Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral which is used in building design, but you might be wondering, "What is asbestos, anyway?" Referring to six types of these minerals, the name โasbestosโ has been termed to describe the fine, durable fibers utilized to create heat-resistant, fire-resistant structures. In the past, asbestos was dubbed the โmiracle mineral.โ
Unfortunately, exposure to asbestos was determined to be dangerousโand even deadly. Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, a fatal cancer impacting the lungs lining. Asbestos can also cause a number of other lung-related illnesses, so testing for asbestos is important. Here at Utah Flood Cleanup, we are experienced in asbestos testing in homes and commercial buildings throughout Utah. If you want to make sure your house is as safe as possible, you'll need to know where asbestos may be hiding.
How to Identify Asbestos
You can examine your home for signs of asbestos, but itโs a good idea to acquire professional help as soon as possible. Our certified professionals use special equipment to remove asbestos safely, keeping you and your family out of harmโs way.
Before contacting a provider, however, you can determine which parts of your building might contain asbestos. Asbestos was mostly used between 1920 and 1990. In 1990, the Environmental Protection Agency started regulating asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos might be lurking in your walls, in your ceiling, or even in your gas heater.
Check your homeโs flooring, walls, pipes, insulation, textured paints, electric wiring, fireproofing materials and floor tiles. You can identify loose asbestos by examining the building materials used in these places. Asbestos isnโt dangerous if itโs in good condition, but if itโs broken down it will release asbestos fibers.
The Problem Areas
Any of the above-mentioned areas, if degrading in any way, pose a threat. Specifically, disintegrating pipes, broken insulation and worn-down walls pose problems. Examine your home for dusty areas, cracks and loose flooring. If you see dark, brown spots or dusty areas, you might have an asbestos problem.
You should err on the side of safety where potential problem areas are considered. Get the area tested by a professional at Utah Flood Cleanup, and consider getting construction work done to keep the rest of your home in good shape. Doing the work yourself might disturb the asbestos and release its fibersโendangering your family.
Asbestos Testing Process in Utah
Our professionals at Utah Flood Cleanup can test for, and remove, your homeโs asbestos with ease and effectiveness. Donโt worry: Our time-tested-and-true protocols are used to ensure maximum safety. Utah Flood Cleanup providers wear protective clothing, and theyโll use efficient gear to collect asbestos samples and dispose of any troubling areas.
- First, your contractors will arrive and place plastic sheeting below any area which might be at risk.
- Samples are then taken.
- The area is secured with tape.
- Your professional providers will spray the area with water, keeping any loose asbestos fibers from being expelled into the air.
- Any asbestos samples taken are placed within sealable containers.
- Then, theyโre shipped off for in-depth testing.
The sample area, of course, will be patched over with drywall, tape and plastic sheeting to keep additional fibers from escaping. Your provider, then, will place any used protective gear into a sealed container. Then, the clothing is disposed of.
Asbestos Testing Results and Removal
Youโll need to wait for your homeโs asbestos testing results. Fortunately, the asbestos testing procedure is incredibly accurate. If the taken samples are determined to be asbestos, youโll need to determine whether you should repair the broken area, have it removed or replace it completely.
Some homeowners might opt for repair over removalโas repairs are less expensive. If an asbestos-containing area is incredibly damaged, however, removal might be necessary. As our intuitive team works, you should keep any activities within the area to a minimum. Additionally, donโt sand, saw, drill or scrape the area yourself. Even if sealant is applied, any direct damage to the area can result in your harm.
For Asbestos Testing in Utah, Contact Utah Flood Cleanup Today
Asbestos testing is well worth the effort, and it can make your home safe again while keeping your family far from harmโs way. If you have any questions, contact Utah Flood Cleanup today. Give us a call at (801) 416-2666.
Additional Damage Restoration Services We Provide in Utah:
- Asbestos Testing Services
- Odor removal
- Smoke and soot cleanup
- Utah Sewage Cleanup
- Utah Drain Backup
- Utah Biohazard & Crime Scene Cleanup
- Utah Air Duct Cleaning
- Utah Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning
- Utah Commercial Fire Damage Restoration & Repair Services
- Utah Flood Damage Restoration & Repair Services
- Utah Mold Removal & Remediation Services