ASBESTOS

Many, or most older houses may have materials that could contain some asbestos, including attics, floors, walls, ceilings, some heating systems and other components. Most of these materials are generally not a concern unless they are damaged, disturbed or made friable so they become airborne. It is beyond the scope & expertise of most home inspectors to determine the presence of asbestos, however I can assist you with this if there are concerns. Oregon inspection law and standards exclude reporting these conditions and materials. Any comments in the inspection report are made only as a courtesy and should not be relied upon to be complete or a warranty. If you have concerns, you are encouraged to contact the state DEQ at: 381 N Second Street Coos Bay, Phone: (541) 269-2721. Other government agencies: U.S. EPA: http://www.epa.gov/asbestos/ U S Consumer Products Safety Commission: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/453.html ———————————- Asbestos Siding “Many contractors have misled homeowners by claiming that all asbestos-containing materials in homes must be removed,” says Ken Giles, spokesman for the Consumer Product Safety Commission. This may be true for loose or damaged materials, but the best way to handle asbestos siding is to leave it alone. Shingles contain non friable asbestos, which means that the fibers aren’t released unless they’re sawed, drilled, cut or broken. Other remedies include encapsulating or covering the siding. To encapsulate, paint the siding with a latex masonry primer and high-quality latex paint. But don’t sand or scrape the shingles. To prepare the siding, just scrub with a soap-and-water solution, then rinse with a hose. To cover asbestos siding, install insulation board and vinyl siding over the shingles. Make sure screws penetrate at least 3/4 inch into the wall studs. Removal is the most expensive solution, and should be the last resort unless it’s required by state or local regulations, or if you’re considering a major exterior renovation, such as a large addition. It may be required to use a certified contractor for removal (look under “Asbestos” in the yellow pages). Improper removal may be illegal and increases the health risks to you and your family. Popcorn Ceiling Whether you hate the look or have dirt and stains on your popcorn ceiling, your best option is to remove the old texture and start from scratch. Sprayed acoustic ceilings are notorious dirt and dust collectors, and patching water stains and cracks is almost impossible. Although only a small percentage of sprayed acoustic ceilings contain asbestos fibers, have a small sample tested before starting work. If the lab gives the all-clear, use a ceiling-texture scraper to remove the old finish. This tool consists of a handle, blade and plastic bag. As you scrape, the bag catches most of the debris, making cleanup easier. You won’t get a smooth ceiling after you remove the acoustic. Most contractors apply only two coats of joint compound to drywall joints when the ceiling will be covered with a popcorn finish. For a smooth finish, you’ll need to sand and apply a third coat. Then paint with a drywall primer followed by a flat ceiling paint. It hides imperfections better than glossier paints. If you want to apply a new texture, the simplest is a “knockdown” finish. Thin down some joint compound with water and roll it on the ceiling with a medium-nap paint roller. When the compound is almost dry, run a wide trowel over the surface. The semi smooth surface can be painted with a glossier paint without sacrificing its “hiding” quality. These articles are from Fine Homebuilding If asbestos is suspected, you should always contact the local DEQ for guidelines and precautions.