Not necessarily. Asbestos can be a scary word – and needs to be taken seriously. However, if your home has asbestos, do not panic. There is no need to assume you are facing a crisis that will break the bank.
If the asbestos isn’t damaged and won’t be disturbed, it may be best to leave it alone. It will not spontaneously release fibers. For example – asbestos floor tiles are beneath the new flooring that was installed over them, they can remain. (However, if you are going to do a more extensive remodel in the future, this could change. For example, if you plan to remove all the layers, you will need to have a trained professional do the removal.)
Even if the asbestos is out in the open and may be disturbed or damaged, you may not need to remove it. Other safe options are encapsulation or enclosure. Encapsulation seals the asbestos, by covering it or penetrating it with a sealant. This makes it impossible for fibers to be released. Similarly, enclosure covers or wraps the asbestos containing materials sealing the fibers inside.
Sometimes, complete removal and abatement may be your best or only option. And knowing the facts puts you in control. For peace of mind, it is best to consult an accredited asbestos professional like Testor. We can safely take samples of any concerning material. Then, if the results come back positive for asbestos, we can advise you of the safest options for dealing with it.