Ask yourself these questions to find out if you might need asbestos removal in Long Beach.
Asbestos removal in Long Beach can be a lengthy, intrusive, and expensive process. While some people adopt the better-safe-than-sorry attitude and opt to remove all suspicious materials immediately, others want a bit more information. If you fall into the latter category, answering the following questions will help you determine if you need asbestos removal in Long Beach.
Is the material really asbestos?
If you think you have asbestos in your home or business, the first thing you need to do is confirm that the material is in fact asbestos. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to do unless you have the original construction records or the material happens to be labeled. The age of the material can provide some clues—prior to the 1970s, asbestos was regarded as safe, so many older homes do contain asbestos tiles, shingles, siding, and insulation. Ultimately, the only way to tell for sure if you have asbestos is to have the material tested by a qualified professional.
Is the material intact or damaged?
Asbestos is really only dangerous when it is in a form that can be inhaled. If the asbestos materials in your home are intact and unlikely to be disturbed in any way during normal day to day activities, you probably don’t need to have them removed any time soon. However, if the asbestos materials are damaged, you should take action immediately. This is especially true if you are dealing with damaged asbestos insulation near your HVAC ductwork, as fibers could potentially escape into the ductwork and contaminate the entire house.
Can the material be sealed so that no fibers escape?
One possible way of dealing with damaged asbestos materials is to apply a sealant or covering that binds the materials together and provides a barrier against escaping fibers. This is quite common for pipe and boiler insulation as well as for floor tiles. In the case of flooring, the tiles should not only be sealed but also covered with another layer of tile or carpet. Sealing is best for asbestos materials that are not likely to be disturbed by heavy traffic or use.
Bottom Line
If you have damaged asbestos that cannot be sealed in your home, you need to have it removed. This is the only way to remove the threat of disease due to prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers. However, asbestos removal in Long Beach may also be called for even if your asbestos is not damaged. Many people simply don’t like the idea of asbestos in their home, and prefer to remove it as soon as possible. Doing so can often help increase the resale value of your home as well as your peace of mind.
