Can I remove asbestos myself in my Westerville home?
The short answer is no. Here's why DIY asbestos removal is illegal and dangerous.
You found asbestos in your Westerville home and you're thinking about removing it yourself to save money. Maybe it's just a small section of pipe insulation in your basement, or some old floor tiles. The contractor quotes seem expensive, so doing it yourself feels tempting.
Asbestos becomes deadly when disturbed. Those microscopic fibers float in the air for hours after you think you're done. You can't see them or feel them, but breathing even a few can cause lung cancer or mesothelioma 20 to 40 years later. There's no safe amount of exposure.
DIY asbestos removal is illegal in Ohio without proper licensing and permits. Professional removal typically costs $1,500 to $3,000 for small residential jobs, depending on the amount and location. The price includes containment barriers, specialized equipment, air monitoring, and legal disposal at approved facilities.
Call a licensed asbestos contractor this week for testing and removal. Central Insulation Systems can test suspicious materials and provide a free quote for safe removal. Don't disturb anything that might contain asbestos until a professional evaluates it. Even cleaning up broken asbestos tiles can expose your family to dangerous fibers.
Once licensed professionals handle the removal, your home is safe again. You'll have documentation proving the work was done legally. Your family can breathe easy knowing the asbestos is gone for good.
What people in Westerville say
"THEY DID A GOOD JOB AND I THOUGHT THE PRICE WAS REASONABLE."
"I worked with Kevin Con, their field specialist. Kevin talked to me over the phone for quite awhile to make sure that I had a good estimate and knowledge of the procedure. The team came out early and they were efficient in the processes. I would highly recommend them especially because they worked so closely with our roofing team to get the job done in one day."
"I am just so happy. They came out on a Tuesday (the owner Steve and his son) and took a look and had a crew of 2 out for me the next day! They got there at 8:30 am and all was completed by 2:00. The follow up was excellent. I could just go on and on. I am very impressed and want to insulate everything NOW because they were so excellent!"
Other things people in Westerville ask
found asbestos floor tiles what to do
Don't panic. Intact asbestos floor tiles are not immediately dangerous if you're not breaking or sanding them. Don't try to remove them yourself. Get a sample tested by a certified lab, then call a licensed asbestos removal contractor if it tests positive.
how much does asbestos removal cost
Asbestos removal cost depends on the type (floor tiles vs. pipe insulation), square footage, and containment requirements. Expect $15-25 per square foot for floor tiles, more for pipe insulation. Get three quotes from EPA-licensed contractors only.
asbestos pipe insulation basement boiler
Stop going in that area immediately. Do not touch or disturb the insulation. Crumbling asbestos pipe insulation releases dangerous fibers. Get it tested professionally. The 2 options are to have it covered with special encapsulating material or have it removed by a licensed abatement contractor.
how to choose asbestos removal contractor
Only hire EPA-licensed asbestos contractors. Check their license number online. Ask for proof of liability insurance. Get written estimates that include containment, removal, disposal, and air clearance testing. Avoid anyone who offers to do testing and removal.
asbestos floor tiles removal
Stop all work immediately. Do not sand, scrape, or break the tiles. Get a sample tested by a certified lab first. If it tests positive, hire a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. DIY removal is illegal in most areas and dangerous.
Ready to talk?
Central Insulation Systems handles asbestos removal in Westerville and the area around it.