as-best-os/asbestos

I wanted to add an extra "s" after the as above.

What is it? We hear about it, but what do we know of it?

In short, it's a fibrous material that's primary function is to provide insulation. It can be found around the exterior lining of ductworks in a centralized heated and cooled home. It can be found on pipes leading from a water boiler in the basement furnace room. If left undisturbed it can provide its intended fuction with no real concerns for maybe even the life of the home. If a new furncae is to be replacing the old furnace, proper handling of the asbestos is required and can be done relatively painlessly. Removed incorrectly and the fibrous particles can split and become airbourne. As airbourne particles, there still doesn't present too much of a risk, unless huge amounts are released. Clean up is left to specialized teams and typically its an out of pocket expense as its a preexisting conditions and a non insurable claim.

There are lab tests that can trace the number of airborne molecules of asbestos lingering in the house. There are also different types of asbestos. Type 1 (most common) isn't much if any of a health concern, but corrective action including removing of the paper/bandage can be done and encapsulation. Type 2 and Type 3, requires more specific and indepth work.

Asbestos can also be located in old plaster ceilings or in the base of an original tile in a landury room for example. Even the glue used to hold the bottom end of the asbestos tile contains traces of asbestos. With that new homes still feature tiles with degrees of asbestos. Car brakes when tapped emit asbestos particles. In fact if you were to take a airborne sample in downtown Toronto you'd probably see a reading that may cause your head to spin. It's all around us, blowing in the winds!

A typical home inspection does not look for asbestos. If inspector notices, he may point out to you. Sellers unless they have reason to believe that it is distrubed and needs repair don't have a duty to disclose per MLS as they would say UFFI (a older form of insulation) or mould issues.

At the end of the day, if you're concentrating on buying a home in the central core or west or east core and you just can't escape the charm of the old victorian, or high ceilings or city streets..you're going to face more housing concerns. Mould, termites, asbestos, old joists, sagging roofs, grading, leaky basements, water boilers, knob and tube wiring, etc. Of course a home inspector is of use. A buyer agent who understands the above can help prep your mind set and understanding of the particular costs and possible issues you may face with the house you just fell in love with. You need an agent to illustrate these issues clearly and not overblown!

Another day...hopefully another piece of knowledge for you?

Cheers-