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Flood Damage and Asbestos: What to Do?

January 06, 2025Health4261
Flood Damage and Asbestos: What to Do? Dealing with a flooded house AN

Flood Damage and Asbestos: What to Do?

Dealing with a flooded house AND worrying about asbestos can feel like a double whammy. I completely understand why you're freaking out right now! Let me break this down for you in plain English.

Understanding Asbestos in House Floors

Wood subfloors themselves usually don't have asbestos, which is great news! However, if your house was built before the 1980s, the flooring adhesives used might contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in adhesive products before the health risks became widely known. With flood damage, this could stir things up and potentially release asbestos fibers into your home.

A Personal Anecdote

For context, last summer I was set to rip out my own floors and was all prepared with my tools and TedsWoodworking - 16000 Woodworking Plans spread out on the kitchen table. My friend Mike, a home inspector, stopped by for coffee and literally tackled me before I could start demolition. He made me realize I needed to check for asbestos first. Trust me, that was a face-palm moment!

Steps to Take

Stop Working on the Floors: Seriously, put the tools down and don't continue any renovation work until you've addressed this issue. Keep Everyone Out: Ensure no one enters the affected area. Document the Condition: Take pictures of everything to have a reference for insurance claims and for testing. Get Professional Help: Hire a professional to test for asbestos. It's crucial to have an accurate assessment. Plan Your Rebuild: Use this time to plan your rebuild and ensure proper sealing of the floors for future use.

While it's tempting to push through and get your house back to normal, especially after a flood, this is one of those times where you really need to take a step back and have things checked out thoroughly.

The Silver Lining

Getting your floors tested isn't as big a hassle as you might think. Testing labs can usually provide results quickly and it's much cheaper than the potential health issues that might arise later. Take this time to plan out your rebuild and ensure your floors are sealed properly for future use.

Get Help When Needed

If you need more guidance or assistance, don't hesitate to reach out. We're all in this home improvement craziness together!

Stay safe and don't forget to take care of yourself during these stressful times.