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Asbestos Removal, Mold Removal and Testing Services in Pittsburgh, PA
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No one expects to do a big remediation job on their home or business, but if someone is renovating and has noticed materials that could be asbestos or that may have mold on them, calling in the experts is a good move. Asbestos can still be found in many homes in Pittsburgh, and mold can occur anywhere there’s a damp area for it to grow. No matter if you’re worried about a part of your home or if you’ve found asbestos or mold during a renovation, you can trust the experts at Bestos Asbestos Removal Pittsburgh to remove the problem and make sure you have nothing to worry about.
About Asbestos
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is made of fiber-like strands. It has been used for thousands of years and was even used in the clothing and helmets for firefighters in the 1850s. It became commercially available worldwide in the early 1900s, and it was around this time that people began to notice that those who worked with asbestos were dying younger and had asbestos fibers in their lungs. Still, asbestos was used in a wide variety of products because it is a fire-resistant material. In homes and businesses, it was commonly used in popcorn ceilings, tiles, and other products to help slow the spread of fire if it occurred. It wasn’t until the 1970s that the US started regulating the use of asbestos, and it was still commonly used in the construction of homes and businesses through the 1980s. It can still be found in trace amounts in some products today. |
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What Makes Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is very fire-resistant, which is why it was used in the construction of buildings. However, when the fibers are breathed in, they do not clear from the lungs and can later cause medical issues like mesothelioma. When it is in place, asbestos is safe. If it’s in tiles, for instance, it won’t cause an issue. The problem starts when the tile is chipped or damaged, or when it’s removed from the floor. The adhesive for the tiles might have asbestos in it as well if they were installed before the 1980s.
Once the product containing the asbestos is damaged, the asbestos can get into the air. It is not always possible to see the tiny fibers floating in the air. Once they’re airborne, it’s easy to breathe them in. While breathing in a tiny amount may not lead to mesothelioma, it could, and exposure over time means it’s more likely someone will end up with asbestos-related medical issues like mesothelioma.
Once the product containing the asbestos is damaged, the asbestos can get into the air. It is not always possible to see the tiny fibers floating in the air. Once they’re airborne, it’s easy to breathe them in. While breathing in a tiny amount may not lead to mesothelioma, it could, and exposure over time means it’s more likely someone will end up with asbestos-related medical issues like mesothelioma.
How Much Asbestos is Too Much?
There’s no real way to tell how much exposure to asbestos is too much. Most of those who end up with mesothelioma or related ailments worked with asbestos and were exposed to it frequently. However, that’s not to say that someone living in a home where asbestos is present is safe. If the asbestos becomes airborne, it’s possible to breathe it in without realizing it, and the person could end up suffering from asbestos-related ailments in the future.
Friable asbestos is any asbestos that is easily broken, which will often include older tiles, insulation, and other materials commonly found in homes or businesses. If the material can be broken apart by hand, it is considered friable, and it’s possible for it to break and for asbestos to be released into the air. It is important to deal with any friable asbestos carefully and to tackle the issue before the material is damaged in any way.
Friable asbestos is any asbestos that is easily broken, which will often include older tiles, insulation, and other materials commonly found in homes or businesses. If the material can be broken apart by hand, it is considered friable, and it’s possible for it to break and for asbestos to be released into the air. It is important to deal with any friable asbestos carefully and to tackle the issue before the material is damaged in any way.
Can Asbestos be Left in Place?
Encapsulation is one way to deal with asbestos, but it may not be the right solution for all situations. When asbestos is found in a home or business, it doesn’t necessarily need to be removed. It is possible to keep it in place and use encapsulation to prevent future issues. Encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos in place so it cannot release the fibers into the air. This can be done for flooring and other materials that may not be likely to be removed in the future. For flooring, the tiles with asbestos can be encapsulated, and then new flooring can be placed on top.
It is usually not a good idea to leave asbestos-containing materials in place without encapsulation. Eventually, the material could be damaged, which will release asbestos fibers into the air. The home or business owner may not be able to see the fibers, so they may not even realize there is a problem. Instead, if encapsulation isn’t desired or a good option, it’s better to go ahead and remove the asbestos-containing materials so they can be replaced.
It is usually not a good idea to leave asbestos-containing materials in place without encapsulation. Eventually, the material could be damaged, which will release asbestos fibers into the air. The home or business owner may not be able to see the fibers, so they may not even realize there is a problem. Instead, if encapsulation isn’t desired or a good option, it’s better to go ahead and remove the asbestos-containing materials so they can be replaced.
How to Tell if There is Asbestos
It can be difficult to tell if there is asbestos in a home or business. If the home or business was constructed prior to the 1980s, it is likely that some of the materials contain asbestos. This can include drywall, flooring, insulation, and many other building materials. However, there are also plenty of these materials that were not made using asbestos during that time, so it’s not possible just to consider the year the building was constructed or renovated.
The best way to tell if there is any asbestos in the building is to have a professional asbestos inspection done. The professional will go through the room or building and look at the materials in question to see if they likely contain asbestos. If so, the material can be tested further to determine if there is definitely asbestos. In many cases, the home or business owner will decide to be cautious and have the material removed by the professional without the additional testing, since this means it will be done properly just in case, and they won’t have to wait for further testing to be done.
The best way to tell if there is any asbestos in the building is to have a professional asbestos inspection done. The professional will go through the room or building and look at the materials in question to see if they likely contain asbestos. If so, the material can be tested further to determine if there is definitely asbestos. In many cases, the home or business owner will decide to be cautious and have the material removed by the professional without the additional testing, since this means it will be done properly just in case, and they won’t have to wait for further testing to be done.
The Problem with DIY Asbestos Removals
Home and business owners may believe they’ve found asbestos-containing materials and decide to do the asbestos remediation on their own to save money. However, this is never a good idea. It is all too easy to end up exposed to asbestos and to release the fibers into the air during a DIY project. It’s also common for this to lead to asbestos getting into the air handler and cycling through the home or business, exposing more areas to the asbestos, and for it to continue to be in the air if the environment remains untested.
Asbestos Removal
Asbestos needs to be carefully removed to prevent it from becoming airborne. Home and business owners may want to have asbestos abatement or asbestos removal done by a professional to make sure they will not have any issue with the asbestos in the future. A professional will close off the room to avoid the fibers becoming airborne and getting into other parts of the building.
Then, they’ll carefully remove each piece of the material containing asbestos, package it appropriately, and discard it according to local regulations. When the asbestos is fully removed from the room, a professional will clean the room, then the air in the room is tested to make sure there are no signs of asbestos. If the testing reveals asbestos in the air, it needs to be dealt with before the room is opened again. If there is no sign of asbestos, the room is fully cleaned and ready to be used.
Then, they’ll carefully remove each piece of the material containing asbestos, package it appropriately, and discard it according to local regulations. When the asbestos is fully removed from the room, a professional will clean the room, then the air in the room is tested to make sure there are no signs of asbestos. If the testing reveals asbestos in the air, it needs to be dealt with before the room is opened again. If there is no sign of asbestos, the room is fully cleaned and ready to be used.
Asbestos Testing
Home or business owners worried about asbestos in their building can have it professionally tested to find out if there is anything to worry about. Professional asbestos testing shouldn’t take long to do, and it can give the home or business owner a definitive answer about whether they need to look into asbestos remediation or if they can move forward with their renovation. If there are damaged materials in the building that are suspected or proven to contain asbestos, it is a good idea to have asbestos air quality testing done to make sure there aren’t asbestos fibers in the air.
The Cost of Handling Asbestos
While many home or business owners will want to save money when they can on any project, the possibility of asbestos shouldn’t be avoided. In most cases, the testing and cost may be less than expected. Home or business owners who do need to have asbestos removed can get a quote for the asbestos removal cost so they can plan for that in the budget. If there is a popcorn ceiling in the building that is likely to have asbestos, for instance, they can get an asbestos popcorn ceiling cost to find out exactly how much it will cost to remove the popcorn from the ceiling safely and prevent asbestos from getting into the air.
Mold Growth
Mold grows quickly in damp, dark places. It can grow just about anywhere but is likely to grow larger in areas that aren’t checked frequently inside a home – like inside walls or under cabinets. If there is a water leak, it could provide the right conditions for mold to start to grow. When it does start growing, mold will continue to spread until it no longer has the right conditions for growth. However, it can still be dormant and could start growing again. If a leak is fixed, for instance, the mold might stop growing. If the same spot starts to leak again, the mold will start to grow again.
Mold may be discovered because it is seen or because of the smell. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine where the mold is located, especially if it’s growing behind a leaking pipe in the wall. Eventually, however, there may be signs of damage on the wall or the cabinets, leading to the discovery of the mold. Not all mold is toxic, but it can be damaging, so it is a good idea to remove it as quickly as possible.
Mold may be discovered because it is seen or because of the smell. Sometimes, it can be difficult to determine where the mold is located, especially if it’s growing behind a leaking pipe in the wall. Eventually, however, there may be signs of damage on the wall or the cabinets, leading to the discovery of the mold. Not all mold is toxic, but it can be damaging, so it is a good idea to remove it as quickly as possible.
Is Mold Toxic?
Mold is not always toxic to humans, but it can cause allergic reactions or lead to other medical problems like respiratory issues. Toxic and non-toxic mold can be dangerous, especially left untreated. Any mold should be treated as if it is potentially toxic and should be removed from the area carefully to prevent contamination with other spaces or spores being released in the air. Home and business owners may want to have a professional handle the mold to make sure it is fully removed from the building and to help prevent it from coming back.
Where Mold Can be Hidden
In homes, mold can be found in bathrooms that are not well ventilated, anywhere a pipe may be leaking, or in other places where there is water and the area is relatively undisturbed. In commercial buildings, mold is commonly found in bathrooms, kitchens, and within the walls, if there is a leak. However, mold doesn’t just grow in these places. It can grow anywhere that has water or moisture, like in the attic where condensation might form. Commonly, mold inside walls or places that are difficult to get into, like crawlspaces, is generally found during renovations or because the smell of the mold is getting into the building.
How to Tell if It's Mold
It’s not always easy to tell if something is mold, mildew, or a different issue. If there are visible signs of green, yellow, or white on a surface, especially if it looks fuzzy, it could be mold. If those who are in the building frequently feel ill, like they have a cold, mold could be the culprit. Additionally, many types of mold will smell musty, so this could be a sign that mold is present even if it can’t be seen. The only way to be sure, however, is to have mold testing or a mold inspection done. A professional can determine if there is mold in the area or if there’s just mildew or something else that needs to be cleaned from the wall. If there is mold, the testing can reveal whether or not it’s toxic.
The Problem with DIY Mold Removals
Most home or business owners who discover mold will consider removing it on their own. Bleach is commonly touted as a great way to kill mold, but it only works on non-porous surfaces. It will not completely remove the mold from porous surfaces like wood or drywall. While removing the mold, it is possible for spores to become airborne or for someone to suffer medical issues because the mold is toxic, and they didn’t realize it. Additionally, even if the mold is completely removed from the area, it will just return again unless whatever is allowing the mold to grow is repaired. Many times, home and business owners remove the mold only to find out it’s back again in a week or two.
Mold Remediation
There are different terms for the different ways to get rid of mold. Home and business owners often have a choice for how they want to handle the situation, even if they have a professional handling the task. It’s a good idea to understand mold remediation vs. removal vs. abatement to know which one might be the best option.
Home or business owners unsure of which one would be better for their situation can discuss the details with a professional. In most cases, however, remediation is going to be recommended since this means that the mold is not only removed but that it is stopped from coming back again. The owner can get the guidance they need to make the right decision for the building, their budget, and their future plans for the space.
- Mold Removal – Mold removal simply involves cleaning away the visible mold or removing the materials damaged by mold and replacing them. This is what home and business owners often do if they try to get rid of the mold on their own. With this, though, there is a chance the mold will return.
- Mold Abatement – Mold abatement involves removing the mold completely from the area or encapsulating it so it won’t spread further. Painting with specialized paints can encapsulate the mold, so it doesn’t continue growing. This is better than a DIY removal because it ensures the mold is either completely removed or encapsulated, so it won’t be a problem any longer.
- Mold Remediation – Mold remediation involves determining how the mold started growing and fixing that problem, so the mold doesn’t start growing again. Most professionals will do abatement first, then remediation. This way, the mold is completely removed and then prevented from starting to grow again in the same area.
Home or business owners unsure of which one would be better for their situation can discuss the details with a professional. In most cases, however, remediation is going to be recommended since this means that the mold is not only removed but that it is stopped from coming back again. The owner can get the guidance they need to make the right decision for the building, their budget, and their future plans for the space.
Mold Testing
If a home or business owner suspects that they have mold in the building, they will want to talk to a professional about mold testing and removal. It is a good idea to have the area tested to make sure it is mold and determine if the mold is toxic. Then, the professional can give the owner a quote for mold abatement or mold removal services. The professional should give details about what is included in the quote and be able to answer any questions the home or business owner might have about the abatement or remediation process.
Cost of Handling Mold
After testing, the next step is removal. The professional can provide the home or business owner a quote for the testing and cost or just let them know what the mold removal cost will be. In general, the mold remediation cost will be higher than just the price for the removal because the remediation can help make sure the mold doesn’t home back. However, this is usually well worth the added cost as it means the home or business owner won’t have to worry about the mold returning anymore.
The cost can vary based on the type of mold as well as how much needs to be removed. If the mold is located in an area that’s difficult to reach, it may be more expensive to remove because of the location or the amount of damage that will need to be repaired once the mold is gone. The cost can also increase if the mold is found to be a toxic mold, as the professional will need to take more precautions during the removal. Depending on the mold, they may need extra protection against the mold or may need to use different removal methods to make sure no mold spores are released into the air during the removal.
The cost can vary based on the type of mold as well as how much needs to be removed. If the mold is located in an area that’s difficult to reach, it may be more expensive to remove because of the location or the amount of damage that will need to be repaired once the mold is gone. The cost can also increase if the mold is found to be a toxic mold, as the professional will need to take more precautions during the removal. Depending on the mold, they may need extra protection against the mold or may need to use different removal methods to make sure no mold spores are released into the air during the removal.
Hiring the Right Experts for the Job
When a home or business owner does discover asbestos or mold, it’s important to act quickly. Calling an asbestos and mold remediation company is a great first step, but it’s a good idea to make sure the right company is hired. The company they choose to work with should be experienced in dealing with toxic substances like asbestos or mold and should follow the local restrictions for how these contaminants can be removed from a property. It is never a good idea to opt for a company that cuts corners to try to save money, as this could lead to contamination in other rooms in the building or more serious medical issues in the future. It may also mean having to call the right professional the next time if asbestos is still discovered in the building or if the mold starts to grow again.
Contact Us Today!
If you are worried about asbestos in your building or you have noticed signs of mold, call the mold and asbestos removal experts to handle the job. At Bestos Asbestos Removal Pittsburgh, we understand how important it is to make sure the contaminants are fully removed from your property, and we know how to do the job right. We make sure it’s done right the first time, so you don’t have to worry about issues in the future, and follow all local, state, and federal regulations during every job. Get a free online quote for asbestos or mold testing and removal today or contact us to learn more about how we can help you.
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