Serving Northern California
Asbestos Abatement
Asbestos was often used in building materials between 1920 and 1979. The use of asbestos increased the strength and fire resistant’s of building materials. What was not known about asbestos fibers was the health hazard. Removal of asbestos building materials requires special techniques to insure the health of the workers and containment of the asbestos fibers. Our government has established standards and regulations to insure that asbestos abatement is conducted in a safe and clean manner.
Curran Environmental Services is licensed to safety remove and dispose of insulation on pipes and ducts, floor and ceiling tiles, transite roofs and siding and other asbestos containing building materials. All work is done by licensed and experienced workers. All work conforms to federal, state and local regulations and is managed to minimize disruption to you operations.
What to do if you suspect asbestos
If you suspect your home or business has asbestos and you intend to disturb by remodeling, call a Certified Asbestos Consultant (CAC) for testing. In the case of an accident and the building materials disturbed are suspected of containing asbestos, isolate the area,do not touch or walk on. Again call a CAC for professional advice. Trained professionals should only handle asbestos and other hazardous materials.
Common asbestos containing materials
Sprayed on ceiling coatings
Commonly called “popcorn” or “cottage ceiling” ceilings, these were popular from 1945–1979. Laboratory analysis is generally required to detect asbestos in these materials
Acoustic tiles
Often used in ceilings, wall panels and inserts
Forced air, gravity heaters and ducts
Form 1935 until 1974, these kinds of heaters and ducts were wrapped with air-cell asbestos or asbestos tape.
Roofing felt, shingles and wall siding
Felt or tar paper for roofing can often contain high percentages of asbestos. Some roofing and siding shingles were produced using Portland cement, which contains asbestos as a binding agent
Wall and ceiling insulation
Between 1930 and 1950, many homes were built with asbestos insulation.
Patching compounds, tapes and textures
Wall and ceiling joints were often patched with materials containing asbestos. Some textured paints produced before 1978 also contain asbestos.
Vinyl and asphalt asbestos floor tile
Asbestos was often added to these products for strength and can also be found in the backing materials of linoleum.
Stoves
Many homes with wood burning stoves have had cement sheets, millboard, paper and other protective insulation barriers installed that may contain asbestos. Door gaskets in these stoves may also contain asbestos.
Other uses
Asbestos has been used in a wide range of manufactured goods such as: friction products (automobile clutch, brake and transmission parts), heat-resistant fabrics, packaging, gaskets, and coatings