Asbestos is a potential issue for older homes in the United States. Did you know that homes built prior to 1980 may have an asbestos issue?
Asbestos was used in textured painting compounds and patching compounds. Also, it was commonly used as insulating material. Asbestos paper was used to protect walls and floors from the heat given off an oven.
Back then, there were dozens of different applications that utilized asbestos. Now, we know that asbestos can cause types of lung cancer like mesothelioma and asbestosis.
If you live in an older house, contact an asbestos removal company. Read on to learn how to hire a company specializing in asbestos. Explore the top 5 hiring tips below so that you can bring in a reputable company.
1. Experience
Asbestos removal experience is one of the most important things to look for. The company that you hire should have years, if not decades, of experience.
Improper handling of asbestos can create an even greater hazard. We advise against hiring a handyman or general contractor to remove asbestos.
2. License and Insurance
Each state has different rules regarding licensing and insurance. You want to hire a business that is licensed to work with asbestos in your state.
Insurance is equally important when removing asbestos. This helps in the event that your property is damaged or someone is injured. The company’s insurance policy covers these events which minimize the financial risk to the homeowner.
3. Integrity
In some cases, asbestos in the home is better off left untouched. An attempted removal may release dangerous asbestos fibers into the air. It is at this point that breathing these fibers in becomes a risk to the homeowner.
For this reason, you need to hire a company with integrity. Look for a business with a sterling reputation. The last thing you want is a company willing to put your family at risk to make a quick buck.
4. Online Research
The internet is a powerful tool for reviewing companies. Here, you can read detailed reviews about a company.
A business is not going to advertise bad reviews on its website. To get the unfiltered truth, check out customer testimonials on social media and the internet.
There are also consumer advocacy resources to check. Organizations like the Better Business Bureau track complaints against contractors.
5. Equipment
Asbestos is a delicate material that can create hazards when not handled properly. You need to hire a company with the right equipment. They need to own the equipment and have unrestricted access to its usage.
This includes both extraction and removal equipment. Before hiring, ask the company about their asbestos removal equipment.
A Recap of 5 Tips for Hiring an Asbestos Removal Company
Many homeowners are spooked when they hear the word asbestos. The truth is that its presence is common, especially in houses built before 1980.
There is no need for alarm. Instead, you should hire a professional to inspect and remove any hazardous materials. If you enjoyed this article about hiring the best asbestos removal company, check out the rest of our blog for more great content.
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