Asbestos was a once-popular building material known for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Today, exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to severe health risks, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos abatement in Toronto is an essential process to mitigate these dangers. To ensure safety, asbestos inspections and removal must be carried out diligently. At Inch By Inch Inspections, our InterNACHI and IICRC-certified asbestos removal specialists will help you identify any contaminated building materials with comprehensive attic inspections, abatement, and disposal.
Read on to learn more about what materials where you may detect asbestos.
Roofing Materials
Roofing materials are often overlooked during asbestos inspections, yet they can pose significant risks. Asbestos-containing materials, such as asbestos cement sheets and shingles, were commonly used in roofing because of their durability and fire-resistant properties. Over time, weathering can release asbestos fibres into the air, putting building occupants and workers at risk. Regular asbestos inspections can identify deteriorating roofing materials and facilitate timely asbestos removal if necessary.
Flooring Materials
Asbestos-containing flooring materials were widely used in commercial properties due to their resilience and insulation qualities. Vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT) and asbestos-backed carpeting are examples of such materials. When these flooring materials become damaged or worn, they can release asbestos fibres into the indoor environment. Asbestos inspections should focus on identifying and assessing the condition of flooring materials to determine if asbestos abatement in Toronto is needed to ensure a safe environment.
Insulation Materials
Asbestos insulation was once favoured for its exceptional heat and fire resistance. However, this has made it one of the most dangerous asbestos-containing materials. Insulation materials, such as asbestos-containing pipe insulation and vermiculite insulation, are often hidden within the structure of commercial buildings. Regular asbestos inspections can pinpoint these concealed hazards and prompt the necessary asbestos removal to protect building occupants and workers.
Ceiling Tiles
Ceiling tiles may contain asbestos, particularly those manufactured before the 1980s. Asbestos can be present in both acoustic and decorative ceiling tiles. Over time, these tiles may deteriorate, leading to the release of asbestos fibres into the air. Asbestos inspections should include thorough examinations of ceiling tiles as well as popcorn/stucco ceilings.
HVAC Duct Insulation
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are integral to commercial properties, but their insulation can sometimes contain asbestos, which was used to enhance thermal resistance. Over time, HVAC duct insulation poses a particular risk as damaged or deteriorating insulation can release asbestos fibres into the airflow, leading to potential exposure for those inside the building. Asbestos inspections should encompass HVAC systems to identify and address asbestos-containing materials.
Drywall/Gypsum Board
Asbestos-containing drywall sheets were used in construction before the health hazards
associated with asbestos were fully understood. Signs of asbestos in drywall can include a rough or textured surface, as asbestos was sometimes added to create a textured finish. When renovating or working with older buildings, it's crucial to be cautious and conduct asbestos testing if you suspect the presence of asbestos in drywall. Asbestos abatement professionals should handle any removal or disposal of asbestos-containing materials to ensure safety.
Asbestos Removal with Inch By Inch Inspections
If there is asbestos used in any of the building materials around your commercial or residential property, contact the Inch By Inch Inspections team to confirm the source of the mineral, assess the risk, and determine a plan for safe removal.