When Should You Call An Asbestos Removal Company
Everyone acknowledges their home to be a safe space. It is a place where you may wind down, enjoy life away from work, and spend quality time with your loved ones. But, your home, on the other hand, might be inflicting major health issues in your body. Several decades ago, contractors often used asbestos in a variety of building materials. Asbestos has been used in home and building construction due to its insulating, structural, and fire-resistant properties. However, it has been proven that asbestos might be hazardous to one’s health. But, until the early 2000s, asbestos was not fully banned in Australia.
When Should You Call An Asbestos Removal Company?
When it comes to removing asbestos from any residential, business, or public structure, hiring an asbestos removal company rather than doing it yourself is the wisest and safest choice. To keep themselves, others, and you safe from asbestos exposure, asbestos removal companies correctly test for the deadly material, while following strict standards and processes, and carry the appropriate asbestos removal equipment with them.
Unless a material is labelled, it is impossible to know if it contains asbestos just by looking at it. So, if you’re not sure, treat the material as if it contains asbestos and ignore it. You may also need to have your home inspected for asbestos-containing materials by a proficient and accredited asbestos removal company if:
You intend to refurbish your home (remodelling can disturb building materials)
The structural components of your home have eroded (like rotting drywall and insulation that is falling apart)
As asbestos is resistant to fire, it was used in several products to resist heat. This “miracle mineral” made these asbestos-containing elements precious to the construction industry and is easily found in:
Siding & Roofing Shingles
Ceiling Tiles, Vermiculite Insulation, and Coatings
Ceilings that resemble popcorn
Sheets of Drywall and Cement
Caulking, putties, and plaster
Panels for Electrical Switchboards
Fixtures for the Bathroom
Coverings for Pipes and Ducts
Insulation for Boilers and Fireplaces
Vinyl Tiles for Floors
When left undisturbed, asbestos-containing items are generally safe, but they can grow brittle and collapse over time. However, the growing popularity of do-it-yourself (DIY) projects has increased the risk of asbestos exposure along with:
Natural disasters that disturbed the building’s structure,
You own a building that was built before 1980,
Rotted, and broken Asbestos-Containing materials were found in a building.
Things To Remember While Calling An Asbestos Removal Company
All asbestos removal companies are necessarily not the same. Some companies are experts in asbestos removal only, whereas others offer environmentally friendly services, demolition services, and general contracting services that can include asbestos removal.
The asbestos removal regulations also differ from state to state and city to city, even some extend beyond the federal laws that compel Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Environmental Protection Agency licensing.
Proprietors are not legally compelled to hire a licensed asbestos removal company, but it is strongly recommended and will be a wise decision.
Whenever you call an asbestos removal company, make sure to validate its qualifications and prior experience too. Try to find the right fit that suits your requirements. A proficient asbestos removal company will take specimens for analysis since they understand what to look for, and as there can be a high health threat if fibres are released. In fact, if accomplished inaccurately, taking samples can be even riskier than abandoning the material alone.
When dealing with slightly damaged asbestos-containing material, it’s usually better to restrict access to the area and avoid touching or disturbing it. Repair or removal by a trained and accredited asbestos removal company is required if asbestos-containing material is more than slightly damaged or if you plan to make changes in your home that may disturb it.
Asbestos may be present in homes and structures constructed prior to 1980. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, which makes their identification more challenging. To avoid asbestos exposure, it is critical that individuals are aware of common products that may contain asbestos.
In A Nutshell
You are better equipped to make the right decision now since you know most of the intricacies of asbestos, the danger it poses to you and others, the urgency of properly removing it from a structure, and the risks involved.
Research asbestos removal companies, seek references, and call and ask them how they remove asbestos from properties to ensure that you, your special ones and the public will be far safe when the danger of asbestos exposure is appropriately eradicated.