For homeowners looking to buy a new property, renovate, or sell, inspections are an essential step. Home inspections are meant to find any vulnerabilities or hazards in a property to properly account for them in terms of safety and financially. One of the most common household hazards is asbestos, which is notoriously challenging to identify, especially for the average person. As a result, in hard-reach or difficult-to-access spaces like the crawl space, the need for asbestos removal in Toronto can go unnoticed. Teams like the experts at Inch By Inch Inspections are experienced with designated substance surveys and asbestos removal, as we are equipped with the knowledge and equipment to safely identify and remove asbestos-containing materials.
Here are some of the most common reasons asbestos in crawl spaces is missed and how Inch By Inch Inspections can offer a comprehensive approach to removal.
Overlooked Spaces
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Crawl spaces are not commonly accessed areas of a home, and as a result, they are often overlooked. They are typically small, dark, and challenging to enter, which means home inspectors may give them only a brief visual check. If there are no visible signs of damage or concern, deeper assessments are rarely performed. Unfortunately, many older homes built before the 1990s may have asbestos-containing materials lining ductwork, insulation, vapor barriers, or flooring remnants in these areas.
If these materials are disturbed, whether that is during renovations or simply due to moisture or wear over time, their fibres may become airborne, leading to serious health risks. This is why any potential signs of asbestos should be followed up with a designated substance survey, especially before beginning construction or significant repairs. For reliable and comprehensive designated substance survey reports in the Greater Toronto Area, trust our experienced team at Inch By Inch Inspections.
Lack of Asbestos-Specific Testing in Standard Inspections
Most home inspectors are not certified to identify asbestos. Their job is to provide a broad overview of the home’s condition, not to perform hazardous material testing. As a result, unless a buyer requests it explicitly or hires a specialized team, materials in the crawl space suspected of containing asbestos won’t be tested or confirmed, leaving you unaware that you need asbestos removal in Toronto.
To fully understand the risks, property owners or buyers should consider a designated substance survey, which is required by law before most renovations or demolitions in Ontario and ensures that all hazardous materials, including asbestos, are identified and appropriately documented. Investing in a DSS Report with Inch By Inch Inspections can help you avoid delays in your project and fines.
Limited Visibility
Crawl spaces are notorious for low visibility. With dust, dirt, and poor lighting, it can be nearly impossible to see warning signs of asbestos with the naked eye. On top of that, asbestos-containing materials often resemble non-hazardous items and might be mistaken for safe insulation or construction materials.
Trained professionals like the Inch By Inch Inspections team use specialized equipment and protocols to detect hidden asbestos fibres or residues. Inch By Inch Inspections uses a thorough and methodical process to assess crawl spaces, collect samples safely, and determine whether asbestos removal in Toronto is required to protect the health of the occupants and workers.
Find and Eliminate Asbestos with the Inch By Inch Inspections Team
At Inch By Inch Inspections, we’ve been helping property owners manage hazardous materials and infestations for more than a decade. Our team understands the complexities and limitations of traditional home inspections, especially when it comes to concealed spaces like crawl spaces.
If asbestos is found, we provide a clear plan for abatement that complies with provincial health and safety regulations. Our process includes safe containment, removal, and disposal of asbestos materials, ensuring your home or property is safe to inhabit or ready for construction.
