5 Ways Asbestos is Used Around Your Home
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on October 14, 2021
Many homeowners in Montreal are familiar with the risks of asbestos exposure. What some don’t realize is that, despite being banned in 2018 on a federal level in Canada, the hazardous mineral had still found its way into building materials and construction. As a result, professional inspections and asbestos removal in Montreal is the best way to be certain your property is free of asbestos. Variations of the mineral can be found in many places around your home, some more surprising than others. If you’re planning to do maintenance, renovations, or a remodeling project, contact Canada’s Restoration first for residential and commercial asbestos testing Montreal to prevent any unwanted surprises and potential health issues.
Here are 5 places asbestos is commonly uncovered in homes and how you can prevent exposure.
Insulation
Asbestos insulation or vermiculite insulation was incredibly popular, usually found in three forms: loose-fill asbestos insulation, pipe wrapping, and spray on asbestos insulation, all of which were highly susceptible to disruption and airborne. Asbestos insulation was used due to its heat resistance, and if insulation was needed in a home around the 1970s, asbestos was the go-to material.
If your home is more than 30 years old, you should get asbestos removal in Montreal to limit any exposure and health risks before replacing your insulation.
Pipes
Much like insulation, asbestos was used in pipes and plumbing due to its heat resistance, durability, flexibility, and strength. Asbestos, typically chrysotile, was woven and wrapped around pipes for insulation and fireproofing. In some homes asbestos can be found around air ducts and furnaces as well. If you suspect asbestos in any of these areas, don’t try and remove it yourself, book an inspection to get started on safe removal.
Drywall
Since asbestos was a natural mineral that was affordable and accessible, contractors and builders tried to use it everywhere they could, including drywall. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, nearly all drywall products contained asbestos -- sheets, tape, and joint compounds. Asbestos helped make drywall lighter, more durable, and fire-resistant. Much like asbestos throughout other parts of your home, there's always the risk of disruption and exposure; if you're thinking about knocking down walls, always conduct an asbestos inspection to ensure your drywall is asbestos-free.
Tiles
In the 1970s, asbestos quickly became a popular adhesive or backing in tiles as contractors realized it helped strengthen the tiles and hold up to high-traffic areas. Linoleum or vinyl tiles have the highest chance of containing asbestos and can become airborne through changing the floors or demolition. It's recommended to take extra precautions when doing home projects, including changing your flooring. If they were built in the 1970s and 1980s, your tiles are especially likely to contain asbestos, and you could be putting your health at risk if they break or are removed without professional assistance. Be proactive and contact Canada's Restoration Services for asbestos testing in Montreal.
Paint
Asbestos was used in nearly everything in the 1970s and 1980s, and paint was definitely one of them. Typically, the asbestos powder was mixed into the paint on site, making it temperature stable and increasing the holding power, making it easier to use.
While asbestos paint hasn't been used in decades, it's definitely something to consider in your home, especially if it's older. If you’re not sure whether asbestos paint in your home is dangerous, stay safe and schedule an inspection from Canada’s Restoration Services, where our team will conduct comprehensive asbestos testing in Montreal, including the paint on your walls.
Our team of experienced and certified technicians want to help, and when it comes to asbestos remediation services, we can guarantee your health and safety. Canada's Restoration Services asbestos testing and inspection can help identify any source of asbestos in your home and carry out a thorough and complete removal.
