Most people have heard of the dangers of asbestos, but what many don’t know is that it was once considered an ideal construction material. Asbestos was durable, fire resistant, and provided excellent insulation, so it was used in many building products for decades. As a result, asbestos removal remains an important service for many owners of older residential and commercial properties today.
Although asbestos is no longer used, older buildings may still contain it. Two important things to remember are that only professional testing can confirm whether a material contains asbestos and that it should never be disturbed if you suspect it may be present. If asbestos is confirmed, professional asbestos removal is the safest way to address the problem.
Some of the most common places asbestos may be found include:
- Joint compound and drywall: Older joint compounds and sheetrock products sometimes contained asbestos to improve strength and durability.
- Pipe and boiler insulation: Because of its heat-resistant properties, asbestos was often used to insulate pipes, boilers, and other heating equipment.
- Flooring materials: Vinyl floor tiles and the mastic adhesive used to secure them may contain asbestos in older buildings.
- Ceiling textures: Decorative and acoustical ceiling finishes, such as popcorn ceilings, were another common application due to their sound-dampening qualities.
- Roofing and siding products: Certain roofing shingles, roofing felt, and exterior siding materials were made with asbestos for its longevity and weather resistance.
- HVAC components: Insulation surrounding ductwork and other heating and cooling equipment may also contain asbestos.
If you discover materials that you believe may contain asbestos, avoid cutting, sanding, drilling, or otherwise disturbing them. Damaging asbestos-containing materials can release microscopic fibers into the air, creating a potential health hazard.
Instead, arrange for professional testing to determine whether asbestos is present. If removal is necessary, trained professionals can complete the work safely by following the required procedures to help protect everyone on the property. If you’re looking for asbestos removal, contact the team at Double D Construction Services, Inc. today to schedule your free consultation.