How to Find the Right Asbestos Abatement Company in Chicago

Asbestos. You’ve sent in your at-home asbestos testing kit and just got the results. Unfortunately, you see that the tests have come back positive. Your home, like many across the country, has asbestos in it. Now, you need to know how to find the right asbestos abatement company in Chicago to remove it.

Hopefully, you had your home tested prior to moving in, or have the test as part of your purchase agreement. We cover these steps in our New Home Buying Guide For Asbestos Testing. Now, whether you are moving in or just had that old suspicious floor tile tested for asbestos, you’re faced with asbestos in the home.

Although products containing asbestos were banned in the United States in 1989, millions of homes, apartment buildings, and commercial properties built before the ban still contain asbestos. There are asbestos floor tiles, asbestos popcorn ceilings and so many more materials that can contain asbestos. So if you have discovered asbestos in your home or property, you’re not alone. Here’s what to do after discovering asbestos in your home.

What To Do When You Think Your Home Has Asbestos

Before you got your home tested, you had to suspect that asbestos may be in your home or building, or you read our new home buying guide and knew to ask for a test before signing the contract. The first thing you should do is this: Don’t panic.

Asbestos is harmful only when it is released into the air we breathe. This means it’s unlikely that you’ve been put at risk even if you’ve been living or working in a building that contains asbestos.

However, you should stop all work that may release any kind of dust into the air. If one material contains asbestos in the building, there may be others that contain it as well.

We often find that homeowners discover asbestos when they are remodeling their homes or performing DIY upgrades. As this can release asbestos fibers into the air these should be immediately paused and the area should be avoided and sealed off.

At APM we recommend before starting any construction or remodeling project in a home built before the 1990s, you should get an asbestos test. We cover this in our blog Is An Asbestos Test & Removal Needed For Home Renovations?

Once you suspect asbestos, the next step is to confirm that there is asbestos present.

Chicago At-Home Asbestos Testing Kit

The next step is to test all suspected materials in the building. This can be done in a few ways. First, at-home asbestos testing kits are available. Properly using DIY kits will require some knowledge of what materials to test, how to safely collect samples, and how to interpret the results. This can be a good first option if you aren’t sure whether you have an asbestos problem or not.

However, when health is at stake, it’s best to have an inspection conducted by an asbestos abatement professional. A quality asbestos abatement company will conduct its own testing to confirm that there is asbestos present so you aren’t charged for a procedure you don’t need.

Also, professional asbestos contractors will be able to identify all possible asbestos-containing materials, and they are trained on how to safely and correctly collect samples for accurate results.

Asbestos can be hiding in some odd places that you may not have considered, such as:

• Asbestos in Insulation
• Asbestos Ceiling
• Asbestos Flooring
• Asbestos Drywall or plaster
• Asbestos in Masonry

Check out our article on the Top 10 Places You Might Find Asbestos for more places where asbestos can hide in your home.

How to Choose an Asbestos Abatement Service in Chicago

Whether you already know that you have asbestos in your building or you just have suspicions that require an inspection and testing, choosing the right contractor at the start of your project is essential.

Here are a few things to do when considering an asbestos abatement company.

Ask for References

An asbestos abatement company with an outstanding reputation will be happy to provide references from past customers. Contacting references can be a powerful tool for assessing every stage of the customer experience.

Ask the references about the abatement company’s communication, its on-the-job manners, and how accurate its estimates for the timeline and budget were. And of course, ask about how well the job was done.

Ask About Licenses and Insurance

Next, look into a contractor’s qualifications. Ask for proof of their license as an asbestos abatement contractor or inspector. Licensing requirements vary by state and may include several categories, such as:

• Asbestos abatement worker
• Asbestos abatement supervisor
• Inspector
• Management planner
• Project designer

Ask a prospective asbestos professional to provide proof of insurance. You should also ask how long the company has been in business and, of course, check online reviews and ratings. At APM, we provide customer testimonials right on the website.

Ask How the Asbestos Removal Process Works

Finally, ask some questions about how exactly the asbestos abatement procedure will be conducted.

To remove asbestos safely, an asbestos abatement contractor should air-seal the workspace with a filtered negative air pressure system. Ask where the points of entry will be for workers, how asbestos-containing materials will be packaged for disposal, and how the site will be cleaned after the asbestos materials are removed.

Also, any reputable asbestos company should be planning to procure the appropriate permits and undergo the necessary inspections.

Choose the Best Asbestos Abatement Company in Chicago

Asbestos Project Management is a locally owned, family-run business, and we’ve been in the asbestos abatement industry since 1984. Our priority is to ensure your family is safe from asbestos in the home, and we’ll help you get any asbestos issues addressed promptly.

Our team understands how important it is that you feel comfortable and confident with the asbestos abatement procedure. We always work closely with our customers to ensure a smooth process.

If you suspect your home or building contains asbestos materials, contact Asbestos Project Management for a free estimate. We hope this article on how to find the right asbestos abatement company in Chicago increases your confidence in handling your asbestos problem!