Where You Might Find Asbestos In The Home
Why Asbestos Was Used
When it was first discovered and industrialized, asbestos was used in all sorts of products for its fire resistance. Because of its insulating qualities, asbestos was used in many areas where items had the potential to heat up and start fires. Asbestos was not only fire-resistant and insulating, but it was also strong, cheap, and widely available. Asbestos was often used for its sound dampening properties and resistance to water, electricity, and chemicals. For these reasons and more, asbestos would have been the perfect home building material if only it was not carcinogenic. Before this health hazard was discovered, asbestos was being used throughout the home, and it may not have been removed once asbestos was no longer in use in home building.
Insulation. Asbestos was used to keep heat trapped where it needed to be, but it was also used to ensure that the flammable building material in the house would not catch fire. This is why you might find asbestos near your:
- Electrical wires
- Pipes
- Heat reflectors for wood stoves
- Fuse box
- Roof felt and shingles
- Incandescent light fixture backings
- Recessed light fixture backings
- Artificial fireplace logs and ashes
- Pad under the hearth
- Boiler and furnace insulation
Sound Insulation. Asbestos was also used to help with sound reduction in the home, to prevent sound from travelling from one room or floor to another. This is why asbestos may be found in the
- Acoustic tiles in the roof
- Textured/Stipple Coated Walls And Ceilings
Bonds And Sealants. Because it was so affordable and strong, asbestos was often used in adhesives and sealants to strengthen construction materials such as:
- Vinyl tiles and linoleum flooring adhesive
- Gypsum board filling compound
- Patching and joint compound for walls and ceilings
- Downpipes
- Soffit boards
- Board siding, and undersheets
- Window putty
- Stucco
Get Asbestos Cleanup From 24/7 Restoration In Calgary
If you suspect the presence of asbestos or are renovating a home built in the 80s or earlier, you should have this dangerous material removed by experts. A professional restoration company will be able to test for the presence of asbestos and perform necessary abatement in your home in a way that is safe for both the workers and your family. The abatement and remediation of asbestos is a serious, potentially dangerous endeavour that comes with strict regulations and requirements that must be adhered to. 24/7 Restoration in Calgary works in accordance with, and surpasses the safety measures laid out in, the required government codes. To receive safe and comprehensive asbestos cleanup, call 24/7 Restoration at 1-403-247-4365 or fill out the online contact form.
FAQ
Q: What exactly is asbestos?
A: Asbestos is a name for a group of minerals found naturally occurring in the environment that has been harvested and used to make consumer goods. The minerals are:
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
- Amosite
- Crocidolite
- Anthophyllite
Q: How do I know if I have asbestos in my home?
A: Unfortunately, it’s hard to tell as asbestos can be mixed with other materials. To know for sure, you’ll need to get asbestos testing.
Q: How might my health be impacted by asbestos exposure?
A: A low level, one-time exposure will not pose a serious health threat, and asbestos typically does not pose an immediate health threat as it takes years for symptoms to show. While no amount of asbestos exposure is considered safe, if you have experienced a brief exposure, you will likely not become ill.
