ASBESTOS AND WATER DAMAGE

7/11/2018 (Permalink)

ASBESTOS AND WATER DAMAGE

Many New Jersey properties and buildings built before the 90’s may contain asbestos used for walls, ceilings and roofing. Asbestos materials are not harmful unless they release dust or fibres into the air that can be inhaled.

Damage and destruction of the asbestos materials such as water or storm damage as well as fire damage will increase its friability. Asbestos fibres become hazardous and risky for our health when it is friable which means that it can be crumbled by hand and release particles into the air easily. Undamaged asbestos materials do not release fibres into the air and aren’t dangerous for the human body.

ASBESTOS AND WATER DAMAGE

After every storm or water damage in houses the two main concerns are often the extraction of water and the prevention of mould growth. However, many houses in New Jersey were built with asbestos materials and we frequently forget about this important aspect too.

If “older” houses have experienced storm damage involving strong winds and structural damage has occurred, the chances of asbestos contamination are very high. We recommend you consult an Asbestos Removal Company such as SERVPRO of Morristown who can test the materials and safely remove it if necessary.