Winter Damage and the Asbestos Threat: Expert Insights and Solutions for a Safer Home

Many homeowners are completely unaware that there is a good chance that if their home was constructed prior to the 1980s, it probably contains asbestos in old vinyl floor tiles, roof shingles, siding, insulation, internal wall sheeting, popcorn ceilings, flooring adhesives, room soundproofing, acoustical tiles, artificial coals and embers in gas fireplaces, window putty and joint compound used on seams between pieces of sheetrock.

Understanding the Impact of Winter Damage on Asbestos Risks

The first thing homeowners should do if they have winter storm damage, is to relocate their families while repairs and decontamination take place. They should then proceed to hire a professional and accredited Asbestos abatement contractor to start hauling away damaged flooring, ceiling tiles, and walls. Taking proper safety precautions could save the occupants of the home affected. The procedure is as followed by our certified professionals;

Wet down any debris that may contain asbestos until it can’t become airborne in case it’s moved quickly or if there is ventilation. This is a basic abatement procedure that reduces fiber release.

All asbestos waste should be double-bagged and sealed in leak-tight containers while still wet, then labeled clearly and taken to qualified landfills that have specific requirements for securing the waste and preventing fibers from escaping into the air

Wear a particulate air-filter respirator with a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter

Wear disposable coveralls, disposable rubber gloves, rubber boots, and protective eye goggles the entire time that you are in the contamination area.

Considering the toxicity of asbestos, you should always be cautious in this respect – the safest approach would be to leave the local or state environmental officials to determine the best removal and disposal practices.