Residential Asbestos Services

ASBESTOS INSPECTION | ASBESTOS REMOVAL AND MONITORING | CLEARANCE TESTING

ASBESTOS INSPECTION

An asbestos materials survey is conducted to determine the presence and location of asbestos-containing materials within a residential facility. Surveys are usually conducted in connection with repair work or remodeling, and many counties require an asbestos inspection prior to building demolition.

A typical asbestos inspection includes the following:

• An ECG state-licensed building inspector will conduct a visual inspection in accessible areas of the home.
• The number of homogeneous samples collected depends on the quantity, type (surfacing, thermal or miscellaneous) and distribution of suspect materials. Homogeneous materials are based on color, texture, appearance and date of installation. The samples are stored in pre-cleaned poly vinyl sealed packages for shipment to an accredited laboratory.
• The samples are analyzed for asbestos content through the use of Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). PLM is the EPA recognized method for determining asbestos content in bulk samples.
• ECG will issue a final report that summarizes the testing results and lists the location and estimated quantity of asbestos materials.

The cost of a typical residential asbestos inspection is $400 for a house and $300 for a garage only. Each sample collected is an additional $25.

For more information about our asbestos survey and testing services, or to schedule an inspection, contact an ECG representative at 312.663.3900 or click here to email.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL AND MONITORING

During the removal work, ECG can conduct project monitoring, which ensures that the asbestos is removed in a manner that is safe for the asbestos workers, the residents, and the building itself. ECG also conducts air testing to measure the amount of airborne fibers present in and around the work areas. Once the contractor is finished with the removal project, ECG can conduct final clearance samples to ensure the areas have been properly cleaned and are safe for re-occupancy.

CLEARANCE TESTING

The purpose of clearance sampling is to confirm that air quality inside an asbestos work area is safe for normal re-occupancy. Clearance air sampling is performed after asbestos removal work has been completed and the area has been cleaned of all visible dust.

ECG uses both the PCM and TEM methods for clearance air sampling. According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for the TEM clearance method, the air samples collected inside the work area must contain an average count of less than 70 asbestos structures per square millimeter (S/mm²) before the area is considered safe for re-occupancy. When using the PCM clearance method, the air samples collected inside the work area must each contain less than 0.01 fibers per cubic centimeters (f/cc) before the area is considered safe for re-occupancy.

The cost of a typical residential asbestos clearance test is $450 for up to three samples. Each additional sample is $25.

For more information about our asbestos air testing services, or to schedule air testing at your facility, contact an ECG representative at 312.663.3900 or click here to email.