If you are uncertain as to whether or not you and your family are living in an environment that might expose you to asbestos, an asbestos survey will give you clarity on your concern. Especially, when the material is damaged - like broken asbestos shingles on your roof or siding - it can be very harmful to your health. In some cases, lung cancer or mesothelioma can be the result of exposure to the substance. Therefore, asbestos surveys have come quite in demand especially by homeowners whose houses were built prior to 1985.
As a result we encountered a boost in newly founded asbestos surveying companies. These companies are typically hired by homeowners who are already live in a house that has asbestos siding or roofing, or potential house buyers who want to make sure that everything is going to be okay with their new home and therefore ask for an asbestos survey report beforehand.
If the report comes back proving that the object is contaminated with the toxic material, it is necessary to find a reputable asbestos removal company in order to get rid of everything that could be detrimental to your health. Bearing the risk of developing an asbestos induced cancer such as Mesothelioma, is not simply too dangerous for obvious reasons.
As a matter of fact, I would strongly advice you to have your house surveyed for asbestos no matter what. Our house was built in the 1950ies. We recently remodeled the basement and the first floor entirely. As the contractors teared down the walls, we suspected that the insulation material inside the walls was made of asbestos. We had everything removed, completely. Because even if the toxic material sits entirely enclosed inside the walls, small particles can always find their way out and into the air that the home occupants breath in every day.
But before you get your tools together and start doing all the work yourself, please reconsider. This is a job you don't want to save your money on. Very likely, the company you had hired for your asbestos survey, can refer you to a good licensed asbestos removal company. They have the protective gear and they know how to remove the residue safely. If you had to buy all the gear and tools, plus paying the fees for the removal of the material, you probably end up paying more than just hiring somebody who can do the job for you. An most importantly, it is safer.
You may also want to reach out to your town directly for a list of local asbestos survey companies.
