Even though it is a natural fiber in its essence, asbestos becomes especially dangerous when it’s friable, i.e., when it’s released into the air, either from being manipulated or disturbed. In the past, asbestos was commonly used in a wide range of products due to its immense durability and heat-resistant characteristics.
It quickly became the most commonly used material for the construction of offices and homes. However, the moment the world realized how dangerous it could be, more and more homeowners started looking for replacements for their homes to avoid being exposed to the health risks associated with asbestos.
The best ideas for replacing asbestos in your home
Some of the most common alternatives to asbestos include:
Polyurethane foam
Thermoset plastic
Fiberglass
Mineral wool
Cellulose
Plastic
Hemp
Sheep's wool
Straw
Natural cotton
If you’re looking to get rid of the building products and materials that contain asbestos, here are some tips from asbestos removal experts.
Roofing
Many homes have asbestos-cement corrugated roofing. If that is the case, there is a range of roofing materials that you can use to replace asbestos. One of the most popular alternatives is fiber-cement roofing, although you can also consider going with galvanized metal sheets or concrete tiles.
Many homeowners prefer plastic-coated galvanized aluminum or steel, as well as coated metal tiles. It is best to rely on your personal preferences and base your selection of the roofing material on your home’s overall style.
Flat sheets
Asbestos-cement flat sheets are also used very commonly in partitions, ceilings, and facades. However, these flat sheets are prone to wear and tear, and many homeowners are looking to renovate and remove these sheets and replace them with alternative materials.
Some of the best options to look into include aluminum cladding, polystyrene ceilings, galvanized plasterboard frames, and gypsum ceiling boards. You can also talk to your local building store to get more recommendations on the best alternatives that match your preference and budget.
Water storage tanks and cement pipes
Your water storage tanks shouldn’t contain asbestos at all, but many homes still do. Fortunately, there are great alternatives you should consider, such as fiberglass, cellulose-cement, polyethylene, galvanized iron, and steel.
Many businesses and properties still have asbestos-cement pipes. We recommend replacing these with the best alternatives such as polyester with glass reinforcement, concrete with steel reinforcement, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene, or cast iron.
Have professionals remove your asbestos
If you don’t want to expose yourself or your loved ones to the potential health risks of asbestos, consider hiring a team of experts to assess the situation and evaluate the best course of action to remove asbestos from your home.
RidAway offers a professional asbestos removal service that includes free insulation installation, industry safety protection, and 100% asbestos removal. Contact us today to get a free consultation.
