Los Angeles Roof Repair
Learning you have asbestos in your roof can be a startling discovery, and you’ll probably want to act quickly to remove it. Attempting to handle the asbestos yourself, however, can do more harm than good. It’s important to understand what makes asbestos so dangerous and what to expect from an asbestos professional you hire for your roof repair in Los Angeles, California.
The Many Uses of Asbestos
Asbestos is ideal for construction because of its stability, heat- and chemical-resistance, and inability to conduct electricity. Cheap and easy to work with, asbestos was once used in a plethora of materials, including concrete, insulation, brake and clutch pad lining, and pipe lining. Unfortunately, its former popularity means asbestos can still be found in many homes today.
Hazards of Asbestos
When undisturbed, asbestos does not result in any immediate bodily harm. Lung diseases and cancer are only caused when tiny asbestos fibers break free and are inhaled, causing severe long-term damage to the lungs. Tissue scarring, inflammation and malignant tumors may all result from inhaling fibers 10 to 50 years prior to the appearance of symptoms. This is why it is imperative to address your Los Angeles CA roof repair issue.
When to Hire a Professional for Your Roof Repair in Los Angeles CA
If you suspect that something in your roof contains asbestos, you can have an asbestos inspector take samples to be lab tested. An inspector can assess any damage to the material, and advise you to leave it alone, repair or remove it. In the case that maintenance is required, an asbestos contractor can be hired to safely remove or repair the asbestos. You may also consider hiring an asbestos professional for your roof repair as any construction can greatly damage hidden asbestos.
Things to Keep in Mind
If you decide to hire someone for your asbestos roof removal Los Angeles CA provides, this is a good checklist to run through to make sure you’re getting the best and safest service available:
- Some states and local laws require asbestos professionals to be certified and properly trained, but federal ones do not. Check the credentials and history of an asbestos professional to ensure they are appropriately trained and equipped
- As some asbestos firms provide both inspection and contract services, it may be best to hire each from a different firm to avoid conflicts of interest
- Request a written description of all damage and recommendations from the inspector
- Know regulations for asbestos work and ensure all procedures are followed, including proper disposal of materials, cleaning, marking the area as hazardous, and sealing off the area
- Ask to have a follow-up check by an inspector once work is complete to ensure the area is totally free of asbestos
It isn’t worth fretting over asbestos exposure for years to come. Handling it now in a safe and appropriate manner can ease your worries and keep your family healthy. To learn more about asbestos roof repair Los Angeles CA residents recommend, contact Nielsen Environmental today.