If you are worried about the possibility of asbestos in your home, Rock Emergency can provide you with asbestos testing services or an asbestos survey. But to save time and money, it is not recommended to have the testing completed “just because”. If the space is undamaged and is not going to be disturbed in any way, then there is no need.

If you are planning on a renovation, or there is damage to your home such as crumbling walls or other types of damaged areas of the home, then you should get asbestos testing. The most common practices of testing include air sampling, material sampling, and soil or water testing.

From the 1800s to - 1970s, asbestos was widely used in building materials and other items. In earlier times, it was best known as a fire-resistant material that also happened to help with walls and ceilings insulation and strength. 

It was widely used all over the world until research began to show the toxic side effects of asbestos exposure. In 1979 regulations were enforced for safer manufacturing of asbestos materials. By the 1980s, many manufacturers had stopped using asbestos in their materials and have since used safer alternatives such as polyurethane foam, amorphous silica fabric, cellulose fibers, and other non-toxic materials. 

Even though asbestos is highly toxic and dangerous, it is not banned in the United States. However, asbestos-containing materials are still highly regulated and any item containing asbestos must have less than 1%.

Since asbestos had various uses, it can be found in many products. It was also very common to be found in a variety of occupations due to its strength, insulative and fire-resistant properties.

• Cement or Cement Sheets (as an additive)
• Insulation (Vermiculate, Board, and Thermal)
• Paint and Sealants
• Drywall
• Fireproof Products (protective clothing, fireproof blankets)
• Chemical and Electrical Insulation
• Pipe Insulation
• Plumbing Materials
• Gaskets
• Roofing and Siding Materials
• Tiles
• Brakes (linings, pads, and disk)
• Clutches
• Plastics
• Rubber
• Textiles
• Asphalt
• Talc-based Cosmetics

When it comes to asbestos removal, the costs can vary. On average, the cost can range from $1,000 to $3,000 but can go $30,000 and up for whole-home remediation. Asbestos removal isn’t always the best option, and it may be safer to cover it up or encapsulate (seal with plastic sheeting) it.

The asbestos removal process needs to be handled by a trained and certified professional. The area must first be sealed to ensure that if the asbestos fibers or dust become airborne they do not contaminate the rest of the home. 

Following all OSHA and EPA regulations, Rock Emergency is fully capable of safely removing all contaminants. All of our team members wear the proper attire when handling hazardous materials and follow all safety protocols for removal and disposal. Additionally, specific equipment is used when remediating asbestos such as HEPA vacuums, special air filters, and other specialized equipment.

DO’s

• Leave any asbestos-containing materials alone if they are undamaged
• Limit access to areas with known asbestos materials, especially children
• Be mindful of asbestos material and avoid damaging these materials
• Have asbestos testing conducted if you’re planning to make renovations to your home
• Contact a professional asbestos abatement company to ensure safe removal and disposal of asbestos

DONT’S

• Use a vacuum, broom, or duster to clean up debris from asbestos materials
• Cut, sand, scrape, saw, or drill holes into materials containing asbestos
• Use a power stripper to remove wax from asbestos flooring
• Try to sand or level off asbestos flooring or its backing. If it needs to be replaced, cover it if possible
• Track in asbestos fibers or materials on clothing or shoes. If unavoidable, use a wet mop to clean up.

Asbestos is a harmful substance, and should always be treated as such. It may seem more cost-effective to try and resolve the issue yourself, but the risk to you and your family is too great. Asbestos Removal experts at Rock Emergency have all been HAZWOPER trained and IICRC certified. Additionally, all OSHA and EPA guidelines are followed to a T to ensure the safety of you, your family, as well as their health. 

Being a full-service remediation company, if any additional work needs to be completed due to the asbestos damage, we can handle that for you. We also specialize in lead paint removal, soil remediation, mold remediation, and other types of damage caused by fire, water, or storm.

Don’t try to take on the task of fighting asbestos yourself, let our trained professionals do it for you!