Property Owners

If you have sustained a fire, water, wind, vandalism, or any other insurance loss to your home, you may need an asbestos, lead, or other type of abatement. It is important for the safety of your home that a qualified contractor, one that is versed in handling hazardous materials, and equally versed in protecting their employees, perform the removal of these materials.

Call 1-888-Abatement to get an abatement contractor for your insurance claim.

How do I know if I need an asbestos or lead abatement?
Your insurance adjuster or general contractor will know, but generally if your home was built before 1978, it should be tested for asbestos and lead before renovation begins. Of course, mold can grow in any home regardless of when it was built. If the tests are positive, you will need an abatement before repairs begin.

Do I hire the abatement contractor or does the insurance company?
You do. Your insurance company will sometimes make recommendations, but generally, you do the hiring for those working in your home. Our network of abatement contractors have gone through a qualification process to be a certified member. However, we still recommend you do your homework for any contractor, as licenses, insurances, certifications, etc. can change without notice to us or the insurance company. Always check out the contractor with the local license board to ensure you’re making the right choice.

What is asbestos and how did it get in my home?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral mined from ore. These fibers are never used alone and are always combined with other common building materials. The use of asbestos products was popular from 1900 through the 1970′s. Asbestos has been used in over 3000 products. It became the additive of choice for building products because it will not burn, corrode, or conduct electricity and when mixed with other materials strength and durability are increased. Asbestos was commonly used as follows:

• Vinyl asbestos floor tiles and sheet flooring
• Drywall, plaster compounds, textures, and acoustical ceiling spray (popcorn ceiling)
• Roofing materials and shingles
• Water heater pipe, HVAC ducting insulation
• Stucco and transite exterior siding

What is lead?
Lead is a metal and was used in paint to make the paint more durable and to last longer. In the United States 1.7 million children (one out of every 11 children) have blood-lead levels above safe limits, mostly due to exposure to lead-based paint hazards at home. How does this happen? People can get lead in their bodies by ingesting material containing lead or even by absorbing lead dust through their skin. For children, who are prone to putting things in their mouths, the hazards are everywhere –

• window sills
• doors
• stairs
• railing
• porches

Lead dust is barely visible and can get on almost anything. Children are particularly susceptible to poisoning because their bodies absorb more lead than adults and their brains and nervous systems are more sensitive to the damaging effects of lead.