Asbestos in Your Windows

If you own an old house – with todays’ energy costs – it’s likely that one of the first renovation projects you’ve considered is replacing old windows. It makes good sense even if the initial outlay is relatively large, since window manufacturing technology has advanced by leaps and bounds and new windows can substantially reduce heat loss.

Before you start, and whether you decide to do it yourself or hire contractors, consider the asbestos risk. That’s right – in addition to the many other uses for asbestos you may already be aware of in your home, it can also be found around your windows.

Window Glazing
Asbestos was once a common component of window glazing and caulking, particularly on the exterior of a home. Window glazing, also called window putty or plumber’s putty, is the material that is used to fit and seal windows and glass panels. It goes on soft and hardens in place. While it’s hard and intact, it’s not considered to be dangerous, since the adverse health effects of asbestos come about as a result of inhaling the fibres. However, as the material ages, it can decompose and crumble, and certainly, when windows are being removed, that seal is damaged and the material becomes “friable” or inhalable.

Windowsills
You may also find asbestos in your windowsills or window paneling, and again, the danger will come when the material is damaged or disturbed and the material can be breathed into the lungs. You’re likely to find asbestos in the window area of your home if it was constructed before the 1980’s, and in particular if it was constructed or last renovated between the 1950’s and the 1970’s.

The risk is no joke; the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the U.S. has cited contractors in the past for exposing workers to asbestos during window renovations. It’s certainly nothing to take your chances with.

Before any renovation projects, call in the experts from GreenStream Environmental Services for an asbestos inspection. At GreenStream Environmental Services, we offer certified and safe asbestos removal and disposal to help you contain and then rid yourself of this problem.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414.  You’ll be glad you did.