Asbestos Removal In Progress

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, its sound absorption and tensile strength. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in some products for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.

When is Asbestos becoming hazardous and concern to home owner?

The hazard of airborne asbestos fibers depends to a great extent on the condition of the material, how often people go into the room where it’s located, and how much air moves through the space.

It’s when asbestos is exposed and friable—flaking or crumbling—that it’s likely to become airborne. Both the EPA and the Consumer Product Safety Commission recommend leaving asbestos alone unless it’s friable. Asbestos materials in good shape often can be “encapsulated” by an asbestos abatement contractor to add a layer of protection. This involves coating asbestos with a heat-resistant paint or sealant (approved by the EPA) that creates a protective barrier and converts surface fibers into a safer form. Be advised that encapsulating can be temporary and almost as expensive as removal, depending on the project, and may make later removal more difficult.

Pipes or ducts that are sound can be protected from future damage by being enclosed in walls or having boxes put around them. If asbestos is enclosed, the fibers usually are not released into the air and therefore present no immediate hazard.Friable asbestos that is beyond repair should be removed by a qualified asbestos abatement contractor.