If you suspect you have asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA, you’re not alone. The material was used in building products that are found throughout millions of older homes in the U.S.
Don’t panic. Asbestos is a danger only when the product that contains it is damaged, releasing asbestos fibers into the air. In many cases, you don’t need to remove old asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA.
Here’s an overview of common questions about asbestos flooring and ways to deal with old flooring.
Envirotex is a licensed, asbestos inspection and abatement contractor. We offer:
In its heyday, the 1920s to 1970s, asbestos was used in a huge variety of building products. And for good reason. Asbestos has many benefits, including:
Asbestos was a mainstay in construction from the 1800s onward, in factories, railroads, ships, homes, offices, schools, automotive products, and more. Few homes built from the 1920s through the 1970s in America don’t contain asbestos in some form or another.
It was used in flooring, roofing, ceilings, siding, ducts, cement, drywall, sheet goods, tile, plaster, fireproofing, and pipe coverings.
The only way to know for sure is to have it tested in a certified lab. But you can also get a good idea with some research and visual inspection.
Is the flooring from the 1920s to the 1980s? The Environmental Protection Agency finally banned asbestos in 1989. That means if your floor was manufactured from 1920 to 1989, it could very well contain asbestos.
Do the flooring tiles measure 9”x9”, 12”x12” or 18”x 18”? Those were the sizes of tiles containing asbestos.
Do you see discoloration on the flooring or below it? Asbestos was used with asphalt in many types of asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA. Over time, the asphalt seeps out, creating an oily stain.
Yes, you do if the tile is damaged and releasing asbestos fibers into the air. Asbestos is a major cause of cancer, respiratory problems, and asbestosis.
People breathe in the fibers, which can stay dormant for decades. When they become active, they cause serious, chronic health problems that are often fatal. At the very least, they have a negative impact on the quality of a person’s life.
How come so few people who live in these houses get asbestos-related disease? That’s a good question. The reason is most asbestos products are durable and don’t deteriorate, meaning they aren’t releasing fibers. If the product, like asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA, stays intact, the fibers are safely contained and don’t present a risk.
The fibers are released when someone cuts into the flooring, drops something with great impact on it, breaks it apart into smaller pieces, or saws it. All of these actions release the fibers, which is the safety hazard. Decay and deterioration can also release fibers into the atmosphere, causing safety and health concerns.
You don’t need to remove or replace old asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA, unless it is releasing fibers. If it is old and cracked, you need to remove it. If someone has inadvertently sawed it, cut it or chunked it down into a bunch of smaller pieces, you need to remove it.
If it’s in good shape, you don’t need to do anything to it. Many homeowners in older homes still worry, even if the floor seems in excellent condition. In that case, experts offer another alternative. You can add another floor over the old floor. This further encases it, giving you an extra layer of protection.
No. Bob Vila and the experts on This Old House are just two reputable sources that discourage do-it-yourself work on asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA. They say it simply isn’t worth the risk. All too often the weekend handyman simply ends up creating a worse problem, endangering himself and everyone in the house. When this type of DIY project goes wrong, the price tag to fix it is very high. It makes no sense to take chances with your health and your money.
To get rid of old asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA, safely requires experience, training and specialized tools and equipment. Workers need protective clothing, masks, and respirators. The air must be continually monitored throughout the job.
When the flooring is removed, it must be properly dumped. That’s not easy. Only a few disposal sites legally accept asbestos products. The process of containing the waste is complex and expensive. Experienced asbestos abatement contractors have the resources to handle it safely and within the law.
Envirotex has been removing and containing asbestos flooring in Front Royal, VA, since 2000. As an authorized contractor, they have a team with the expertise and tools to do the job correctly, thoroughly, legally and safely.
Envirotex can get rid many types of asbestos flooring and other products in old homes, like linoleum, vinyl asbestos tile, roofing, siding, drywall, ductwork, stucco, and vinyl sheet goods. If testing is needed, they work with a certified lab. The company handles all aspects of asbestos work, from identifying it, testing it, removing it, containing it, decontaminating the area, and disposing of it.
Envirotex handles a wide range of environmental services, including:
Worried about asbestos flooring in your Front Royal, VA, home? Call Envirotex today for a free, no-obligation estimate.
About Envriotex Environmental Services
Established in Northern Virginia in 2000, Envirotex Environmental Services was founded on military service. While serving his country, the company's owner Mr. Freeman gained vast knowledge and experience in the environmental services field. His expertise in air monitoring and hazardous materials testing prepared him for his post-military career.
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