Why DIY Asbestos Removal Isn’t Always The Way to Go
Asbestos is a group of dangerous, cancer-causing minerals that were commonly used in vintage building materials. That can pose a problem if you’re renovating an older property and need to get rid of affected materials fast. But before you decide to go through DIY asbestos removal, it’s important to understand the risks and drawbacks, so you can make an informed decision.
Below, learn more about what DIY asbestos abatement entails, and discover when professional asbestos removal is a better choice.
The Appeal of DIY Asbestos Removal
It might not seem like a big deal to remove asbestos on your own, especially with a small area impacted. But with a carcinogenic material like asbestos, you have to take every precaution and follow expert guidelines when disturbing it, Otherwise, you can put yourself and anyone who frequents your space at risk.
Asbestos Locations in Homes or Buildings
Asbestos was regularly used in construction until the 1980s, meaning any building or home built prior to 1989 could contain asbestos in the structure or cosmetic finishes.
Some of the most common locations of asbestos in homes can include:
- Ceiling panels, tiles, and “popcorn” texture
- Chimney lining
- Ducts and pipes
- Siding
- Shingles
- Wall panels and sheetrock
- Electrical panels and breakers
- Insulation
- Gaskets
- Floor tiles or carpet mastic
- Vapor barriers
- Plaster
- Caulk & putty
If you suspect that a material contains asbestos, you’ll need to hire a contractor to remove a sample and send it away for lab testing. If the test comes back positive, you’ll have to decide how to move forward with asbestos removal.
Risks & Cons of DIY Asbestos Removal
Some of the most common risks and drawbacks of DIY asbestos removal can include the following:
- Expense: You won’t need to pay anyone else for their labor. But, you will need to pay for personal protective equipment (including respirators with HEPA filters, disposable full body suits, and eye protection), removal supplies, and potentially disposal of the contaminated materials
- Difficulty working: Wearing full-body PPE asbestos equipment can be claustrophobic and uncomfortable, especially in hot weather or tight spaces. If you go the DIY route, be fully prepared for a difficult, physically demanding task.
- Risk of improper asbestos removal: If you don’t follow the right procedures to a T, you could risk spreading particles throughout your space. That can create a much costlier removal than the initial job, and put everyone else in the building at risk of asbestos exposure.
- Additional testing: For complete assurance that you’ve gotten rid of all the asbestos, you’ll need to do a second round of lab testing. If you didn’t get it all the first time, it’s back to square one
When Professional Asbestos Removal is Better Than DIY Asbestos Removal
If these drawbacks sound like a bit more than you can handle on your own, you might want to let a pro handle the job. That’s also true if any of the following scenarios apply to you.
Your State’s Asbestos Regulations Require It
In many states, DIY asbestos removal isn’t always legal. For example, in Rhode Island, homeowners can remove small amounts of asbestos on their own, but owners of commercial property must contact a licensed asbestos abatement company or contractor. Residential buildings with three or more apartments, or mixed-use buildings (with a business attached to a residential area), also must hire an asbestos abatement company.
Avoid Putting Yourself at Risk With DIY Asbestos Removal
If you have a family history of lung cancer, or an existing lung condition, like asthma, you may not want to take the risk of asbestos exposure in a DIY setting.
Professionals go through extensive training on personal safety and use the best-in-industry protective equipment. You won’t need to worry about exposing yourself or putting a friend or family member at risk, since the pros handle it for you.
You Want to Avoid Cross-Contamination
Since asbestos is most dangerous when it’s airborne, it’s crucial to quarantine the work area. Professionals have industrial tools like negative air machines to properly ventilate the work area. When they’re finished, they can use a HEPA Vacuum to remove any lingering particles.
The asbestos particles will stay isolated in the work area, and you can continue to use unaffected parts of your building without any personal risk.
The Scope is Too Big For DIY Asbestos Removal
You might be able to DIY a small abatement job isolated to a single wall or a tight space. But jobs affecting whole rooms or sections of a house may be too much to do by yourself. While you can always ask friends and family to help, you can’t pay them unless they’re licensed in asbestos removal.
Abatement companies can deploy a team of licensed contractors who work together to minimize downtime. If you need a team to complete the job efficiently, the professional route is the only way to go.
You Need Absolute Peace of Mind
When other people are counting on you for a safe, livable space, you need total reassurance that the job was done correctly. That reassurance is vital if you’re selling the property or about to renovate it.
Professional removal gives you total peace of mind that your space is clean, compliant, and ready to live in or host guests.
What’s the Price for Professional Asbestos Removal?
For a personalized quote on asbestos removal in Rhode Island and surrounding areas, contact PRIME Remediation.
We never compensate third parties for referrals, which allows us to offer some of the best prices in New England. Combined with our top-of-the-line equipment and experienced team of professionals, you’ll get the best value with minimal downtime.
Let us safely encapsulate or remove the asbestos on your property, so you can get back to enjoying your space ASAP.