How Asbestos and Heat Affect Your Home

As the summer sun unleashes its searing rays, the rising temperatures pose more than just discomfort for homeowners. The relentless heat can take a toll on our houses, causing a range of damaging effects both inside and out. The dangers to our homes and health can be far-reaching and costly, from exterior surfaces enduring thermal stress to potential asbestos concerns. Here’s what you need to know about their consequences. 

Asbestos: Harmful to Your Home and Health

Asbestos refers to a silicate mineral found naturally (and therefore mined) around the globe. The sharp microscopic fibers that comprise asbestos produce a mineral of extraordinary strength. It is nonflammable and noncombustible, melting at 1,600 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s hazardous to human health when the tiny fibers become airborne. 

Asbestos dominated American manufacturing for over half of the 20^th century. It was used across nearly all industries, including the construction of homes, offices, schools, ships, roadways, and more. Its tensile strength, heat-resistant, and insulative properties suggested that it could propel us to new technological and economic heights. However, by the 1970s, it was clear that the severe consequences of asbestos exposure far outweighed its benefits. 

Exposure occurs when asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed. Damage may occur simply due to deterioration over time, and renovation projects can disturb asbestos-containing materials that might otherwise remain non-threatening. In either case, the tiny, light fibers are released into the air, where they can be inhaled and ingested. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), inhalation is the most common route leading to illness. The fibers become trapped in the lungs, causing irreversible tissue damage that can lead to grave illness. Although less common, ingestion occurs when the fibers are swallowed and enter the digestive system. This may happen when consuming something contaminated (such as drinking water). 

There are several serious or fatal diseases associated with asbestos exposure:

• Asbestosis, which is the extreme scarring of the lungs that causes shortness of breath. This is a severe condition that can be potentially fatal. 
• Lung cancer appears similar to lung cancers caused by smoking. It is usually fatal because it is most often diagnosed in the later stages of the illness.
• Mesothelioma is a specific type of cancer affecting the lungs and digestive tract. Like other asbestos-induced lung cancers, it is usually fatal. 
• Pleural thickening happens when the lining of the lungs thickens and swells, making breathing uncomfortable and difficult.

According to the United States Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration, there are no safe exposure levels for any asbestos fibers. Contact a trained and certified professional if you have any questions about asbestos in your home or workplace. You can rest assured that your concerns will be addressed thoroughly, professionally, and in full compliance with governmental agencies.

Summer Scorcher: Heat’s Impact On Your Property

Summer’s long, lazy days are perfect for day trips to the beach, picnics with friends, and much-anticipated vacations with family. The landscape is bursting with color under a clear blue sky. But when the sun is hot, and the temperatures soar, especially for an extended period, your home is at risk for damage. 

Summer’s long, lazy days are perfect for day trips to the beach, picnics with friends, and much-anticipated vacations with family. The landscape is bursting with color under a clear blue sky. But when the sun is hot, and the temperatures soar, especially for an extended period, your home is at risk for damage. 

Your roof is another area susceptible to damage from the sweltering summer sun. Intense direct sunlight causes blistering and cracking on any roof material, particularly asphalt shingles. Extreme temperatures can also lead to the expansion and warping of a roof, causing shingles to crack and leak. The heat can also dry out the caulk around your roof’s flashing, leading to structural damage.

Have a deck? Prolonged heat and sun exposure can dry and discolor your deck’s wood; the coating can eventually crack and peel. The interior of your home is also vulnerable to the harsh heat. Moisture can cause hardwood floors to swell, affecting the gaps under the baseboards. In severe circumstances, the expansive can cause your floorboards can buckle.

Here are some tips to safeguard your home against the intense summer heat:

• Make sure the air ducts in your attic are adequately maintained. If you live in a hot, humid area, consider coating and sealing your roof to prevent moisture and sunlight from entering.
• Inspect the exterior of your home weekly, checking painted areas closely. You may want to repaint affected areas with elastomeric paint, which forms a barrier against moisture.
• If you need to sand and restain your deck, apply a protective coating product after. Be sure to strip the current layer thoroughly before reapplying.
• Prioritize regular exterior maintenance of your home. Inspect the roof, siding, and foundation often. Call a professional if you notice something wrong.

Call PuroClean Restoration Services for Your Property Damage Restoration Needs

You can manage the subtle dangers of asbestos and excessive heat if you know what to look for. Stay informed about what to look for, and always contact a professional before issues get out of hand. Make this summer memorable for all the right reasons! When you need property damage restoration, please don’t hesitate to call us at (301) 277-2755.