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If you're looking to sell your home or wondering if it's safe to rent out, you may be wondering whether the asbestos in it needs to be removed. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials because it's fireproof, durable and inexpensive. Unfortunately, asbestos can cause lung cancer and other health problems when it's inhaled.

Here are four areas of your property that may need asbestos removal:

1. You May Need Asbestos Removal In Your Attic Insulation

Asbestos was often used as an insulating material in attics decades ago because it was inexpensive and easy to install. If you have an older home with an unfinished attic space that hasn't been disturbed for years, there's a chance you could have asbestos-containing insulation installed throughout the space. You can't see or smell asbestos fibres unless they're disturbed by cutting or sanding them (which is why most people don't realise they have it), so call in a professional inspector if you suspect your attic contains this material.

2. You May Need Asbestos Removal In Your Floor Tiles And Linoleum

Asbestos-containing linoleum was common in older homes because it was durable and a cheap way to line tiles. These two types of flooring were often found in basements and kitchens, but they could also be used in other rooms such as bathrooms or laundry rooms. They were usually installed over subfloors made from plywood or concrete (which contained no asbestos). Call a professional about asbestos removal if you have old lino. 

3. You May Need Asbestos Removal In Your Roofing Materials

Asbestos was often used as a fire retardant in roofing materials like shingles and tar paper. Asbestos-containing shingles have been banned, but there could still be some out there on old buildings or homes that were built before then. If you have an old house or building with an asphalt shingle roof, you should have your whole roof tested for asbestos before having it replaced.

4. You May Need Asbestos Removal Around Hot Water Heaters

If you have an older hot water heater, there is a chance that it contains asbestos insulation around the pipes inside the tank. This insulation can become brittle over time and may need to be removed by a professional for safety reasons. These fibres can also come loose when they're disturbed during installation or repair work, so chat with a professional about asbestos removal before you repair or remove old water heaters or touch their pipes.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction materials and insulation. The good news is that asbestos can be removed safely if it's handled by trained professionals. If you have any of the above items in your home, chat with an expert about asbestos removal today.