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Asbestos appears as long, thin, or curled mineral fibers that are not visible to the naked eye under normal conditions. Homes constructed before 1989 are more likely to contain this material, so a professional inspection is essential. Because asbestos identification requires specialized techniques, having a certified inspector assess your property is the safest way to confirm its presence and protect your family’s health.

Free asbestos testing services do not exist. You can purchase testing kits online for $30 per unit, and these kits include lab fees, return shipping, consultation, sampling media, and the final results. The results from a kit are less detailed and accurate than those provided by a certified asbestos testing professional. Since collecting a sample exposes you to harmful fibers, hiring a professional is essential to ensure safety and accurate testing.

Receiving asbestos test results takes one to seven days, but different labs offer varying turnaround times. When expedited processing is arranged, the laboratory completes analysis within 24 hours; standard processing requires up to two weeks. Hiring a certified professional ensures that all samples are collected correctly and results are provided without delay, safeguarding your home throughout the process.

Home insurance doesn't often cover asbestos testing and removal. Many policies have a clause called a "pollution exclusion," which means they do not cover indoor pollutants like asbestos. However, your insurance company might cover something like asbestos siding removal costs if it is released due to things beyond your control, such as storm damage.

If a DIY project or accident in your home releases harmful fibers, you must pay for the test and removal.

Yes, you can legally inspect and remove asbestos in your house as long as it's a single-family home and not a multi-family unit. However, the EPA strongly recommends hiring an asbestos abatement pro since testing can be dangerous.

Pros have all the right tools and safety equipment, and you risk breathing in the fibers by taking samples yourself. They also know how to collect samples and safely dispose of materials properly.

Asbestos encapsulation is a process that seals asbestos-containing materials with a protective barrier to prevent the release of harmful fibers. It serves as an alternative to complete removal when full abatement is not necessary. Encapsulation costs between $2 and $6 per square foot, offering a cost-effective option that contains asbestos safely when applied by a certified professional.