Types of Services a Toronto Asbestos Removal Company Can Provide

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.