Asbestos, a fibrous material, is often in buildings made between the 1930s and 1980s. It was used in building materials such as concrete, plaster, electrical pieces, roofing, siding, vinyl flooring and ceilings.
Today, it can still appear in homes and buildings, but we also now know that it can lead to diseases, including cancerous mesothelioma. When you find asbestos, it’s important that you address it safely. Here’s how.
Work With Professionals
Because of the dangers of inhaling asbestos and releasing it into your home’s air, it’s important to work with removal specialists rather than trying to rid your house of asbestos on your own. These professionals will assess the building and give a recommendation, which can involve encapsulation or abatement.
Asbestos Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the process of sealing off asbestos to keep it from releasing into the air. This process is far less invasive than complete removal and can also be less expensive. This approach may be used when asbestos is in your house’s piping or ductwork systems.
While this choice does save money and time, it also does not completely remove the asbestos, meaning that you may have to address it again in the future.
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos abatement, which is complete removal, is typically a more expensive and time-consuming process, but it does allow your home to be free of asbestos worries. Here is how the process usually goes:
- Wear full respirator mask and coverall
- Seal vents and turn off HVAC units
- Seal the area
- Use wet cleanup methods to keep asbestos from becoming airborne
- Use High-Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) vacuums
- Remove all materials
If you discover asbestos in your home, it’s important to address the issue quickly. Always work with a professional to ensure that you and your family are safe.