Talk Up Tuesday – Asbestos Solutions

Asbestos testing for real estate and construction. Consultation for scope building and quote procurement. A safe year to establish for Asbestos testing in your home is anything built before 1985, because many companies still used stock piles of materials after the industry deemed it in appropriate in 1979. 403-472-0037

Through our Strategic Partner, Asbestos Solutions, we have access to the following services to help ensure a seamless workflow for our clients.

Asbestos Removal & Abatement

As asbestos becomes higher profile, the information surrounding it becomes more convoluted. Everyone has varying levels of knowledge that is based on a bit of fact and lots of mis-information. It can
be a very confusing, even for the professionals.

A few facts for you.

• In Canada, every instance of asbestos needs to be evaluated on a project specific basis, no two situations should be treated the same.
• Any home 1986 or older can have asbestos.
• If you plan to knock down an existing house to make way for a new, it has to be tested for asbestos. If there is asbestos present, it must be remediated prior to demolition. The City of Calgary requires that a form be signed prior to issuance of a demo or building permit.
  City of Calgary form here
• If you plan to move a house and there is vermiculite present anywhere in the dwelling, it must be removed prior to moving.
• Removing popcorn ceiling? You need to check that automatically if the house was built prior to the mid 1980’s
• Drywall being removed should also be tested prior to the mid 1980’s as well

Residentially, asbestos can be found in:

• drywall mud
• ceiling stipple, aka. knockdown and popcorn ceiling
• flooring, both sheet vinyl and tile.
• stucco
• siding
• wall paper
• vermiculite insulation

Vermiculite is the most serious issue, do not disturb or let somebody blow insulation on top of it without consultation first!! ceiling stipple and linoleum/vinyl sheet flooring are also usually high in asbestos content.

If the asbestos containing material (ACM) is in good shape and not disturbed, it generally poses no threat, so unless you plan to renovate, do demolition, knock down, or move your house, don’t panic. It is wise to have your house tested and know what you are faced with. You can make an informed and cost effective decisions if you consult with the right professionals.

If you plan to buy or sell a home built prior to 1986 you should know if it is present in the home. Home Inspectors and Realtors should know if it is possibly present. Insist they test for it. Knowledge is important as it can be a negotiating item.

It is impossible to know whether a home has ACM without it being properly tested by an accredited professional through an accredited testing facility with a corresponding report. Asbestos is microscopic and visible to the naked eye, do not take  “there’s no asbestos in this house” unless they provide the report.

Homeowners and contractors are responsible for the actions and the trades within the home and community. The public and trades know that asbestos is “bad” and a couple of questions can lead to some unwanted and potentially damaging liability for the homeowner, contractor, or both.

Uneducated contractors may be exposing their clients to potential health and financial trouble. Reputable contractors struggle on educating their clients to the adverse effects of ACM compared to cheaper quotes from contractors who ignore the ACM. Do not get caught  in this trap.

Test for Asbestos

Every renovation (or real estate transaction) should start with a hazardous materials test. Know what you are faced with and plan/budget for it. It is now part of the cost of selling, buying, building, or renovating a home.

Harding’s Asbestos Abatement can provide advice and evaluate your home. Before you buy, sell or renovate, contact us and we will provide straightforward, factual, and honest information.

Harding’s does not use temporary labour for any asbestos removal or demolition work. We have our own properly trained and accredited crews that take their work seriously. Harding’s is committed to customer service and long term relationships. The best way to accomplish that is through fair pricing and providing the client with accurate inoframtion.

Mould

The types of mould found indoors can vary depending on the climate, season and geography. Different mould thrive at different temperatures, however the range of temperature in occupied homes and buildings is usually ideally suited to mould growth. The availability of moisture is a controlling factor in mould growth.

Mould growth can be found on:

• Ceiling tiles
• Drywall
• Glues
• Wood
• Carpets
• Sealants
• Cellulose insulation
• Furniture
• kitchen / Industrial Equipment

The ways mould substances can enter the human body include inhalation and ingestion. Health effects can also be caused by direct skin contact.

There are health risks involved in mould exposure and each person can be affected in different ways but are usually categorized as Either Irritation, Allergic Reaction, Infection and Toxic Response.

Some symptoms of mould exposure may include:

• runny nose
• eye irritation
• respiratory irritations
• rash or other skin irritations
• cough
• congestion
• aggravation of asthma and or headache.

Removing mould is very similar to ACM. We use the same procedures and similar testing as Asbestos. Follow the same rules outlined above in our Asbetstos section to protect yourself when buying, selling or renovating a home. With the only difference being that mould can be found in any age home.