In Montana, a lot of the housing stock is old. Pre 1980 construction is everywhere in the state, and that means asbestos is hiding in more places than most people expect.
Floor tiles, pipe insulation, popcorn ceilings, roofing felt, drywall joint compound. Finding it is step one. Removing it correctly is another.
There are three primary removal methods used by certified contractors. Each one fits a different situation.
Full abatement means complete physical removal of the asbestos containing material (ACM). This is the most thorough option and is required when the material is friable (easily crumbled by hand pressure), heavily damaged, or located in an area undergoing demolition or major renovation.
Workers in full Tyvek suits with supplied-air respirators seal the work zone with poly sheeting and negative air pressure machines like the Nikro PAS5000 before hand.
This method takes longer and costs more upfront. The tradeoff is permanence.
Encapsulation coats the ACM with a binding agent that locks fibers in place rather than removing the material. This applies to intact, non damaged asbestos that is not in a high traffic or highly disturbed area.
EPA approved sealants are applied in multiple passes, then the area is documented and monitored.
The advantage here is lower disruption and lower cost. The limitation is that the material remains, and future renovation work equates to full abatement anyway.
Enclosure physically surrounds the ACM with an airtight barrier. Walls, ceilings, or rigid enclosures are built around it. Like encapsulation, this is only appropriate when the material is stable and undisturbed.
Montana DEQ and EPA regulations govern every asbestos project in this state. Anyone handling asbestos without proper certification is violating federal law and putting occupants at risk.
Abatement Contractors of Montana (ACM) in Missoula has handled projects for the US Army Corps of Engineers, US Fish and Wildlife Service, US Forest Service, the EPA, and the University of Montana. Needless to say we’re qualified.
Bob Marsenich of Glacier HR put it simply:
“I cannot recommend ACM high enough; their work is superior. From their customer service and professionalism to their technical know-how they are the best.”
Abatement is the complete physical removal of asbestos containing material. Encapsulation seals the material in place using an EPA approved bonding agent.
Homes built before 1985 have a high likelihood of containing asbestos in floor tiles, insulation, roofing materials, or drywall joint compound. A certified inspector is the only way to verify though.
Yes. Federal NESHAP regulations require an asbestos survey before any demolition or renovation that could disturb building materials.
Most residential asbestos removal projects take one to three days, depending on the size of the project and the type of material involved.
Verify DEQ certification, EPA Lead Safe Firm status, and a clean compliance history.
When properly applied to stable, undisturbed material, encapsulation can provide long term protection. However, any future renovation will require full asbestos abatement.
Written by the owner of Abatement Contractors of Montana.
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