Thursday, May 1, 2008

Asbestos Testing

I prepared samples of our cement siding for asbestos testing today, in anticipation of RIPPING it off. While I was at it, I scraped off a bit of the popcorn ceiling to send off, too, as the cost is $30 for one or $20 each. I figured I can get the ceiling tested for $10.

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I am using Western Analytical Laboratory for the testing for a few reasons. Number one is that it is confidential; only I (and anyone I authorize) can see the results. The other reason is that One Project Closer posted a good review of their experience with WAL. It's always good to go with something tried and true!

Here's hoping that NEITHER the siding or the popcorn has asbestos in it! (Although, I would settle for the popcorn not having any).

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh that's so good to know! I will have to get my siding tested. Maybe it's NOT asbestos and I can rip it all off, too!

Jen said...

Good luck.

We decided to leave our textured ceiling in. I wanted to smooth it out, but the details were more than we could tackle with everything at the time.

Greg said...

I ripped off my asbestos/cement siding without testing. I know it had asbestos and the dump would have treated it that way regardless. Remember that if it does have it, it is considered non-friable asbestos. The restrictions and dangers of non-friable asbestos are much different than friable.

Jennifer said...

Jen~ It's pretty cheap to get tested, so I would test! However, it should be pretty easy to safely rip off even if it is asbestos...

Greg~ We are pretty sure it has it, and are just testing because there are some stringent state regulations we will have to follow if it is... if we can just rip it off it will be much easier! We are rippping the siding off regardless, though. :) It seems pretty safe to deal with.

pedalpower said...

Can't wait to see what your house looks like under there....have you peeked to see what is there yet?

Anonymous said...

We really did like WAL - they were really FAST in getting back to us on e-mail (about 5 days from when we dropped it in the mail) - it did take another 2 weeks or so before we got the written report, but that's more of a formality. Our house was negative - I'm keeping my fingers crossed that yours will be too!