Asbestos Abatement

Asbestos Abatement

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There is no margin for error on any asbestos abatement project, whether it is a minor residential job or a major multi-faceted industrial project. All abatement projects require the skill and knowledge of a professional team that can protect you from the dangers associated with asbestos removal.

At Waco, we have performed asbestos abatement services since 1979, including the successful completion of thousands of abatement projects throughout the East Coast. Visit our local service page for asbestos abatement services in Virginia. Our experienced workforce is thoroughly trained in all aspects of removal and proper disposal of asbestos containing materials. We continue to lead the industry in the development of economical, efficient, and practical solutions for controlling environmental asbestos.

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Common Asbestos Hazards

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were commonly used as a flame retardant, binder, and as thermal insulation in buildings built before the 1980s. Later, some building materials, such as floor tile, continued to contain asbestos, and even today there are still a few asbestos containing products sold in America. Studies have found that exposure to asbestos can lead to chronic conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Even though asbestos is rarely used in new construction, it is estimated that asbestos exposure still contributes to about 5,000 deaths each year.

Some common asbestos hazards include:

  • Pipe and boiler insulation
  • Fireproofing
  • Floor tile and mastic
  • Ceiling tile
  • Roofing and flashing
  • Machine gaskets and packing
  • Refractory materials
  • Acoustic materials
  • Transite wall panels
  • Filter media
  • Textured ceilings
  • Brake Pads
  • Drywall and joint compound
  • Window Glazing

Waco has multiple locations in Maryland, North Carolina, West Virginia and Virginia. Our corporate headquarters is located in Richmond, Virginia. Our highly trained and licensed team is capable of performing any abatement project safely and efficiently in the Mid-Atlantic region.

What to Expect During Asbestos Abatement

Although certain procedures vary by state, the basics of an asbestos abatement project are as follows: First, a regulated area is established and critical barriers are put in place so that unauthorized traffic is blocked. Depending on the project, an airtight plastic barrier may be established around the work area, and HEPA air-filtration blowers positioned in order to create a negative air pressure. This is done to keep asbestos fibers from contaminating the environment. Next the asbestos containing material is removed using wet methods in order to reduce fiber release. Once the asbestos containing materials have been removed and “bagged out,” the work area undergoes fine cleaning. Sometimes an encapsulant is applied to the surfaces of the abated area to lock down any microscopic fibers remaining. The air in the work area may then be tested for the presence of asbestos fibers. Once the area has been cleared, the critical barriers may be removed, and the area is then suitable for re-occupation.

Other methods of asbestos include encapsulation and containment. With encapsulation, asbestos materials may be enclosed in an impermeable jacket, wrap or encapsulating mastic so that the fibers are not likely to escape into the environment. With containment, permanent physical barriers are constructed to prevent access and damage to the asbestos containing materials. More often than not, complete removal of the materials is recommended, because the cost difference is negligible. Once the asbestos materials are removed, you never have to worry about them in the future. As licensed asbestos abatement contractors, we are committed to efficiently and safely serving our customer’s needs. We perform all processes within all local, state, and federal regulations and guidelines

Asbestos Removal Experience

At Waco, we have completed tens of thousands of asbestos abatement projects, each with its own unique challenges. Here are some examples:

Waco was chosen by Radford University to demolish the interior and remove hazardous material from Washington Hall, an old dormitory containing asbestos material. The project required the coordination of multiple teams to remove the asbestos while completing LEED requirements for the segregation of waste for recycling, as well as preparing the building for redevelopment. The Washington Hall project was completed on time, on budget, and demonstrated our capabilities in many critical areas beyond asbestos abatement, including project management and regulatory compliance.

Hampton City Schools, the school district of Hampton, Virginia, contracted with Waco for asbestos abatement when renovating two auditoriums. Our team removed asbestos containing plaster lath ceilings from both locations. Due to the ceiling heights and slanted floors at both locations, a complex scaffolding structure was required in order to remove the materials safely. The entire project had to be completed during the summer school break, and the asbestos materials were removed in a manner consistent with environmental regulations.

The Powell Courthouse, located in downtown Richmond, is one of only two major buildings surviving the fire that occurred during the evacuation of the Confederate army out of the city in 1865. It is the oldest courthouse building that the GSA manages. A new Federal Courthouse on Broad Street was completed in 2008. Once this new facility was completed, the GSA began exploring options for what to do with the additional space in the old courthouse. Many structural, mechanical and electrical changes would be required in order to upgrade this property and make it available for future tenants.
Model Tobacco Renovation – Conversion of older warehouses or manufacturing buildings into residential apartments or condos has become very trendy these days, and nowhere more so than in Richmond, Virginia. Buildings of this type are structurally sound with solid foundations and are perfect for repurposing.  The Model Tobacco building was being converted into 203 apartment units of up to 3 bedrooms. There would be a 4,000-square-foot community section on the rooftop. The former power plant would be transformed into a recreational center with a pool, basketball court, gym, climbing wall and other recreational facilities.

Asbestos Abatement From Waco

At Waco, we know asbestos abatement. Our team is experienced and trained to the highest industry standards to ensure safety. We offer asbestos removal services in Virginia for the following regions: Richmond, VA, Northern Virginia, Norfolk, Hampton, Roanoke, Virginia Beach, and Harrisonburg as well as Washington, DC, and a wide range of locations in the Mid-Atlantic region. We are committed to meeting and exceeding customer expectations at every step of the process. Request a quote for your project or learn more about our asbestos removal services by contacting us today.

 

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