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[RESIDENTIAL ASBESTOS, cont.]

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I have identified Asbestos in my home and want to remove it myself. How do I do this?

If you do find asbestos in your home, you have several options. Some options will cost money and require filing a "Notice of Intent to Remove or Encapsulate Asbestos" form through the BCAA office. A copy of this form can be downloaded (PDF or DOC).

OPTION 1: Leave it alone

Remember, asbestos is a problem only if fibers are released to the air. Asbestos-containing materials that are in good repair and not being disturbed will not release asbestos fibers. Hence, the safest, easiest and least expensive option may to be to leave it alone.

Sometimes, it is possible to work around asbestos without removing it. For example, rather than removing a sheet vinyl floor with asbestos backing, it may be possible to lay the new sheet vinyl on top of the old, or install a new plywood underlayment on top of the existing and then the new sheet vinyl.

However, if asbestos-containing material is damaged, subject to being damaged, or must be disturbed as part of a remodeling project, then you should repair, encapsulate or remove it.

OPTION 2: Repair & encapsulate

Sometimes, asbestos can be repaired or encapsulated rather than removed. A few inches of torn, loose, or frayed asbestos tape-wrap on heating ducts can be sealed with paint or duct tape. Damaged hot water pipe insulation can be covered with a specially designed fabric available at safety equipment stores. Similarly, some asbestos applications that are in good condition can be encapsulated to stabilize them and reduce the likelihood of asbestos releases. Encapsulation often is the best option when dealing with insulation on heating systems.

There are two types of encapsulants. Penetrating encapsulants seep into asbestos-containing materials and bond with asbestos fibers. They have little impact on the outward appearance of treated materials. Bridging encapsulating products, such as paint. Coat asbestos-containing materials with a more durable surface. They are most commonly used to encapsulate popcorn ceilings and furnace heat duct insulation.

Homeowners should be aware, however that although encapsulation seems like an attractive option, especially when dealing with furnace ducts or in sealing popcorn ceilings, there may be less obvious costs and risks involved. For example, painting may make a future removal much more difficult. It also can cause heavy popcorn applications or popcorn that has been water-damaged, to fall off ceilings in clumps.

In cases involving extensive asbestos damage or disturbance, removal may be the more appropriate option.

OPTION 3: Remove it

Hire an asbestos abatement contractor

If you decide to have asbestos removed, BCAA strongly encourages you to use a state-certified asbestos abatement contractor. These experts employ removal techniques unavailable to do-it-yourself homeowners, thereby ensuring asbestos is effectively and safely removed. They also perform air monitoring to ensure that the air in your home meets acceptable standards after the project is completed.

Bonded, insured asbestos abatement contractors are in the yellow pages of your telephone directory under "Asbestos". Get several bids and check references before making a selection.

Do the work yourself or hire it done

Homeowners may remove asbestos themselves. Many projects can be done safely but only if prescribed work procedures are strictly followed. Some projects, such as the removal of certain types of asbestos insulation on hot water boilers, are very hazardous and should be performed only by an abatement contractor.

NOTE!! Before beginning any asbestos removal project, you must file a "Notification of Intent to Remove Asbestos" form, which can be downloaded (PDF or DOC), filled out, and returned to the BCAA. Once approved, the form becomes your permit to legally remove asbestos and dispose of it at specified asbestos disposal sites. Failure to submit this form may result in an enforcement action against you.

10-WORKING DAY WRITTEN ADVANCE NOTICE IS REQUIRED.

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