Common Asbestos Removal Mistakes

When it comes to home improvement projects, there are some projects that should be considered completely off limits. One of these is asbestos removal. Even for the DIY enthusiast who thinks he knows his stuff, there comes a time to rely on a professional who has experience and expertise in the field.  Undoubtedly, asbestos removal is one of those fields. And for those who are working outside their skill level, asbestos removal poses all kinds of risks and potential for danger.

By all measures, asbestos removal is work that is best left to a professional – and a DIY approach will result in more time, effort and money than is necessary. Beyond that, asbestos removal is a hazardous material, and unlike basic plumbing, electrical or drywall. The bigger question is: why take the risk?  When it comes to asbestos removal, what’s on the surface may conceal the entirety of the situation – again, something that a seasoned asbestos removal professional should handle.

While its true that researching asbestos removal on the internet could help in understanding the ins and outs, responsible websites will also articulate the dangers of asbestos removal. And for a typical homeowner, it’s best to avoid the pitfalls of asbestos removal completely. The truth is, most homeowners don’t have the right tools and equipment for the job. Not only that, asbestos removal requires proper safety gear: overalls, goggles, gloves, and even a respirator.

Even before asbestos removal takes place, identification and assessment is required. This is not something that an average homeowner can undertake. The professionals know how to identify asbestos and assess the extent and scope of a project. They are well versed with government and industry guidelines for asbestos removal, and have the equipment and experience to work safely. Most importantly, professionals know how to protect both occupants and working crews.

Asbestos cleanup continues to be controversial, but the general consensus is that professionals should be handling asbestos removal. In addition to having expertise with asbestos, licensed professionals are also able to expedite an Asbestos Air Quality Test (with an independent, third party) to ensure that after asbestos removal, the space is clean and safe. Unfortunately, the DIY approach doesn’t always guarantee that asbestos removal is thorough and comprehensive.

Naturally, asbestos removal that’s handled by a remediation services company will cost money. But the results are usually guaranteed. The job will be handled expertly, based on best building practices, and according to the building code. There’s absolutely no reason for the homeowner to take any chances, or to risk the health hazard. Indeed, even for contractors who handle asbestos removal professionally, precautions and safeguard’s are paramount for everyone involved.

The short story with asbestos removal applies to everyone, and the rules are simple:  don’t break asbestos and don’t drill into it; don’t sand it or scrape it; don’t water-blast it and definitely don’t demolish it. Most importantly, don’t dispose of it – there are rules and regulations in every region that govern the removal, safe handling, and disposal of asbestos.