The process of purchasing an older home can offer several unique and sometimes difficult challenges. Alpha Environmental is committed to helping our clients address these challenges to their full approval and satisfaction. In keeping with this tradition, Alpha is committed to helping our clients address the issue of asbestos in older homes.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos consists of naturally occurring fibrous material which, due to its durability and resistance to environmental factors, was commonly used in the construction of buildings in the past. However, today asbestos is considered toxic, and its removal is of significant importance to the personal health and safety of the general public. Asbestos exposure can present a substantial risk of respiratory illness, particularly mesothelioma. In recognizing this hazard, the state of Oregon now requires testing for asbestos before any major demolition or renovation project.
The Risk of Asbestos in Older Homes
Due to the once common use of asbestos in construction projects in the past, older homes are at a heightened risk for containing asbestos. Mesothelioma.com includes Portland as one of the 8 cities in Oregon where asbestos sites have been discovered. However, with proper testing and inspection, home buyers in the Portland area can effectively address the issue of asbestos and its proper removal, in a way that will help provide the confidence necessary to purchase or renovate a home, especially an older one.
Our Asbestos Services
Alpha Environmental understands the level of importance our clients place in purchasing a home that is safe, and our in-depth, wide-ranging asbestos services are always geared toward the safeguarding of our clients’ health and safety. Our Asbestos Services also stress conformity to the specific requirements and guidelines that are in place in order to safely remove and dispose of asbestos.
Asbestos Inspection and Testing
As stated above, older homes are at an especially heightened risk of asbestos exposure. Old ceiling tiles, floor tiles, adhesive insulation and siding are common household items that together present a common potential for being carriers of asbestos. Alpha Environmental understands this potential hazard, and our Inspection and Testing Services for asbestos will take great care to fully test and inspect these items specifically, as well as other potential high-risk areas of a house.
Our professionals are extremely knowledgeable in both the identification of household asbestos, as well as the care necessary to perform a sample test without risking greater exposure to a home. The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality is clear that “a professional asbestos inspector” is “strongly recommended” to conduct these sample tests.
Alpha Environmental possesses the resources and capability necessary to conduct a comprehensive Asbestos Inspection and Testing based on a variety of internal and external sites related to a home. These include:
- Roofs and Exterior Walls
- Boiler, Vessels, and Pipework
- Ceilings
- Interior Walls/Panels
- Flooring Materials
- Air Handling Systems
- Domestic Appliances
Our Drop-Off Sample Test Pricing:
First Drop-Off Sample Test: $75 // Additional Drop-Off Sample Test: $45/each
(both results in 5 business days)
EXPEDITED RESULTS: First Drop-Off Sample Test: $130 // Additional Drop-Off Sample Test: $65/each
(both results in 2-3 business days)
Asbestos Removal
After our professionals have confirmed the presence of asbestos, Alpha Environment will begin our removal process to speedily eliminate the asbestos from a household. Asbestos represents an enormous health hazard, and it is highly recommended that a licensed professional undertake the removal process. Alpha Environmental possesses the unique equipment, and the high-quality training necessary to properly handle, remove, and transport asbestos in a safe and timely manner. Alpha’s years of experience in asbestos removal and abatement have provided us with a deep understanding of the specific and special requirements for the transport, and final disposal of asbestos, which complements our commitment to safety. Alpha has a firm understanding of the hazard posed by household asbestos, and it is our pleasure to assist homeowners in the Portland area in its removal. We also offer asbestos services in Salem. If you live in the state of Washington, we provide asbestos testing in Vancouver and asbestos abatement in Vancouver.
Contact Us
If you are considering a renovation of an older home, or if you have concerns about household asbestos exposure, please call Alpha Environmental at 503-292-5346 to learn more about our Asbestos Services.
