Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that has been used in a variety of construction materials for its fireproofing, insulation, and durability properties. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in many older homes and buildings, and if these materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, where they can be inhaled by people nearby. Asbestos exposure has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, so it’s important to have any potential ACMs in your home or office inspected by Asbestos Remediation Services In Connecticut | ARCT before beginning the refurbishment work.
In this article, we will discuss why asbestos inspection is important before refurbishment; we’ll take a closer look at the importance of carrying out an asbestos survey before any renovations start. So, read on to find out more:
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in construction materials because of its durability and resistance to heat and fire damage. In addition, asbestos is ductile and can be woven into fabric. As well as being a good insulator, asbestos is resistant to chemical attacks. Prior to the 1980s, it was very common for products that contained asbestos to include:
Vinyl flooring
Drywall
Roofing materials
Wallpaper
Ceiling tiles
Why Asbestos Was a Popular Choice in Construction?
Asbestos was a popular choice for use in construction for a number of reasons. As we mentioned above, asbestos is very resistant to heat and fire, making it ideal for use in insulation materials. Asbestos is also very strong, meaning that it doesn’t degrade over time like other materials. This made it ideal for use in products that needed to be durable, such as roofing shingles and vinyl flooring. Asbestos-containing materials were also relatively cheap to produce, which made them a popular choice for use in both commercial and residential construction projects.
What Is Asbestos Inspection?
When you undertake a renovation project, it’s vitally important for you to carry out an asbestos survey. Of course, every homeowner is different, so the process of an asbestos inspection can differ slightly from one person to the next. However, the survey should include:
Visiting the building in question
Touching surfaces and testing for any sign of fiber contamination
Blowing out dust from any cracks or crevices that may be present in walls and ceilings
Creating samples of any areas that may have been disturbed by workmen.
If you’re planning to renovate or refurbish an older property, it’s important to have an asbestos inspection carried out first.
Importance of Asbestos Inspection Before Refurbishment
There are several reasons why Asbestos inspection is important before refurbishment:
1. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when ACMs are disturbed. If inhaled, these fibers can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
2. Asbestos is particularly dangerous when it is friable, meaning it can be easily crumbled by hand. If ACMs are in a friable state, there is a greater risk of fibers being released into the air.
3. Asbestos-containing materials can be hidden behind walls, under floors, or in other difficult-to-reach places. An inspection carried out by a trained professional will help to identify any ACMs that might be present.
4. Asbestos removal can be a complex and dangerous process. It’s important to have an asbestos inspection carried out before starting any work so that you can make sure the job is done safely and correctly.
5. Asbestos inspection is typically required by law before any refurbishment work can take place. This is to protect both workers and the general public from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
How Is Asbestos Removed?
If Asbestos-containing materials are found during an inspection, they will need to be removed by a trained professional. Asbestos removal is a complex and dangerous process, so it’s important to make sure the job is done correctly. The steps involved in asbestos removal include:
1. Asbestos removal workers will first set up containment around the work area. This is to prevent fibers from spreading through the air.
2. The next step is to remove any loose asbestos fibers from the surface of ACMs. This can be done using a HEPA vacuum or wet wipe method.
3. Once all the loose fibers have been removed, the ACMs themselves will need to be removed. This can be done by cutting, sawing, or breaking them into small pieces.
4. The final step is to dispose of the Asbestos-containing materials. This must be done carefully to make sure that fibers are not released into the air.
Asbestos removal is a complex process that should only be carried out by trained professionals. This will help to ensure that the job is done safely and correctly.
As you can see, there are a number of good reasons to have an asbestos inspection carried out before refurbishment work begins. If you’re planning any renovations, make sure you contact a professional Asbestos Remediation Service to carry out a survey first. This will help to keep you and your family safe from the dangers of asbestos exposure.
