There are different types of services that a
Toronto asbestos removal company can provide. As a consumer, you would
want to understand the different types of asbestos work they will be completing
to be able to minimize costs.
Here are some of the most common types of
asbestos services:
Asbestos Siding Removal
Asbestos siding is made up of asbestos fibers
and Portland cement. They are potential health risks because they are brittle
and can crack and break easily, which can release asbestos fibers into the air
and ground area. A common method to deal with asbestos siding is to apply a
layer of sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos and then covering it with
vinyl. This is allowed in some states, so check local building codes to be
sure. The best alternative in the long run, is to remove asbestos siding.
Although it is a bit more expensive, it should be the first choice if you can
afford it.
Asbestos Roofing Removal
Roofing products such as asphalt roofing felt,
asphalt roofing shingles, cement roofing shingles, roof underlayment, sealants
and flashing commonly contain asbestos. It can be covered up, but the safest
treatment method is to remove asbestos roofing materials as soon as possible.
Asbestos Flooring Removal
Until the 1970’s, asbestos was commonly used in
the production of flooring materials to reinforce the flooring and to increase
its durability. Common types of flooring that may contain asbestos are
pre-1990’s 12″ tiles, vinyl or asphalt-based floor tiles, linoleum sheets and
adhesive, mastic or glue used to attach floor tiles.
Removal of Asbestos Insulation
The most common uses for asbestos in homes and
buildings built prior to the 1990’s was for insulation. Some types of asbestos
insulation, also called vermiculite insulation, installed in Canadian homes
were attic insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning located in
attics, pipe insulation to control the temperature of hot pipes, block insulation
applied to concrete blocks, wall insulation inserted behind drywall, and
spray-applied insulation to provide thermal protection in attics, walls, and
ceilings.
Asbestos was incorporated into all of these
types of materials before federal regulations limited its use in the late
1970s. If you suspect that your property may have any of these asbestos-filled
materials, the safest and most cost-effective move is to hire a professional
contractor familiar with asbestos removal.
When hiring, choose a company that is IICRC
certified and has appropriate insurance coverage for the type of asbestos work
involved. A qualified asbestos removal company will follow specific steps to
ensure safety and thoroughness.
These steps include:
-
Containing the area to
control dust particles
-
Using protective
clothing and equipment
-
Thorough clean-up of
work area
-
Thorough disposal of
asbestos waste
When in good condition materials that contain
asbestos remain safe. However, exposure to heat, water, weathering or aging,
and repair activities like sanding, cutting, drilling and sawing can break up
the materials over time and release asbestos fibers into the air. Breathing in
these fibers can cause severe lung diseases such as asbestosis and cancers such
as mesothelioma.
Although the cheaper alternative may be to cover
up the asbestos materials, the most appropriate method of managing the problem
for long-term results is complete asbestos removal. This cannot be done as a
simple DIY renovation project. Only a qualified Toronto asbestos removalcompany can do the job efficiently, and most importantly – safely.
