Asbestos Abatement - We do that too

11/17/2020 (Permalink)

Asbestos Abatement – We do that too…

Asbestos. It is a term we hear a lot and one that immediately brings to mind deadly health risks linked with prolonged exposure to the material.  Mesothelioma, a tumor of the tissues lining your lungs, stomach, and heart, is one of the most prominent.

Large scale production of asbestos began in the early 1900s and its popularity in the use of building materials was a natural choice for building materials during this time due to its natural fire resistance, sound absorption, and insulation properties. It wasn’t until the 1980s when the damaging effects of exposure to asbestos was fully realized.

It was found that “when stray asbestos fibers enter the air, they can enter the body and get lodged in major body parts like lungs. These fibers remain in the body forever once inside and slowly irritate healthy cells until asbestos diseases develop.” 

In our line of work, potential exposure to asbestos is a real threat to our production team, homeowners, and businesses as we complete restoration, cleaning, and rebuild services. Specifically, as it relates to the demolition phase of our restoration process in buildings constructed prior to 1980 (when the manufacturing of asbestos-related products was not restricted or regulated). Common building materials that could contain asbestos include:

• Resilient Floor Tiles (the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives used for installing floor tile)
• Soundproofing or Decorative Material sprayed on walls and ceilings
• Patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
• Textured Paints
• Asbestos cement roofing, shingles, and siding

It has become commonplace practice by our team to perform asbestos testing on materials described above before entering the demolition phase of our process. We utilize a third-party Industrial Hygienist to perform testing on samples and compile a protocol for abatement in the case of positive results.

In the past, we subcontracted any Asbestos Abatement services needed to third party providers. However, in 2018, our team completed the training, testing, and certification processes required to perform Asbestos Abatement in house. It is a very similar process to mold remediation and so we felt our franchise group readily able to handle this much-needed service.

We recently completed an Asbestos Abatement at a senior living facility in West Virginia. A kitchen fire weaved its way into the attic space of a 4-unit townhome. Two of the four units along with the attic suffered extensive fire damage.

Upon asbestos testing, it was found that both the mastic (glue) underneath the tiles and the joint compound on the walls and ceilings returned with positive results. Before any demolition or reconstruction could begin, our Asbestos Abatement team had to move in and do what they do best.

We set up containment, decontamination chambers, and contained showers within each townhome unit. Then the work began where we could safely remove and dispose of the tile, glue, and drywall.

At the completion of Asbestos Abatement, we then bring in the independent Industrial Hygienist for another round of testing to clear the building of any remaining traces of asbestos.

Our team received clearance and we are now currently finishing up reconstruction services. On the exterior, we replaced siding, windows, and the roof. On the interior, we installed all new electrical wiring, new ductwork, plumbing, and insulation. We installed all new kitchen cabinetry, countertops, and appliances. Drywall, flooring, trim, and painting throughout the homes were completed as well.

SERVPRO is most thought of as solely water and fire restoration, but our book of services reaches far and wide. If your home, facility, or customer needs a team that can truly handle it all, please know you will be in safe hands with SERVPRO Disaster Recovery Team – Team Wall.