Grand Junction, CO

I got a call the other day from someone who was reading my blog and asking about Asbestos in Mesa County. When buying a new home this is something to consider and there are radon inspectors just for this purpose. Asbestos (or Mill Tailings) has a history here in the Grand Valley that not everyone is aware of. While some of the homes were remedied of asbestos in the early 80's there are some homes that still have it. Also, for those folks out there that don't think you need to worry about it in the newer homes. Have I got news for you, last year a brand new home tested with higher than normal levels of radon. The stemwall foundation needed more ventilation and the radon was coming up through the crawl space. Luckily this was easy to fix. For those of you who don't know what asbestos is, I have included a diagram with helpful information and some links on the history of Asbestos in the Grand Junction Area. Your home may have already been tested. For a small fee you can call the Health Department at 970-248-7164 and they will give you a report(it may take a couple of days). Also, when buying a new home this is something you should do as part of the inspection process.

Uranium Mill Tailings Management Plan For Western Colorado

Mesa County Health Department Asbestos Website with Definition

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Colorado Asbestos Prevention for Homeowners & Green Alternatives



When embarking on the path to purchasing a new home, it is a joyful time for you and your family. But it is also one that will bring upon new variables to consider and responsibilities to tackle. Many old homes may need additional repairs or renovations, especially in areas where natural disasters can occur.



One of the main items that go unnoticed is taking easy precautions to avoid asbestos exposure. Potential Colorado homebuyers or remodelers should consider that homes built before 1980 could still harvest asbestos.



Often appearing in roof shingles, popcorn ceilings, piping and insulation, asbestos became one of the most popular building applications of the 20th century. If any asbestos is suspected in the home, the best thing to do is leave it un-disturbed until a home inspector can determine the best course of action. Disturbing asbestos in good condition may cause its fibers to be released into the air. There are many healthy ways to insulate your home that make the use of asbestos obsolete.



Many people in Colorado have had issues with asbestos in shingles, most especially. Asbestos shingles and roofs are not all asbestos. The bulk composition of roofing shingles is mineral fiber and cement. Asbestos makes up around 5% to 30%. While this is a low percentage, it should not be ignored.



Frequent inhalation of asbestos fibers can result in a rare, but severe lung ailment known as mesothelioma. Mesothelioma treatment has varied affects on patients depending on the latency period and age of diagnosis. With no mesothelioma cure, exposure is easily preventable if simple measures are taken. One of the most important naval bases in the country is Pearl Harbor, where oil refining has an association to asbestos insulation. Gear that was meant to protect workers from fire was unfortunately made with asbestos. These asbestos fibers were released into the air and inhaled by workers, causing asbestos related illness to occur.



Prior to moving in to your new home or apartment, you must make sure there are no asbestos related materials or fibers present. It is important to meet with health or environmental professionals to properly examine your new property. Sometimes, the best action is no action. However, if removal is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed abatement contractor who is trained in handling hazardous substances.

Many locations throughout the United States are swiftly changing their construction practices to suit the environment and the health of human beings. Promoting new ways of building construction and insulation, there are new regulations being put on older methods which are now known to be harmful.



Most people are unaware to the fact that eco-friendly products can cut energy costs by 25 % per year. These include the use of cotton fiber, lcynene foam and cellulose. These alternatives have the same flame resistant, durable qualities of asbestos, except they are eco-friendly and safe. These asbestos alternatives allow for a healthy, safe home, free of health damaging materials.

The Grand Junction Econimic Partnership just came out with this newsletter. As bad as the economy has seemed, it really isn't that bad. Our local economy has slowed down just a bit. When you look at the numbers you realize that our local economy is doing pretty good.

Click here for the Grand Junction Economic Update 2009 from the GJEP

Mesa County will host a public forum on January 22nd at the Old County Courthouse (544
Rood Ave.) from 6:30 - 8:00PM. The Energy Master Plan will give a comprehensive look
at what kind of energy development will likely occur in our area, and what effects it will
have on our local community, our economy and our environment.

November was a pretty slow month, all the way around. Between the uncertainty with the election, stock market, and the economy, people were just a little nervous. December was much better and the general concensus is things are picking up in the real estate world, especially with the low rates.

You can view the graphs here.

Grand Junction was recently ranked in the "TOP 20 - Places to Live" according to a study done by Farmers Insurance Group. On top of that, Census data that was released on Monday has our property taxes as one of the least expensive in the state.

Grand Junction among Top 20 most secure places to live

Property taxes less costly in Mesa County than in 17 other Colorado counties