Greetings, fellow homeowners! Brylex here, and we're back to talk about one of the most dangerous materials lurking in our homes - asbestos tape. In this post, we'll answer some common questions about asbestos tape and give you the lowdown on what to do if you find it in your home.
First things first - what is asbestos tape, and why was it used? Asbestos tape was a popular duct-dressing material used in homes built before 1990. It was cheap, durable, and an excellent insulator. Unfortunately, it also contains high levels of asbestos, a known carcinogen. Asbestos tape was used to wrap and seal ductwork, pipes, and other HVAC components for all down draft furnaces (gravity fed furnaces), making it a ticking time bomb of hazardous fibers waiting to be disturbed.
So, do you have to worry about asbestos tape in your HVAC system? Short answer - yes. If your home was built before 1990 and you can see white tape on your ductwork, you should assume that it contains asbestos. Disturbing this tape can cause asbestos fibers to become airborne and pose a significant health risk to you and your family. If you encounter asbestos tape in your HVAC system, do not touch it without proper controls in place to prevent exposure.
Now, let's get to the nitty-gritty - how much is it going to cost to remove asbestos tape, and how long will it take? The cost of asbestos tape removal will vary depending on the size of your home and the extent of the contamination. However, asbestos tape abatement is classified as a low to moderate risk and therefore a less expensive type of abatement. Our qualified abatement technicians can give you a more accurate estimate at no cost to you.
Speaking of qualified abatement technicians - how can you be sure they do the job right? Asbestos tape removal is a dangerous and highly regulated process that requires specialized training and equipment. In Alberta, all abatement contractors have to file a Notice of Project (NOP) with Occupational Health & Safety, along with site specific code of practice and then wait 72 hours before we can start the abatement process. When choosing an abatement contractor in Alberta, make sure they are licensed, insured, and have experience in asbestos tape removal. The reality is, whoever makes the material friable is liable!
Finally, let's talk about what to do if you encounter asbestos tape in your home. If you suspect that your HVAC system contains asbestos tape, do not touch it. Contact a qualified abatement contractor to assess the situation and develop a plan for safe removal or encapsulation. If you are concerned about the work being completed you can always contact Occupational Health and Safety or download the Alberta Asbestos Abatement Manual by clicking here. It is also important if you intend to sell your home, be sure to disclose the presence of asbestos tape to potential buyers.
All in all, asbestos tape is a dangerous relic of the past that can pose a significant health risk to you and your family. If you suspect that your HVAC system contains asbestos tape, take immediate action to protect yourself and those around you. Don't let this dangerous duct dressing go unchecked - call a qualified abatement contractor today.
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