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March 2020

View of hallway in commercial building

Commercial Properties and Asbestos Removal

By Asbestos InformationNo Comments

Commercial properties are the most commonplace to find asbestos-containing materials. Many commercial properties throughout the U.S. are older. These older buildings were built in the 80s and 90s. During this time, asbestos was still being used in materials, and there were now laws or regulations governing asbestos. While many older commercial properties have had remodels completed, it is showing many still have asbestos. Asbestos in commercial properties is often large-scale. The larger the area, the more asbestos materials are present. When dealing with commercial properties, specific steps must be taken.

Asbestos Inspections

The first order of business is to complete an asbestos inspection and test of the property. The asbestos inspection can take days, depending on the size of the property. During the inspection, samples will be taken from all areas of the commercial property. Once the samples are gathered, they will be sent to a special lab for testing. Asbestos testing is the only way to determine if your building has asbestos fibers present.

Asbestos Removal

If there are asbestos fibers on the property, they will need to be removed. Commercial properties are usually open and must keep operating when asbestos removal takes place. If this is the case, the asbestos removal process can take weeks to complete. During asbestos removal, areas are sealed off completely. These areas are then worked on, and all asbestos is removed. Once removed, the area is reopened after an inspection. Asbestos removal must be done in a manner where no asbestos fibers can escape and that they are disposed of properly. Doing this in an operating building takes time, as it is crucial that the areas are fully sealed and that no asbestos fibers escape the area. Asbestos fibers cant be seen, so extra precautions must be taken. Once the entire building is completed, an asbestos inspection is once again done to ensure all asbestos-containing materials have been removed.

Before You Start Spring Cleaning – Have an Asbestos Test Your Property!

By Asbestos in the homeNo Comments

Did you know that spring cleaning can disturb asbestos-containing materials? Asbestos fibers are mixed into other materials to make them more durable, heat resistant, and cost-effective. Asbestos was used in many different types of construction materials for homes and businesses throughout the United States. Even newer homes are being found to have asbestos. This is a rather new find, as most modern homes were believed to be safe from asbestos fibers. While there are regulations and laws to help protect us from asbestos exposure, materials are still finding their way into our homes and businesses. This is making it even more difficult to do basic tasks like spring cleaning without the fear of asbestos exposure.

During spring cleaning, you throw materials away, touchup older materials, and move items from one area to the next. All of these actions can cause asbestos fibers to break loose and float through the air, finding their way into your mouth and nose. Once asbestos fibers are ingested, they stay in your body. They begin to cause problems with your lungs and respiratory tract and can eventually lead to mesothelioma and even death. Asbestos exposure is very dangerous, and the only way to protect yourself is by knowing if your property has asbestos fibers present.

Asbestos testing is the only precise way to know if your home or business has asbestos-containing materials. Without a certified test, you would never know that you have the harmful substance inside your home. An asbestos inspection is completed on your home, where samples are taken and sent to a lab. The lab will test for asbestos. If your test comes back negative, you can continue with your spring cleaning; if it comes back positive, you will need to have the asbestos removed. Once removed, your home will undergo a final asbestos inspection to ensure all asbestos fibers have been removed.

View of landscape in spring

Asbestos Removal During the Spring – Is it a Good Idea?

By Asbestos Information, Asbestos Related Illness InfoNo Comments

Asbestos removal is completed daily across the country. Even during the dead of winter asbestos removal is occurring. The question remains, is it best to have asbestos removed at a specific time of year? Of course, we all want perfect weather when doing our jobs, but that is not always the case. Asbestos is a serious and life-threatening fiber, meaning we complete asbestos removal year-round. Winter is difficult when trying to remove asbestos from roofing or siding, but indoor asbestos removal is not affected by the weather.

Spring Asbestos Removal

Spring is a beautiful time of year and perfect weather for asbestos removal. If you have asbestos on your property, you should never wait for a specific time of year to have it removed. By waiting, you are increasing the chances that you become exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is extremely hazardous to your health. Asbestos exposure can cause:

  • Mesothelioma
  • Asbestosis
  • Pleural Thickening
  • Lung Cancer
  • Severe Respiratory Illnesses

As you can see, asbestos exposure can cause life-threatening illnesses, including death. As asbestos abatement removal specialists, we never want you to wait to have asbestos removed from your home or business. The risks of becoming exposed are too high.

If you know your property has asbestos-containing materials, they should be removed as soon as possible. We know that things happen, and money can be an issue, but the asbestos must be removed quickly. Asbestos fibers can quickly spread through your house as materials break down or become damaged. This can cause an entire family to become exposed to asbestos.

Asbestos removal professionals will work closely with the client to ensure their safety in removing the asbestos. During asbestos removal, the home will need to be vacated, as areas will need to be sealed off for the safe removal of the asbestos. Once completed, you will be able to return to your home and know it is asbestos-free!

Icicles hanging from a gutter

Winter Weather Damage Your Roof or Siding? You Could Be Exposed to Asbestos

By Asbestos in the homeNo Comments

Winter weather can cause major damages to the exterior of your home. Your roofing and siding can easily become damaged and need repairs. Did you know that your roofing and siding could contain asbestos fibers? Most people have no clue that the exterior of their homes could have asbestos and that they could become exposed to the most deadly fiber in the world. 

Roofing

Roofing was one of the main areas that asbestos fibers were used. Asbestos fibers are relatively heat resistant and very durable. These are two things that are needed for a good roof. Your roof protects your home from the hot sun and other elements. It is no surprise that asbestos fibers were used in roofing shingles. Unfortunately, most do not know this and will be quick to remove the damaged shingles and replace it with a new one. While it seems simple enough, it can cause you to become exposed to asbestos. 

Siding

Siding is another area of concern when it comes to exterior asbestos exposure. Siding is meant to withstand a beating, and asbestos fibers allowed that to hold true. Damaged siding can be a bit more challenging to replace, but we know of many people who will do it themselves to save money. While you may be saving money, you could end up with asbestos exposure. 

What Should You Do?

When it comes to asbestos exposure is smart to let a licensed professional handle the siding and roofing, but how do you know if your home exterior does contain asbestos? There is only one true way to know if your siding or roofing has asbestos-containing materials. A professional asbestos abatement removal company will take samples and they will be tested for asbestos. If you enjoy home remodeling, it would be a good idea to have an asbestos test completed. That way, you can have the peace of mind knowing your home is safe and that you do not risk asbestos exposure.