When planning any renovation project in your home or business you should always consider what the proper steps are to making this transformation and what kind of Edmonton demolition services you will need to create the clean slate you require.
Demolition and deconstruction services are often needed to remove existing materials so you have the opportunity to replace them with new and exciting additions! But is removing these existing materials safe? Depending on the age of your property and who your builder was, it may not be always safe to remove these materials blindly. Though it can be as easy as taking down kitchen cabinets with the white-glove service for you to resell them, other times it’s removing the unknown like drywall, insulation, and mystery flooring.
When it comes to demolition services, it’s better to trust the experts and avoid guesswork. There is always the potential for toxic and dangerous materials to be in your building and completing demolition services without the proper knowledge and testing could be exposing you and your team to a number of hazards.
What are the toxic substances and dangerous chemicals that you have to be aware of when planning your next demolition project? Check out our list of the most common hazards below:
- Asbestos.
- Asbestos is a carcinogen, and when individuals inhale asbestos fibres it has been known to cause serious respiratory problems and lung diseases such as Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, or lung cancer.
- Where can you find this toxic substance in your demolition project? Flooring and ceiling tiles, plasters, insulations, adhesives, wallboard, roofing materials, fireproofing materials, cement products, and more.
- Make sure to complete asbestos testing when planning your next renovation project and to connect with our team at Downright Demolition for all of your asbestos testing and removal needs.
- Vermiculite
- Though typically vermiculite has not been shown to be a major health risk or toxic substance, some vermiculite insulation can contain asbestos fibres, which can cause similar problems if you were to disturb this material and inhale asbestos.
- Where can you find this toxic substance? Insulation and heat protecting elements.
- If you’re unsure if the insulation in your walls, attic, or around your venting systems has vermiculite or asbestos fibres, please reach out to a local Edmonton demolition company to get the proper testing completed.
- Silica
- One of the most common toxic substances on a demolition job site is silica dust. If released into the air without preventative measures, silica dust can settle into the lungs of individuals who breathe it in and cause silicosis, a serious and irreversible lung disease.
- Typically silica dust is created by cutting, breaking, crushing, drilling, grinding, or blasting concrete or stones.
- Formaldehyde
- Where can you find this dangerous chemical in your demolition project? particleboard, hardwood plywood panelling, and medium-density fiberboard, glues and adhesives, and as a preservative in some paints and coating products
- Phthalates
- Where can you find this toxic chemical in your demolition project? Carpet backing, resilient flooring, wall coverings, acoustical ceiling surfaces, upholstery textiles, roof membranes, waterproofing membranes, and electrical cord insulation
Concerned that your demolition project has toxic and dangerous materials? Connect with a trusted local demolition company near you to go over the scope of your project and the materials being removed. Edmonton demolition companies, like our team at Downright Demolition, will be able to provide you with some more information on the potential hazards, provide you with appropriate measurements such as asbestos testing, help remove these materials through abatement services, and make sure you and your family are safe.
