No matter what type of property you have, commercial or residential, you want peace of mind that it’s safe and sound. Discovering that your property may contain hazardous material that could pose a threat to your health and the health of others if exposed can be alarming.
Asbestos-containing materials don’t have to be a concern or hold you back from retrofitting your property. Keep reading to learn what retrofitting a property entails, why you might need a retrofit asbestos inspection, where asbestos might be found on your property, and what is the process of a retrofit asbestos inspection.
What is Retrofitting?
Depending on your property, it may be easier and more cost-effective to demolish the existing structure and start again. Demolition comes with its own needs regarding asbestos-containing materials. However, there are scenarios in which making certain updates to a property will be the better economic choice both now and in the long run.
Retrofitting is a renovation intended to change an existing building specifically to reduce emissions and make the space more energy efficient. Retrofitting will ensure lower energy costs and a healthier, more comfortable environment. This process can be done on both commercial and residential properties.
When you do renovations of any kind, it is important to have an asbestos inspection to ensure the materials you’re handling in the process are safe. Many commercial and residential properties contain asbestos products and materials, especially those built before the 90s. An asbestos inspection will keep you and any working on your property safe.
Where Can Asbestos Be Found While Retrofitting?
Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral found in various building materials. If these asbestos-containing products and materials are disturbed or broken, the asbestos particles can become airborne, endangering anyone exposed. Asbestos has been known to lodge in the lungs, causing long-term health issues like mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, etc. Knowing where the asbestos is on your property before retrofitting is important.
Places on your property that may be affected by retrofitting and could contain asbestos-containing materials are as follows:
- Door gaskets with asbestos insulation
- Wall and attic insulation
- Oil and coal furnaces with asbestos insulation.
- Walls or ceiling with patching compound or textured paint.
- Siding and roofing shingles
- Walls and floors surrounding wood-burning stoves containing cement sheets, millboard, and asbestos paper.
- The backing on vinyl sheet flooring and vinyl floor tiles and adhesives.
- Steam and hot water pipes covered with an asbestos blanket or tape or coated with asbestos material.
The best way to know exactly where asbestos may be in your property is to get a professional asbestos inspection. Our experts will perform a thorough survey of the property and provide you with answers and solutions.
What is the Retrofit Asbestos Inspection Process?
The retrofit asbestos inspection process is not dissimilar to other asbestos surveys. The process takes between a few hours and a few days, depending on the size of the building. Our asbestos inspection expert will keep you informed throughout the process and provide an estimated timeframe for the inspection results.
The process involves a thorough and detailed visual overview of the entire property, extensive sample taking of suspected asbestos-containing materials, certified laboratory analysis, and a complete report with professional recommendations for abatement.
Samples are sent to a certified lab for analysis, taking 7 to 10 days to obtain results. Once they are received, a report is created based on the analysis, which our experts will walk you through, answering any questions and providing the next steps.
Why Choose ACM for Asbestos Inspection Services
When you choose ACM, you can be assured our inspections are done with the most modern technology to guarantee precision and accuracy. We use crafted expertise and skills to conduct a comprehensive survey of your property for asbestos-containing material before we start with asbestos removal or management processes.
With the ACM Team, you can trust that our retrofit asbestos inspection experts are experienced professionals who will provide a personalized plan and safe process for removing hazardous materials from your property. With over 20 years of expertise in this industry, we guarantee satisfaction with every project. Contact us today at (603) 319-1270 to learn more about our services and how we can help you.
