Skip to main content
Monthly Archives

May 2018

Could Asbestos be Hiding in My Basement?

By Asbestos in the homeNo Comments

Asbestos could be anywhere in your home, but one place many people never think about, is the basement. Basements are often overlooked when it comes to maintenance, inspections, and other home fixes. Basements are one of the many places asbestos could be in your home. Flooring, tiles, insulation, and adhesives all have been known to contain the mineral. Due to it’s fibrous properties this substance isn’t harmful unless it is disturbed. Once it breaks down from wear and tear or a remodel, small particles of it can travel throughout your home.
Before you begin any remodeling projects, you should have a certified specialist check for this hazardous substance. If your basement is older, it could already be a danger to you and your family. It is very important that you have the area tested before beginning any projects. Below are some ways that asbestos- containing materials could break:

  • Cutting or Sawing
  • Sweeping
  • Dust
  • Strip Waxing
  • Scraping
  • Removed Improperly
  • General Wear and Tear

Most people who have asbestos in their basements never know.  Materials containing traces can be present in basement for decades with no one knowing. Your basement isn’t the first place you would assume contained asbestos, but it is very likely that it does. Once asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they will travel through the home exposing everyone in its path. It is very important to have a certified specialist check your home if it is older or before you do any projects. A simple test completed by a professional could save the lives of many people. Asbestos is harmful and can cause cancer, severe respiratory problems, and even death. Before you start any projects, purchase, or sell a home, have it checked. If they do discover asbestos in the basement they will assess the situations and advise the homeowner on the safest and most effective options for addressing the situation.

Main Places Asbestos Could Be Lurking

By Asbestos in the homeNo Comments

Asbestos has been used in construction materials for decades. Asbestos fibers were a miracle fiber when it came to construction materials because of the cost, strength, and ability to be fire resistant. Asbestos was used to build many homes and businesses as late as the 90s and even 2000s. Asbestos cannot be seen, making it a dangerous killer. Asbestos fibers are hazardous to your health and can cause cancer and even death. If you are wanting to purchase, live in an older home or own an older business, it is important to have the home checked for asbestos.  Below are some of the more common places that asbestos could be hiding.

Wallpaper

Wallpaper is common in most homes and many types contained asbestos either in the wallpaper itself or the adhesives used to apply it to the wall. It is important to have a professional abatement company remove any older wallpaper from your home.

Roofs

Many roofing products were made with asbestos. As a building material it is not only cheap, but it is strong and can withstand the elements for years. This made it very popular among roofing companies.

Insulation

Insulation is the number one place that is known for containing asbestos. It’s properties were perfect for insulation, as it could withstand hot temperatures and was a good insulator. If you need the insulation in your home removed due to a remodel, have it tested. Asbestos cannot be seen, and a simple mistake could expose your family to the dangerous fiber.

Adhesives

A lot of adhesives and caulking contained asbestos. Asbestos made a great bonding agent and could withstand heated areas. It was perfect for caulking around your home or adhesives used on wires and areas around your attic or basement.
If you own an older home or business, it is crucial that you have an asbestos test completed. If you do have asbestos, it is important to have it removed by a certified asbestos abatement company.

The Dangers of Commercial Roofing and Asbestos

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Older buildings are likely to contain a number of different hazardous substances. Unless the building has been recently built, it is likely the building contains asbestos. With renovations, many older buildings look new, don’t let this fool you. Just because the building looks new, doesn’t mean it is free from asbestos. This mineral was put into many construction materials and could be part of the flooring, walls, roofing, and insulation. When doing renovations, most people focus on the interior of the home, leaving the roofing the same. If the roof is still in good shape, it is not touched. However, many older roofs contain hazardous mineral fibers. It is important to perform asbestos testing prior to renovations. As airborne fibers are highly dangerous and could lead to death.
Usage of asbestos in roofing materials has drastically dropped since the 80s. However, there are many roofing materials that still contain asbestos fibers. If your roofing was not recently completed, you should have it checked by a certified abatement company, such as Asbestos Abatement Services.  This thorough inspection could save you and the lives of many people in your building or around it. Below are some of the more common commercial roofing materials that have been known to contain asbestos fibers:

  • Flashing
  • Shingles
  • Felts
  • Mastics
  • Sealants
  • Decking
  • Coatings
  • Vapor Retardants
  • Adhesives Underlayment

Above are just some of the more common places asbestos could be. It is important to have your businesses roof checked before you start any renovations. If the roofing does contain asbestos, the professionals will be able to remove it safely. They have the proper equipment and clothing to remove and dispose of asbestos in a safe manner. For more information on commercial roofing and asbestos, give us a call or check out our other blogs!

Asbestos and Spring Illnesses

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Spring is here and so being the pollen. You may be asking yourself what pollen has to do with asbestos, the answer isn’t that simple. Asbestos-related illnesses can sometimes mimic the symptoms of allergies, sinuses, colds, and even flus. The question is, how do you tell the difference? The only way to know for sure, is to see your doctor. However, if you do have symptoms that last all year long, you could have an asbestos-related illness. It could also be mold. It is important that you have your home checked, as well as, see your doctor immediately. Spring time is horrible for allergy sufferers, but it is also bad for those that suffer from asbestos-related illnesses. Allergies can exacerbate the symptoms from asbestos exposure.  Below are some of the common symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses that can mimic allergies.

  • Coughing
  • Wheezing
  • Watery Eyes
  • Cracking when Breathing
  • Trouble Breathing
  • Swollen Face
  • Sneezing
  • Headaches
  • Body Aches

Above are the symptoms that could be asbestos exposure or regular allergies. We will also talk about symptoms that are related to exposure. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they could end in death or a serious illness.

  • Swollen Neck or Stomach
  • Chest Pains
  • Cognitive Problems
  • Mesothelioma
  • Asbestosis
  • Lethargy

If you have any of the symptoms listed in this article that go on for more than a month, see your doctor. Your symptoms could be a more serious illness. Being exposed to this hazardous material can cause asbestos cancer, respiratory problems, and even death. If you believe you were exposed to asbestos, it is important that you see a doctor. The sooner asbestos illnesses are found, the better they can be treated. Asbestos-related illnesses can cause devastating symptoms and illnesses.

Buying a New Home? Asbestos Inspections Should be on Your Mind!

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Buying a new home should be an exciting time for you! This is especially the case if it is your first home! Many first-time homeowners are unsure of what inspections and testing should be done on their home. Before purchasing a home, you must have certain inspections completed. People will come in and check your homes structure and ensure it is in good condition, but what about asbestos? Asbestos inspections and testing does not occur to most people who are purchasing a home.
Asbestos is all over the news, but it couldn’t be in your home, right? WRONG! Asbestos could be inside your new home and you would never be the wiser. Asbestos fibers are so small, that you cannot see them. Asbestos is put into materials to make them heat resistant, strong, and cost effective. A piece of roofing with asbestos looks just like roofing without asbestos. How do you find out if your home does contain asbestos? The easy answer is through an asbestos removal professional.

Asbestos Testing and Inspections

Asbestos testing and inspections can easily be completed by a certified professional asbestos removal company. They will test your entire home to ensure it does not contain asbestos. This is important to have completed before you purchase your new home. If the home does contain asbestos, you can simply not by the home, or work with the sellers. Many times, the seller will either lower their price of the home or pay for the asbestos removal. This protects you and your family from illnesses in the future.
Before you sign any documents on the purchase of a new home, make sure it has had the proper inspections and tests completed. You want your new home safe for you and your family! Contact a company such as Asbestos Abatement Services. They will be able to ensure your home is safe from asbestos!