When you hire an asbestos contractor for your home in Washington, D.C., you are protecting your family against harmful materials that could contain asbestos. Removing asbestos–containing materials from your home should never be attempted by Washington, D.C. homeowners.
Because asbestos was used in so many common building materials years ago, if you have an older home in Washington, D.C., you and your family members could be at risk. Some of these building materials that you should be aware of include—
- Roofing shingles and siding
- Vermiculite installation, ceiling tiles, and coatings
- Popcorn ceilings
- Plaster, putties, and caulking
- Drywall and cement sheets
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Pipe and duct coverings
- Plumbing fixtures
- Electrical switchboard panels
- Thermal boiler and fireplace insulations
If you suspect any asbestos in your Washington, D.C. home, hire an asbestos contractor. They can inspect the premises of your home and send samples off for analysis. Once the analysis is complete, and you have been told you have asbestos–containing materials at your home in Washington, D.C., a plan to either remove or encapsulate the asbestos materials will be mapped out for you by the asbestos contractor.
Why is hiring an asbestos contractor critical? Inhaling or ingesting asbestos can develop into serious health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, and asbestos lung cancer. Professionals who handle asbestos wear special protective clothing and respirators to protect themselves against harmful fibers that may release into the air.
Sometimes asbestos can be encapsulated by covering it up with a protective barrier to reduce risks of exposure. Most often, your asbestos contractor will need to remove the asbestos–containing materials from the home in Washington, D.C.—
- HVAC and electrical systems are disabled
- Decontamination enclosure systems are put in place
- Negative air pressure units are installed
- Openings are sealed with plastic sheeting and duct tape
- Wet wipe or the use of a HEPA vacuum is used to keep asbestos from becoming airborne
- Removeable materials are placed in seal–tight containers and transported to a safe disposal site for asbestos
For any questions about asbestos at your home in Washington, D.C., call the experts at Envirotex, an asbestos contractor serving your area.