Frequently Asked Questions
What is it? Asbestos is a material that is resistant to heat and corrosion. Because of these characteristics, it’s been used over the years in insulation, floor tiles and other building materials. We see it often in the field of construction – particularly when there is renovation, repairs or demolition.
Why is asbestos dangerous? It’s easy to get exposed to asbestos, particularly if you are a construction worker, and the minerals in asbestos are known to cause cancer. You will often hear of people who associate asbestos with mesothelioma, a disease that causes the build-up of scar-like tissue in the lungs or stomach. Mesothelioma is fatal.
How will I know if my home has asbestos? To the untrained eye, it may be hard to identify. It actually looks like attic insulation – a ball of thick fuzz. Sometimes asbestos fibers are too small to be seen with the naked eye. These thinner strands can be the most dangerous. While it is no longer produced in the U.S., we continue to import some asbestos every year. Old buildings are more likely to have asbestos in them.
Should I be worried if I live in an older home? Actually, removing asbestos can be more dangerous than leaving it intact. If it’s sealed properly and left undisturbed, asbestos doesn’t pose a danger to us. It’s the breathing of the fibers that is dangerous.
If removing asbestos is dangerous, why don’t we leave it intact? In most cases, the discovery of asbestos happens when renovation has already started. When you have a water, fire or mold emergency, the renovation that is necessary to clear the space may expose asbestos.
What if I HAVE to renovate? Any homeowner should avoid contacting, disturbing or damaging asbestos material. Instead, have any repair or removal work done by a qualified asbestos professional. Don’t clean the debris, vacuum or dust. Don’t drill holes or use a saw or sander, on asbestos materials. And don’t let any contractor you hire track asbestos fibers into your home.
How does a professional company remove asbestos? OSHA has set standard for companies like Restoration 1 to follow. We have certain work practices that control and reduce the levels of asbestos and each worker is required to use personal protective equipment.
What can I expect from a professional asbestos contractor? A professional company like Restoration 1 will first make an inspection of your home. We will sample and test the material and then advise you on your options for correcting the situation.
Turning to Restoration 1 is an easy answer to the problem if you are in need of renovation, or are considering remodeling, and are worried about the presence of asbestos. We not only know how to restore property and remodel your space as needed, we also have the technicians and equipment to handle your situation quickly and easily. Our technicians are well-trained and even certified by the IICRC. Let us do our “magic” and restore your property as well as your peace-of-mind. Give us a call at 720-573-2568.