Throughout the late 20th century, asbestos was widely used in building materials in properties, mainly due to its heat resistance, strength, and durability. Despite the federal ban on the hazardous mineral in 2018, it’s not unusual to discover asbestos in building materials and around your property in tiles, insulation, and HVAC systems. If your property was built around 1985, asbestos might be hiding within your heating and cooling system. Don’t risk exposure, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for asbestos testing and, if necessary, asbestos removal in Toronto. From inspections and air quality testing to removal, you can count on the Inch By Inch Inspections for high-quality workmanship and safer property.
To learn more about navigating asbestos in your HVAC system, read on.
Where Asbestos Was Used in HVAC Systems
While your HVAC system may not be the first place you think of when looking for asbestos, the dangerous mineral is still prevalent. You may uncover asbestos in filters, furnaces, sealing tape and adhesives, duct wrappings, asbestos paper and cloth. Asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are particularly hazardous because they contain approximately 15% chrysotile asbestos. If you discover asbestos paper on the exterior of ducts, it poses a lower risk than if it were in the interior of HVAC ducts. If asbestos paper or corrugated asbestos insulation is used within ducts, they’re more likely to become disturbed and airborne, ultimately leading to exposure and potential illness to those exposed. Before commencing maintenance, repairs, or cleaning to your HVAC system or air ducts, contact Inch By Inch Inspections for reliable inspections, air quality testing, and asbestos removal in Toronto.
Why Asbestos Was Used in HVAC Applications
Due to its excellent insulation and fire-resistant properties, asbestos was incorporated into many materials, like insulation, paper, and adhesives, due to its strength, longevity, and fire resistance. Asbestos paper and cloth were used to repair weaknesses in the ducts and strengthen the duct and HVAC system. Aside from its strength, asbestos was also affordable and accessible, making it an easy way to improve and insulate HVAC systems.
When HVAC Asbestos is at Risk of Becoming Airborne
Asbestos lingering in your HVAC system is at risk of becoming airborne during renovations, maintenance, or damage to your air ducts or heating system. When dealing with your HVAC system, it’s essential to be careful when cutting, removing, or disturbing air ducts. Asbestos fibres become airborne easily, and containing the mineral is a lengthy and complex process, only to be completed by professionals.
How to Know if Asbestos is in Your HVAC System
If your property was built over 30 years ago, there is a high probability that asbestos is present in your HVAC system. If you want to start renovations or have your air ducts cleaned, contact a professional, like Inch By Inch Inspections, for an in-depth asbestos inspection.
Prevent Asbestos Exposure with Asbestos Testing and Removal
When it comes to asbestos, your health and safety is our number one priority. Prevent asbestos exposure with asbestos testing, where our team will identify and eliminate all sources of asbestos lingering in your HVAC system and property.