Asbestos… a common foe of homeowners, building owners, and demolition workers alike. Although most people have heard of asbestos, there can still be some confusion when it comes to asbestos testing in Edmonton and how to get asbestos removed if necessary. Here at Downright Demolition, we want to make asbestos testing and removal as simple and easy for you as possible. So, we’ve created a step-by-step guide to asbestos testing in Edmonton!
First, we’re going to chat about what asbestos is and why it’s important to get it removed from your home or building. Then, we’ll move on to the exact steps of the process of asbestos testing so that you understand exactly how it works and what role you play in it.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral compound that is made up of flexible fibers. It is naturally occurring and can be found in many construction materials because it is both fire-resistant and is an excellent insulator. Asbestos was used a lot prior to the 1980’s in construction, however, it was then discovered that it can be incredibly harmful when inhaled or ingested. Although it is not used any longer in construction materials, many old buildings still contain asbestos which can become dangerous during home renovations or demolition.
Asbestos can be found in cement and plaster, building insulation, house siding, floor and ceiling tiles, and furnaces and heating systems. The asbestos in these materials will only become dangerous to you when it becomes airborne which is why asbestos testing is essential before you start on demolition or remodeling projects for your building. If you want to learn more about asbestos, feel free to check out our Things You Should Know About Asbestos blog post.
Why is it important to get asbestos testing and get it removed?
As we mentioned, when asbestos is hidden in materials that are behind your walls and under your floorboards, you’re safe from it. Asbestos testing and removal becomes necessary when it is opened to the air. Exposure to asbestos is linked to cancer and other serious health conditions which is why testing and removal are so essential. We want to help you to keep you and your family safe from these dangerous side effects.
When people are exposed to these dangerous asbestos fibers, it stays in their system. This is why it can end up causing things such as mesothelioma, a rare, threatening cancer, or asbestosis, a serious, growing lung disease. Rather than risking the chances of these grievous health issues, it’s important to get proper asbestos testing in Edmonton prior to starting any renovations or demolition projects.
How To: Asbestos Testing in Edmonton
Okay, so we’ve established what asbestos testing is, why it’s important to get asbestos testing, and what the health risks are if you don’t get asbestos testing. Now you’ve got all the information you need to get started with asbestos testing. So, here’s your step-by-step guide to getting asbestos testing in Edmonton.
Step 1: Determine whether or not you need asbestos testing.
The first step is to figure out whether or not you need asbestos testing for the building and project that you’re working on. You’ll typically need asbestos testing in Edmonton when you are doing renovations, remodeling, or demolition of any building. Renovations, remodeling, and demolition often open materials that could contain asbestos to the air, making them potentially dangerous. It’s also important to get asbestos testing when you’re moving into a new home that was built up until the 1980’s. After this point, materials that contain asbestos were not used in building construction. However, prior to the 1980’s, they were very common. Before you and your family move into a new home, it’s important to make sure that you won’t be risking dangerous health conditions.
Step 2: Hire a professional to complete the asbestos testing.
Once you’ve established that you need asbestos testing, the next step is to hire a trusted professional to complete it for you. Because of the threatening risks associated with asbestos, it’s important that you let the professionals take care of testing and removal. Professional demolition experts, such as the ones here at Downright Demolition, deal with asbestos regularly and have the proper safety procedures and equipment necessary. They know how to complete the asbestos testing and, if necessary, removal without risking the health or safety of themselves or any of the residents of the building.
If you’re looking for a professional to complete your asbestos testing for you, give our demolition experts a call and we can help you out. Call us at 780-906-3366 today.
Step 3: The professional will come to your home and take a sample of your materials.
Once you’ve contacted and hired a professional to complete your asbestos testing, they’ll come to your building and remove a sample of the materials that you’ll be working on for your renovation, remodeling, or demolition. Asbestos cannot be seen by the human eye and therefore must be tested for in a certified laboratory. By taking only a small sample from these materials, they’ll make sure not to let any asbestos that could be in the materials become airborne. Instead, they’ll be able to get the material tested for asbestos while keeping you and other building residents safe.
Step 4: They will send off the sample to a laboratory for testing.
This small sample of your building materials will be sent off to a certified asbestos testing lab. At the laboratory, they’ll use specialized asbestos testing equipment to determine whether or not your materials are safe. If they find asbestos in the materials, they’ll inform the professional who sent them in who will then inform you. If there isn’t any asbestos, they’ll let them know as well so that they can give you the green light on your project.
Step 5: According to the results of the test, the professional will either remove the asbestos or will give you the go ahead on the project.
If there is no asbestos in the materials, you’ll be able to move forward with your renovations or demolition project. If you need professional demolition services for your building, get in touch with our demolition team today!
If the materials do contain asbestos, the asbestos expert will alert you that there is asbestos in the materials. They’ll then quarantine the area and set up an appointment for asbestos removal to ensure your safety. Using the proper PPE, the professionals will come into the quarantined area and take out any materials that contain asbestos for you. Here at Downright Demolition, we provide thorough asbestos removal services while accommodating to your schedule and causing the least amount of disruption to your day to day operations.
If you have any questions or are looking for professional asbestos testing, asbestos removal, or demolition services, give us a call at 780-906-3366 today! One of our friendly, knowledgeable representatives will be more than happy to help you out.
