Asbestos removal is a task best left to the professionals. Let’s take a closer look at exactly why:
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was—at one time in our nation’s history—prized for its heat resistance, insulating properties, and durability. From the 1800s and through the 1970s, asbestos was used extensively in building materials, including:
- Insulation
- Flooring tiles
- Roofing shingles
- Siding
- Patching compounds
- Textured paints
- Sprayed acoustic ceilings
Demolition work, remodeling, and even repair and maintenance work can disturb asbestos fibers. Once airborne, these microscopic fibers can easily be inhaled—placing everyone in breathing distance at risk.
What Dangers Are Posed by Asbestos?
Asbestos is nonflammable and noncombustible. It is also fairly strong. These features helped to catapult the material into wide use and popularity when many of our cities and towns were being built. Unfortunately, asbestos is also a known carcinogen. Over time, inhaling or otherwise coming into contact with asbestos fibers may lead to:
- Mesothelioma. A rare cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, and heart.
- Lung, Larynx, and Ovarian Cancer. Types of cancer linked to asbestos exposure even in people with no additional risk factors.
- Asbestosis. A progressive respiratory condition caused when asbestos fibers lacerate lung tissue, resulting in scarring.
Because asbestos removal involves disturbing asbestos fibers, agencies including OSHA and the EPA strictly monitor how asbestos-containing materials are handled and disposed of. At ATI Restoration, our asbestos removal technicians have the training, tools, and experience to meet or exceed these standards and ensure your property is safe for occupation.
Trust ATI Restoration for Safe and Thorough Asbestos Removal
Asbestos fibers are invisible to the naked eye. Safe and thorough removal requires trained experts, specialized equipment, and rigorous adherence to safety protocols. At ATI Restoration, our in-house team of skilled, licensed, and certified professionals handles every aspect of remediation and reconstruction, so you can rest assured that the process will be completed quickly, comprehensively, and efficiently.
Contact ATI Restoration to schedule an asbestos removal evaluation and learn how we can help. We have more than 70 regional offices and offer a 24-Hour Emergency Response service, allowing us to address environmental hazards quickly, minimize risks to occupants, and prevent future contamination.
The Asbestos Removal Process
Removing asbestos requires adherence to occupational and environmental standards. ATI Restoration’s experienced lead and asbestos abatement professionals follow a thorough, multi-step process to ensure buildings are clean and safe for use.
Every asbestos removal project is slightly different and may pose unique challenges. However, the process typically includes:
- Comprehensive Building Survey. Our certified inspectors examine the building to locate potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
- Sampling and Analysis. Samples are collected and tested to confirm asbestos presence, type, and concentration.
- Custom Strategy. Once asbestos is confirmed, we develop a plan that factors in building layout, material type, and location to detail the most effective methods for removal or stabilization.
- Regulatory Compliance. All asbestos removal activities performed by ATI Restoration follow OSHA, EPA, and relevant state and local guidelines.
- Isolation of Work Area. Physical barriers seal off contaminated zones to prevent exposure.
- Negative Air Pressure. Specialized filtration systems maintain negative air pressure, ensuring any related fibers remain contained within the property.
- Protective Equipment and Techniques. Our trained technicians use personal protective equipment (PPE) and follow strict protocols—like using the “wet method”—to minimize airborne fiber release.
- Abatement Execution. Depending on the materials’ condition and location, they are removed or encapsulated (sealed) to prevent fiber spread.
- HEPA-Filtration and Vacuuming. Surfaces, tools, and affected areas are vacuumed using HEPA-filtered equipment.
- Site Sanitization. The contained area is thoroughly cleaned so reoccupation can happen as soon as clearance is obtained.
- Leak-Tight Containers. Asbestos waste is sealed in labeled, leak-tight containers to avoid contamination during transport.
- Approved Disposal Facilities. The sealed waste is transported following federal, state, and local regulations to approved hazardous waste disposal facilities.
- Post-Abatement Testing. Air and surface testing are used to confirm asbestos levels meet regulatory safety standards.
- Reconstruction Services. Our in-house experts can seamlessly rebuild or repair any area impacted by the abatement process.
The asbestos removal process must be carefully and thoroughly conducted. When dealing with several contractors, this can take an exceptional amount of time. At ATI Restoration, we understand the urgency involved in getting back to normal. We keep all parts of the project—from assessment to abatement to reconstruction—in-house, enabling us to keep projects on time and task and to get you back into your property without delay.
How Risky Is DIY Asbestos Removal?
Attempting to remove asbestos by yourself can be extremely risky—both from a health standpoint and, in some states, a legal one. Before you attempt DIY asbestos removal, check state and local regulations to make sure you are not complicating things like permitting and insurance coverage. Before you attempt to remove asbestos by yourself, you should also carefully weigh:
- Health Risks
- Lack of Training
- Lack of PPE
- Liability and Regulatory Requirements
- Cross-Contamination and Occupant Health
It is also important to remember that most insurance policies will not cover damages resulting from improper asbestos removal. If an attempt at DIY removal causes further contamination or harm, you could be left with steep out-of-pocket costs.
Professional asbestos removal is not simply a convenience. Hiring certified asbestos removal experts to manage every aspect of the abatement process helps to protect your health, prevent unnecessary expenses, and save you from potential legal issues.
Decades of Asbestos Removal Experience
Founded in 1989, ATI Restoration has grown to become the nation’s largest and oldest family-operated disaster recovery firm. With more than 70 locations, we can pair the personal touch of a family-owned business with the vast resources of an industry leader, offering a full suite of services—from 24/7 emergency response to comprehensive remediation and reconstruction—under one roof.
From our humble beginnings to our ongoing expansion, ATI Restoration has upheld its core values throughout: a commitment to communication, integrity, customer support, and a drive for excellence. These values guide every project we undertake but become paramount during tasks like asbestos removal where safety and attention to detail make all the difference.
Learn More at ATI CARES.
Contact ATI Restoration to Discuss Your Asbestos Removal Project Today!
If you suspect there is asbestos on your commercial or residential property, ATI Restoration is here, 24/7/365 to help. Our certified technicians stand ready to handle your asbestos testing, removal, and reconstruction needs. Contact ATI Restoration today to schedule an on-site evaluation and protect your property—and its occupants—from the dangers of asbestos exposure.