Healthy home

What should you test before opening walls?

Home age and work type change the risk. Complete checks before sanding, drilling, cutting or demolition.

Important: Never disturb suspected asbestos material just to identify it. Testing and abatement belong with qualified professionals.

Radon

Use a long-term test, especially for basements; integrate mitigation before closing assemblies when needed.

Older finishes, insulation, plaster, tiles, mastics and paint may require testing before work.

Fix the moisture source, ventilate for products used and match PPE to the contaminant.

Combine mass, decoupling, absorption and air sealing without creating moisture traps.

V14

V14 connects envelope, air, fire, structure, water and code instead of treating each project in isolation.

V18

V18 connects systems that become costly or regulated when a primary project triggers them.

Check these before enclosing, excavating, modernizing or automating an existing system.

V28

V28 connects small details that become costly once finishes are closed.

V40 covers situations that change compliance, safety, project recovery or system design.