Where Asbestos May Be Hiding in Your Basement
Posted in Asbestos Removal, on November 28, 2022
In many older properties, asbestos is often found throughout building materials, such as in tiles, insulation, or drywall. If one of those materials releases those fibres, the repercussions can be severe. To avoid exposure, it’s imperative to start asbestos removal in Toronto as soon as possible with a professional restoration company in Toronto. Canada’s Restoration Services offers expert asbestos testing and removal services in Toronto and other major Canadian cities. Using the most advanced equipment, our teams can effectively identify all traces of asbestos throughout the property, especially in your basement. While it may not be the first area of your home that you think of, basements offer ample opportunity for asbestos-containing materials.
Read on to learn more about asbestos in your basement and where you may find it.
Where to Find Asbestos
Several construction materials in your basement may contain asbestos, from pipe wrapping, air duct wrapping, drywall, vinyl floor tiles, insulation, ceiling tiles, or even water heater covers. Until the mid-1980s, asbestos was a popular choice in building materials to increase insulation, fireproofing, heat resistance, and overall durability. The hazardous mineral kept floor tiles strong enough to withstand high foot traffic, kept water flowing through pipes warm, and helped properly insulate basements in drywall insulation.
What Puts You At Risk of Exposure in Your Basement
Basements are typically out of sight and out of mind, causing them to be overlooked in maintenance and home inspections. Any activity that could cause damage may put you at risk of asbestos exposure, like repairing walls, replacing ceiling or floor tiles, or repairing heating ducts. Before you begin any projects or maintenance in your basement, especially those that may cause considerable disruption, contact Canada’s Restoration Services for asbestos removal in Toronto. Aside from renovations, simple wear and tear and years of deterioration may put you at risk of asbestos exposure.
Signs of Asbestos In Your Basement
By the time you actually see asbestos, you’re already at a great risk of having been exposed to it. However, there are some signs that might indicate the presence of the dangerous mineral in your basement. For instance, if your property was built before 1985 and your hot water tank covering has never been replaced, it likely contains asbestos. Further, if your insulation has a corrugated grey appearance to it, it’s likely hazardous and needs to be disposed of by professional restoration companies in Toronto.
How to Respond to Potential Asbestos
Unfortunately, older homes pose a danger to you and your family regarding asbestos exposure. Before you repair your hot water pipes, replace your hot water tank, knock down some drywall, or replace your 9x9 vinyl floor tiles, contact Canada’s Restoration Services for an asbestos inspection and third-party asbestos testing. Asbestos inspections are efficient and highly effective. Our team of certified, experienced and trusted professionals will uncover all traces of asbestos within your home. Once our inspection is complete, we’ll conduct comprehensive and advanced asbestos removal and disposal. Prior to our inspection and removal, avoid any activities that may trigger airborne asbestos fibres, like cutting, sawing, scraping, or painting.
For thorough asbestos removal in Toronto, contact Canada’s Restoration Services today.
