REMOVE ASBESTOS INSULATION FROM YOUR HOME IN CALGARY

Asbestos was once commonly used in insulation before people were made aware of the potential health hazards of asbestos contamination. Long before we knew it was so toxic for the environment, it was sometimes used in and around furnaces and hot water pipes and other times it was used as loose-fill insulation that was poured inside your walls and cavities beneath your floorboards. Asbestos made a popular choice for insulation because it protected against cold weather, noise, and even fire because of its natural fire resistance properties. It was also commonly used in cement and plaster, floor and ceiling tiles, industrial furnaces and heating systems, and even house siding.

When it comes to asbestos insulation, the best advice is not to disturb it. However, if you must, it’s inherent that you hire a professional abatement company that’s experienced in removing asbestos insulation. If you think you have asbestos insulation present that you don’t want to disturb, Sealtech Restorations is equipped to handle the removal of asbestos insulation in Calgary homes and businesses for your safety and peace of mind.

SIGNS YOU MAY HAVE ASBESTOS INSULATION

Here are some questions to help you determine whether or not you may have asbestos in your insulation:

  • Was your home or business built before 1990? – The older your property is, the more likely it is that asbestos was used in its insulation. As a general rule of thumb, if your property was built after 1990, your chances of having asbestos present in the insulation significantly decrease. However, nothing is guaranteed. Asbestos testing is the only sure-fire way to tell. Houses that were built between 1930 and 1950 are especially suspect.
  • Does your insulation have a gray-brown or silver-gold colour? – If it does, asbestos may be present. If it’s gray, soft, and doesn’t have a shiny quality, it’s likely cellulose insulation. If it’s white and fluffy with some shine to it, it’s likely fibreglass fill. If it’s gray, puffy, and fibrous, it’s likely rock wool insulation. If a sample is needed to test the insulation for asbestos, it must be placed in a sealed container and special protective clothing must be worn (safety goggles, protective mask, respirator, gloves, protective suit, etc.). That’s why testing and removal are best left in the hands of experienced professionals with the right kind of equipment for handling asbestos safely.
  • Does your insulation have an accordion-like texture? – An accordion-like texture may be the result of the asbestos puffing up due to prolonged heat exposure.

ALTERNATIVES FOR REPLACING ASBESTOS INSULATION

Some of the best alternatives for asbestos insulation include fibreglass and ceramic fibres because of their unique heat-resistant properties. Other materials suitable for replacing asbestos in your insulation include mineral wool, cotton, cellulose, sheep’s wool, straw, hemp, and even plastic. Mineral wool is fire-resistant without the addition of toxic chemicals, while cotton insulation requires less energy to produce. Sheep’s wool and cotton can both be made fire and pest-resistant. If you do by chance discover that your insulation contains asbestos, contact Sealtech Restorations for a free estimate on asbestos insulation removal in the Calgary area. Our asbestos abatement experts would be glad to help remove the harmful asbestos and replace it with one of the viable alternatives.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Sealtech Restorations can take care of removing asbestos from your home or business.

LEAVE IT TO THE PROS

You should never attempt to remove asbestos yourself – rely on the experts at Sealtech.