Simon's Town Property For Sale & News

Located on the shores of False Bay, near Cape Town, South Africa, Simon’s Town’ has been an important naval base for more than two centuries. With its white sandy beaches, calm beautiful water and tranquil living; Simon’s Town has become a hot spot for vacationers and home buyers.

Purchasing a home in Simon's Town can be filled with excitement and anticipation for homeowners. It can also be a time where additional responsibilities are acquired. Having the assistance of a reliable and honest Simon’s Town real estate agent will make all the difference in when buying a home. One of the many things that can go unnoticed is taking precautions against obsolete and toxic building materials which may still be present in homes. 

There are many green, eco-friendly materials that replace the need for asbestos and can reduce energy costs annually.

Asbestos

Asbestos is the name given for a group of fibrous minerals that were mined for their qualities as fire resistant, insulation and high durability. In most situations, asbestos appears in roof shingles, dry wall, attic insulation, popcorn ceilings, joint compounds and electrical wires in homes. Many homes and buildings could still contain asbestos materials if they were built prior to 1980. However, it should be known that by leaving asbestos un-disturbed, you can avoid exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos use greatly impacted the Navy around the world. Prior to World War II, many shipyards in the country constructed their vessels in hopes of creating the largest naval fleet in the world. While they succeeded in their goals, asbestos use was large and rapid. Shipyard workers, sailors and tradesman aboard these ships were wrongfully exposed aboard navigation rooms, sleeping quarters and mess halls.   

Healthy Tips 

If you locate any suspected asbestos in the home, most experts suggest leaving it un-disturbed until a home inspector can examine your property, take evaluations and determine the safest course of action. Sometimes the best action is no action at all. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. The inspection and removal of toxic substances must be performed by licensed abatement contractors who are trained in handling dangerous materials.

Exposure to damaged airborne asbestos fibers can lead to the development of a severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Many variables can affect a diagnosis. These include length latency period, age of diagnosis and cigarette smoking. This asbestos-related illness is difficult to treat and diagnose because symptoms may not show up from 20 to 50 years after exposure. This makes a mesothelioma diagnosis a difficult task for physicians.

Going Green

Implementing eco-friendly methods of building can have positive environmental, health and economic benefits. These include: Conservation of natural resources, enhance air quality and protect ecosystems, energy sustainability, increase property value, improve quality of life, improvement of pulmonary and cardiac health, reduction of waste.

Green alternatives to asbestos include the use of cotton fibre, lcynene foam and cellulose. Cotton fibre is quickly becoming a favourite for home builders and renovators. Made from recycled batted material, it is also treated to be fireproof.   

Research has demonstrated that the use of eco-friendly insulation alternatives can reduce annual energy costs by 25 percent. Rather than expensive and mal-treated wood, interior walls can be made from steel and concrete, avoiding many of the problems associated with asbestos and other insulation methods.  
 

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Tags: Asbestos, Simon's Towon Property Issues and other

Tags: Asbestos, Simon's Towon Property Issues and other