Your home is more than just a building; it’s where you house your most sacred belongings, where you invite family and loved ones to stay, and where you make memories. What many homeowners don’t realize until it’s time to conduct inspections ahead of renovations and constructions is that there is a threat of asbestos. If you’re concerned about the hazardous mineral, being proactive with asbestos removal and inspection with a certified restoration company in Toronto is essential.
Dealing with asbestos safely, quickly, and strategically is of the utmost importance. With these five expert steps, you can mitigate the threat of asbestos on your property for safer living ahead.
Step 1: Research When Your Home Was Built
Asbestos is currently banned in most countries, including Canada. As of 2018, the mineral was banned from being manufactured, mined, or used in the construction of modern structures. However, asbestos was used not too long ago in the mid-to-late 20th century, specifically in the late 1980s. If your home was built or renovated around this time in the Greater Toronto Area, there is a greater chance that there are asbestos-containing materials on-site. If you suspect that your property is contaminated with asbestos, don’t wait to contact a leading restoration company near you.
Step 2: Identity Potential Sources of Asbestos
If you believe there is a need for asbestos removal on your property, it’s important not to proceed with any action until you contact a restoration company. If your activities, whether it’s cleaning, maintenance, or renovations, are going to occur in a specific area, it helps to know what materials are likely to contain asbestos. Because asbestos was used for particular reasons, including its durability and thermal resistance, it was used in several building materials, including drywall, gypsum board, drywall, attic/loose-fill insulation, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe wrap, and more. If a remodel, renovation, plumbing repairs, insulation upgrades, or other services involving the aforementioned materials are required, then it’s best to protect yourself and your contractors with an asbestos inspection. Professional asbestos removal costs will vary depending on the location and level of contamination to accommodate the changes in manpower, skill, and equipment required for abatement.
Step 3: Educate Yourself on Asbestos
Understanding how asbestos-containing materials and their fibers behave at various points can help protect you and those around you from the dangers the mineral presents. When asbestos is encapsulated, or in cement or generally non-friable (not able to be crumbled), the chances of fibers presenting a threat are less likely. On the other hand, when asbestos is in a friable state, i.e. loose and vulnerable to physical contact, the potential risk increases significantly. When friable asbestos-containing materials such as loose-fill insulation, deteriorating drywall, or crumbling pipe wrap comes into contact with any type of physical pressure, wind, or liquid, the fibers can quickly go airborne. Once the fine mineral fibers enter the air it can compromise airways causing scarring and other tissue damage. To prevent the threat of friable asbestos, the best course of action is a professional inspection and asbestos removal in Toronto.
Step 4: Schedule an Asbestos Inspection
Before you can move forward with safe asbestos abatement, you must conduct a visible asbestos inspection. Leading restoration companies in Toronto, like Canada’s Restoration Services, will carefully assess the contamination of your property to determine what materials are affected, the number of materials contaminated, and the concentration of asbestos. If required, samples are collected and sent for third-party asbestos testing. Based on the tests and inspection results, your restoration company will determine the best course of action for effective removal and disposal.
Step 5: Professional Asbestos Removal Process
When it comes to removing and disposing of asbestos-containing materials, the matter should be left to experienced and certified professionals. For asbestos removal to be successful, technicians must be equipped with protective gear, including face masks, gloves, and disposable jumpsuits, to mitigate exposure and contamination of the mineral. Restoration service providers will put up the required signage. They will use industrial HEPA filters, wet mops, and other equipment to prevent fibers from going airborne and the mineral from posing a risk. When asbestos removal is complete, you can get clearance from a third-party hygienist or inspector.
Why You Should Be Vigilant with Asbestos
Asbestos may seem inconsequential, but the dangers can present at a moment’s notice. A simple touch, breeze, or accident brush with friable asbestos-containing materials can cause fibers to infiltrate the air. Over time, exposure to the mineral can result in a number of chronic illnesses, such as mesothelioma, pleural inflammation, and lung cancer. To ensure the exposure is minimized, do-it-yourself asbestos removal should be avoided. While taking on abatement can save immediate asbestos removal costs, the health implications are difficult to reverse. You must wear the correct protective gear if you are around asbestos.
Asbestos-induced illnesses can be prevented. To keep your property safe and to prevent the mineral’s adverse effects, contact an experienced and trusted restoration company.