?

I know it can be anywhere from floors to the insulation to the attic, and is generally considered safe if left undisturbed. However, it seems like any type of serious renovation has the possibility of aerosolizing it around the house if you are not careful.

Thanks in advance.

[AlfredB1979]

You could go ahead with an inspection, but OTOH, you could also assume the "worst" and take precautions as if the materials in question do indeed contain asbestos in regards to PPE, containment, negative air filtration, permitting (remove load bearing wall = demo = permit time) and waste disposal--N95 respirators, tyvek suits, 6 mil bags, HEPA vacuum, hazardous material landfills etc.

That reminds me...my grace year is up this week for my asbestos certs. I hope I never have to deal with asbestos insulation again and never have to bother with those courses ever again. Probably won't get that lucky, though.

http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Educat...s-In-The-Home/
http://www2.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-neshap


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMUJuqZ_NhQ

[Oildog]

In the form of a question....

OD: "Why hasn't the Astrodome been renovated or torn down?"

Alex: Correct, your in control of the board

OD: Thanks. How about Bourbon for $600.

[chris_ut]

If you are in City of Houston then I think they require an asbestos inspection for permit depending on age of house.