Monday, May 13, 2019

Asbestos Removal – What You Should Know

Durable, fire-resistant, and an excellent insulating material, asbestos was known as a “magic mineral” and was a popular material used in building construction, until it several serious diseases were linked to the inhalation of asbestos fibers.

Scientific studies have definitely shown that asbestos is a carcinogen; it is the only known cause of mesothelioma, cancer that affects the lining of the lungs. Other lung diseases caused by asbestos are non-malignant pleural disease; asbestosis; and asbestos-related lung cancer.

In Melbourne, asbestos is typically present in homes and buildings that were constructed prior to 1990. The mineral can be found in the roofing, walls, insulation, flooring, pipes, and gutters. Asbestos fibers often become airborne when these areas are disturbed, such as during repair or renovation, and prolonged exposure is a serious health hazard. It is important, therefore, that inspection, testing, removal, and disposal of asbestos is done only by a highly qualified professional
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asbestos, serpentine fibers

The cost of asbestos removal will depend on a variety of factors:

  • The type of material that contains asbestos. There are two types: friable, which is more dangerous and, therefore, costs more; and non-friable.
  • How much asbestos needs to be removed.
  • How long the job will take, which is determined by the amount and location of asbestos.
  • Where the asbestos is present. Asbestos in structures that are outside the home or building is easier and less dangerous to remove and, therefore, the cost is lower; removing asbestos present indoors costs more. Removing asbestos from hard-to-reach areas, such as steep roofs, is also priced higher.
  • If the asbestos to be removed is in the form of chunks, fibers, or loose dust. The most difficult to remove is loose dust and will cost more.
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Wednesday, May 8, 2019

When Do You Need a Termite Inspection?

Close up termites or white ants

Termite damage is not covered by insurance. And repairing termite damage can be costly if the infestation is not caught early enough. Investing in a termite inspection will not only save you from worries, but also save you a lot of money.

Termites are sneaky pests that eat away at a property’s structural timber 24 hours a day, and seven days a week. You may not be aware when termites move in to your home; and, more often than not, you will only discover that you have an infestation when too much damage has already been done and extensive and costly repairs will be necessary.
  • You discover mud tubes, usually where the floor meets the walls or climbing the walls themselves. Termites use these tubes to move from place to place.
  • You notice your ceilings and/or floors are starting to sag.
  • You discover termite excrement; these look like coffee grounds or wood pellets.
  • You find discarded termite wings.
  • You notice some woodwork in your home crumbling or showing other signs of damage.
  • Before purchasing a house/building.
termite inspection should be a prerequisite when buying a house/building. After this initial inspection, the process should be repeated at least once a year to make sure that your house is always free from the pests.

Because termites thrive in all climates and weather conditions, no home is completely safe from an infestation. And there will always be hidden spaces and areas in your home that are going to be susceptible to termites. Do not wait until there are obvious signs of termite damage before hiring an inspector and exterminator. Routine inspections – and treatments, if necessary – are the only guaranteed way to keep these sneaky creepy crawlies from invading and making a feast of your home.