House Fires And Asbestos – What To Do

House fires are devastating enough, what with the loss of property, and in some cases, irreplaceable items, not to say the overall trauma of the experience. But safety should always be a paramount consideration, and asbestos may pose a risk that you need to consider.

Asbestos in the home
Asbestos may be present in a home constructed before the mid-1980s. Absestos, and asbestos containing materials such as asbestos cement sheeting or asbestos vinyl tiles, may be found in a wide variety of places from floor to ceiling.

But asbestos is fire proof! you might be thinking, and you’d be right. That, and the fact it is virtually indestructible, is the main reason why it became known as a miracle material. However, the structures around it, and the materials it is mixed with, are not.

Putting Your Home Back Together
Potential asbestos exposure comes during the renovation process after a fire. Once the firefighters have gone, and told you it’s safe to return to your home, new dangers may emerge.

• Any broken or damaged materials that cause dust, including exposed insulation, broken floor tiles, and even old appliance wiring in the walls, is a potential hazard that may contain asbestos dust.
• It is tempting to think you can save money by sorting through everything, and doing the repairs, yourself, but you may be exposing yourself to asbestos dust.
• Professionals use respirators equipped with high efficiency particulate air filters, and other specialized equipment to protect themselves.
• A simple dust mask is not sufficient protection. Airborne asbestos fibres are extremely small, and will not be hindered by a dust mask.

Leave it to the professionals = that’s the best advice. A professional home inspector will be able to test for asbestos and any other hazardous materials.

That’s Where We Come In
If you have asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your home, we can help. Our experienced and certified asbestos removal and asbestos remediation technicians can help keep you and your family safe. In the Toronto area call Environmental at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

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.