◇　Renovation of old buildings – Don’t forget to be careful about asbestos -　◇

 

 

When renovating an old building, there are important points to remember.

That is the presence of a material called asbestos, which is a potential danger lurking inside buildings.

In the past, asbestos was widely used as a building material due to its fire resistance and insulation properties.

However, later studies found that asbestos poses serious health risks if inhaled.

This column details the risks of asbestos and its safe handling.

Renovate your old property through renovation while protecting your health and safety with the right knowledge!

 

 

table of contents

 

 

１　Impact and history of asbestos

 

Asbestos, also called asbestos, is a general term for fibrous silicate minerals.

Asbestos is a strong, fibrous material with properties such as heat resistance, abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance.

Therefore, it has been widely used for various purposes in architecture and industrial fields since ancient times.

Specifically, the main building materials that contained asbestos were insulation materials, sound absorbing materials, condensation prevention materials, fireproof coatings, decorative interior materials, exterior and roofing materials, wall materials and bathtubs for system baths, and spray materials. For example,

Asbestos fibers are very fine and light, so they are easily scattered when building materials are cut or dismantled. Inhaling these fibers can have a negative effect on the lungs, causing lung cancer and pulmonary fibrosis after an incubation period of over 20 years. The risk of causing serious illness has become clear.

The manufacture, use, and import of products containing asbestos are now prohibited, and they are no longer used in modern architecture.

However, buildings constructed before 2006 may have used building materials containing asbestos, so a preliminary asbestos investigation is now required before any renovation or demolition work is carried out.

Safe handling and proper disposal of asbestos is important, and there are laws and regulations regarding this.

Get accurate information about asbestos and take the necessary measures.

By understanding the risks and taking appropriate measures, you can achieve safe renovations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The following methods can be used to determine the presence or absence of asbestos.

 

Check the year the building was built

The use of asbestos has been legally prohibited since 2006.

Therefore, if the building was built after 2006, it can be assumed that building materials containing asbestos are almost never used.

However, buildings constructed before 2006 may have asbestos use.

 

Check construction drawings and specifications

Blueprints and specifications created during the construction of a building may contain information about the building materials and materials used.

You can obtain these documents and check whether building materials containing asbestos were used.

 

Inspection by a professional
The most reliable way to confirm the presence of asbestos is to request an investigation by a professional asbestos inspection company.

They will take samples of the inside of the building and carry out professional testing to determine if it contains asbestos.

This method is the most reliable and safe method.

 

When checking for the presence of asbestos, it is important to prioritize safety and seek professional advice.

Asbestos poses a health hazard, so proper handling and disposal is essential.

 

３　Summary of asbestos issues ~Safe renovation~

 

Safe handling of asbestos

If asbestos is found, proper treatment is required.

Dispose of asbestos using containment or enclosure methods in accordance with building codes.

This prevents asbestos fibers from scattering and ensures safety.

However, asbestos treatment is expensive, so it’s important to factor in contingency costs into your renovation budget.

 

Use of subsidies

You may be able to take advantage of state subsidies for asbestos surveys.

The specific amount and conditions of the subsidy vary depending on each local government, so please contact the department in charge of each local government for details.

By taking advantage of subsidies, you can reduce the cost of asbestos surveys.

 

Many people are worried that they won’t be able to remodel or renovate if asbestos is found, but with accurate knowledge and appropriate measures, you can proceed with renovations and renovations with peace of mind.

Consulting with an expert or company with a proven track record of renovations will be able to recommend appropriate countermeasures.

Asbestos issues are an important aspect of building renovations, and asbestos risks must be minimized and handled safely.

Proceed with confidence in your renovation project with expert advice.

 

Our company has staff members who are qualified as “general building asbestos-containing building material inspectors”.

If you are considering renovation or demolition work in Tokyo or the Kanto area, please contact us!