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July 2018

Office building and parking lot

Asbestos in Older Buildings

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Most older buildings have asbestos-containing materials. The reality is, most people do not know this. Older commercial buildings were built using asbestos, as it was durable, cost-effective, and could withstand heat. This made it the perfect product for large building construction. If you do own a building, there is only one way to know for sure if it contains this dangerous material. Testing can be completed by a certified abatement professional. They will test your building and let you know the results as soon as possible. Check out an asbestos timeline to get a general idea of when it was used, how it became regulated and to what extent.

What if my building contains asbestos?

Asbestos could affect your entire business. Exposure could happen to you, your clients, and your employees. Asbestos is a small fiber and it can easily move from room to room on clothing or through the HVAC vents. If there is asbestos inside your older building, it will need to be removed by a professional. You should never try to remove asbestos from your building. As we said above, it can easily move throughout the building and the likelihood that you are able to remove it all is about zero. Professional asbestos abatement contractors use tools, equipment, and suits to ensure asbestos is safely removed.

What happens during asbestos removal?

Unfortunately, your business will need to be vacated for a small amount of time. This is needed to ensure the safe and complete removal of asbestos. The area will be completely closed off and asbestos abatement contractors will close off areas where the removal will start. Equipped with their suits and equipment they will begin removal processes. This process is quite extensive, as they are removing a dangerous mineral from your building. Once the asbestos has been removed, another asbestos inspection will be completed. When that inspection comes back as clear, you will be allowed to enter your business once again.

Lab tech inserting sample into test tube

Asbestos Testing and Your Home

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the last few decades that people realized it was a danger. Asbestos was perfect for construction materials, as it was very durable and affordable. It could withstand the heat and not crack under pressure. It was used in everything from insulation to textured walls and roofing. We now hear about asbestos in the news, because it is so hazardous to your health, but do properties still contain asbestos?

Is asbestos still used?

Asbestos is not supposed to be used in any construction materials in the United States. There have been some instances where trace amounts of asbestos were found. Even if you have a somewhat newer home, it could still have asbestos-containing materials. If your home is older, it likely has asbestos somewhere inside or even outside. Asbestos was very popular for insulation and popcorn ceilings.

How do I Know if my home contains asbestos?

There is no way to see asbestos, as it looks like any normal material. The only way to know for sure is to have an asbestos test completed on your home. An asbestos test is performed by a certified asbestos abatement professional. They will do a thorough inspection of your home and take samples for lab tests. These tests are very accurate. If your home does contain asbestos, then you will need to have it removed. Asbestos exposure is a real danger and can lead to cancers and even death.

Can I Remove Asbestos?

NO! Asbestos exposure results in illnesses. Some are not as severe as others, but all asbestos-related illnesses make you very sick. You should never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Asbestos fibers are very small and can be inhaled. You can track them through the home on your clothing, or it can float through your vents. Asbestos abatement professionals use special equipment, suits, and tools to ensure asbestos fibers do not move to different areas. You also need special licenses to dispose of asbestos.

Remodels and Asbestos – A Deadly Duo

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Remodels can be an exciting time, but they can also be dangerous. You are finally able to turn your living space into everything you ever dreamed. One thing we are sure you didn’t think of or dream about, was asbestos and asbestos exposure. This very hazardous substance could be hiding in plain sight. Your home could have asbestos in every room. Asbestos-containing materials were used for decades in the construction of homes. Is your home older? If the home is not newly built, there are chances your home could contain asbestos and even lead!

What Should You Do?

The answer is simple, call a certified asbestos abatement professional. Test before you remodel even the smallest remodel or renovation, it is important that you have the home checked out. Asbestos testing and inspections are simple and affordable. Asbestos-containing materials can cause major health problems. Below are a few areas that could contain asbestos:

  • Tiles
  • Roofing
  • Flooring
  • Insulation
  • Textured Walls
  • Popcorn Ceilings
  • Adhesives
  • Wallpaper

As you can see, asbestos could be anywhere inside your home. For safety purposes, call a professional such as Asbestos Abatement Services. They will be able to tell you if there is asbestos. If the home does contain asbestos, they will walk you through the removal process.

Never Remove Asbestos

It is very important to never try and remove asbestos yourself. If there is asbestos in your home, the remodel can wait. Asbestos exposure is known as the silent killer. It can stay in your system for years before it makes you sick. No one knows exactly when they were exposed to asbestos. The mineral is tiny and is usually inhaled. Asbestos abatement professionals have suits and equipment to remove the asbestos. They also have the proper licensing to ensure disposal is completed in a legal manner.

Asbestos Services- What They Should Provide!

By Asbestos in the home, Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Asbestos companies offer an array of services, but below we will discuss what they should provide to you as a client. Before we go any further let’s explain why it is important that a company be certified, licensed, and insured. If an asbestos abatement company does not have the proper certifications and licenses, then you could end up with a home or business that still contains asbestos and improper procedures could lead the occupants to become exposed. This alone, could lead to asbestos-related illnesses. If an asbestos company is not insured, it is putting you and the company both at risk. It is crucial that any asbestos abatement company you choose is both licensed and insured.

Asbestos Inspections

Asbestos inspections are usually completed with you are purchasing or selling a home or business. Asbestos inspections protect everyone that is involved in the selling and purchasing. Asbestos inspections ensure the home or business is clear of any asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos Testing

Asbestos companies should all have asbestos testing as a service. This is how the company determines if your home or business contains this mineral. It is also important to make sure the company is certified or licensed to perform asbestos testing.

Asbestos Abatement and Disposal Services

Asbestos abatement companies should all be certified and licensed to perform the above services. If the company is not current on licensing, you should hire someone else. It is easy for someone to claim to be an expert at asbestos removal. By trusting someone not certified you could end up exposing yourself and your family to asbestos. Asbestos companies must also have specific licenses to dispose of asbestos. It is a hazardous material that cannot just be thrown away.
Before hiring an asbestos abatement company, make sure to do your research. You should ask questions and make sure they have the proper credentials. You and the life of your family hangs in the balance when it comes to asbestos removal. Play it safe and hire the proper professionals.