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There are many jobs around the home or on the jobsite that experienced DIYers can tackle without hiring a specialist. Asbestos removal is not one of these jobs. If it’s suspected that there is asbestos in a home, jobsite, or workplace, the first step is to call in a trained asbestos abatement contractor to look at the situation.
Inert or undisturbed asbestos doesn’t pose an immediate risk, so customers will want to stay away from the area until an asbestos remediation company can come in. Tampering with the area can cause the hook-shaped asbestos fibers to become airborne. When these fibers are inhaled, the asbestos particles can irritate and scar the lungs and increase the risk of several serious diseases, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Don’t risk these possible outcomes; use this guide to the best asbestos removal companies to learn more about what to look for in asbestos abatement contractors before hiring.
- BEST OVERALL: BELFOR Environmental
- BEST FOR BUSINESSES: Clean Management Environmental Group
- BEST AGGREGATOR: Angi
- ALSO CONSIDER: STOP Restoration
What to Consider When Choosing One of the Best Asbestos Removal Companies
While a quick search for “asbestos abatement companies near me” or “asbestos removal contractors near me” can provide a list of local options, it’s important to take the time to research the companies thoroughly. Consider each company’s removal or remediation methods, service area, scheduling process, and more to find the best asbestos removal company for the job.
Asbestos Encapsulation vs. Removal
One of the first factors to consider when looking for the top asbestos removal companies is the type of asbestos remediation offered. Many companies can remove asbestos material from a home or business. Removal consists of completely removing and replacing the construction materials containing asbestos. However, this method can be invasive, requiring demolition and reconstruction.
In some cases, removing the asbestos material isn’t necessary; an alternative method known as encapsulation may be a suitable solution. Asbestos abatement companies work to isolate and seal the existing asbestos material with a protective coating to prevent degradation. The asbestos materials remain in place, but the risk of asbestos particles becoming airborne is significantly reduced. However, it’s important to remember the location of the encapsulated material for future reference. If an enthusiastic DIYer cuts through the encapsulated material, the asbestos particles can become airborne.
Service Area and Scheduling
Typically, asbestos removal companies work within a specific geographic region, so a customer needs to find the best asbestos removal companies in their area. If a customer doesn’t know where to start looking, they can try searching online for “asbestos abatement near me” or “asbestos remediation near me.” This will return a list of local companies specializing in asbestos removal and remediation. The best nationwide asbestos removal companies will offer a helpful ZIP code search feature on their websites to make it easy for customers to determine whether a company services their addresses.
Asbestos removal is a serious task that needs to be handled carefully, but if the material is left undisturbed, this job isn’t an emergency situation that requires immediate attention. With this in mind, most asbestos remediation companies will work with the customer to schedule a convenient time for inspection, testing, and treatment. The scheduling process can vary among companies, so check with a company’s website or a customer support representative for more information on scheduling procedures and hours of operation.
Additional Services
A customer may be dealing with hazardous substances other than asbestos. Lead pipes, lead paint, or mold could create an ongoing health risk to anyone living or working in the building. To help customers handle these situations, some asbestos removal companies will also have licensed technicians available to test for and abate a range of other materials.
Technician Certifications and Insurance
Researching asbestos removal companies may start with a search for “asbestos companies near me” or “asbestos abatement company near me.” However, after putting together a list of options, customers need to narrow down the choices instead of opting for the first company that comes up. Customers will want to identify what certifications and licensing a company’s technicians hold.
Federal law doesn’t require individuals to be trained and certified to remove asbestos from detached single-family homes. However, most states require an individual to have a training certification from an EPA- or state-approved course. The purpose of this training and accreditation is to ensure that the workers that come into a home or business handle this highly dangerous material with the utmost care to avoid putting themselves and the building’s occupants at risk.
Customer Support Availability
It’s necessary for a top asbestos removal company to have reliable customer support staff because the average individual typically lacks a detailed understanding of how asbestos removal is accomplished and the risks associated with it. Trained customer support professionals can help customers identify asbestos and provide information to facilitate the remediation process better.
Generally, customer support staff for a company that only handles asbestos removal doesn’t need to be available 24/7—leaving asbestos undisturbed for a few hours doesn’t put anyone at risk or cause additional damage. However, many companies also provide restoration services, water damage remediation, storm damage cleanup, and other services that do benefit from 24/7 customer support access.
Our Top Picks
Customers seeking asbestos abatement will want to consider this list of the best asbestos removal companies. Each company was selected for outstanding customer support, additional service offerings, broad service areas, and reliable asbestos remediation processes.
Best Overall
BELFOR Environmental
- Service area: 39 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Additional services: Mold remediation, water damage remediation, fire damage remediation, storm damage cleanup, air duct cleaning, biohazard cleanup, lead removal, hazardous waste removal
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone, email
Pros
- Wide range of additional abatement and remediation services, including lead paint and mold removal
- Risk Management Society member
- Robust online library of case studies
- 24/7 customer support available by phone
Cons
- Reports of outside companies contracted to complete finishing work
- Somewhat unclear service area
Why It Made the Cut: BELFOR Environmental provides 24/7 customer support and an extensive library of case studies to back up its years of experience in the environmental hazard and disaster remediation business. BELFOR Environmental offers asbestos removal in addition to mold remediation, water damage remediation, fire damage remediation, storm damage cleanup, air duct cleaning, biohazard cleanup, lead removal, and hazardous waste removal. As a member of the Risk Management Society (RIMS), BELFOR demonstrates a commitment to safe practices and works to reduce any potential harm. It should be noted that not every branch of BELFOR Environmental offers asbestos removal. Additionally, some customers mention that outside companies are used for finishing, tile installation, and painting. Customers can contact BELFOR 24/7 to ask any questions or schedule an inspection. BELFOR’s website has a robust library of case studies on previous jobs the company has completed. These serve to help customers decide if BELFOR’s service offerings are right, and the case studies instill confidence that the company goes above and beyond to remedy a variety of hazardous situations.
Best for Businesses
Clean Management Environmental Group
- Service area: 48 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Phone
- Additional services: Waste management services, industrial services, remediation and spill cleanup
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Single point of contact for all communication
- High transparency regarding certifications and insurance
- All official documents handled and stored on behalf of the customer
Cons
- Services only available for commercial properties
- Somewhat misleading service area claims
Why It Made the Cut: Businesses can get easy, streamlined remediation service with the help of Clean Management Environmental Group. The asbestos removal process can be complicated, so Clean Management Environmental Group (CMEG) attempts to streamline the communication between the customer and the company by providing a single point of contact. This representative is aware of all the case details and can address any concerns that the customer has before, during, and after the job is complete. Because CMEG exclusively services commercial properties, residential customers won’t be able to hire CMEG for asbestos removal. The website’s About Us section says that CMEG services are available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., but the interactive map shows that there are no CMEG branches in Alaska or Hawaii. Nonetheless, CMEG is highly transparent about its licensing, certification, and insurance, and the company boasts $15 million in liability insurance coverage. CMEG helps customers file insurance claims and holds copies of all documentation, so customers don’t need to panic if they lose a piece of paperwork.
Best Aggregator
Angi
- Service area: 50 states and Washington, D.C.
- Scheduling: Online
- Additional services: Varies by provider
- Customer support: Phone, email
Pros
- Customers can filter by project and choose from local professionals
- Customers can obtain quotes or bids within minutes
- Streamlined and user-friendly website
- Comprehensive resource center organized by project type
Cons
- Name, phone number, and email are required to browse local services
- Persistent follow-up emails
Why It Made the Cut: Available in all 50 states and Washington, D.C., Angi helps customers find local licensed asbestos removal contractors. Angi is an aggregator site that matches customers nationwide with local professionals for almost any home improvement project, including asbestos removal. Customers can contact pros directly to get a quote for the services or allow several contractors the opportunity to bid for the project. The streamlined website is easy to use and it includes a comprehensive resource center for additional information on a wide variety of projects. A name, phone number, and email are required to browse local services, which can lead to persistent and potentially annoying follow-up emails. But for customers who are searching to find an asbestos removal company in their area, Angi is an excellent resource to make the hiring process easier.
Also Consider
STOP Restoration
- Service area: 20 states
- Scheduling: Phone
- Additional services: Water damage remediation, mold remediation, smoke damage remediation, fire damage remediation, storm damage cleanup, biohazard cleanup, air duct cleaning
- Customer support: 24/7 by phone, email
Pros
- 24/7 customer support available by phone
- Detailed treatment plan created for every customer
Cons
- Services may vary by location
- Relatively limited service area
Why It Made the Cut: STOP Restoration helps customers avoid unnecessary anxiety by providing a detailed personal treatment plan that explains the entire asbestos abatement process. Available in 20 states, STOP Restoration offers asbestos removal, asbestos encapsulation, water damage remediation, mold remediation, smoke damage remediation, fire damage remediation, storm damage cleanup, biohazard cleanup, and air duct cleaning. These services vary by location, so customers will want to verify that the asbestos remediation services are available through their local branch. Customers can contact STOP Restoration 24/7 by phone or through email to ask questions, book appointments, or discuss an upcoming job. The company creates a detailed personal treatment plan for each customer in order to better address concerns, such as what to expect, how long the process will take, and the estimated price to complete the job.
Our Verdict
BELFOR Environmental provides a library of case studies to back up the company’s years of experience and offers a wide range of additional abatement and remediation services. Clean Management Environmental Group is a top choice for businesses, and the company streamlines the process by assigning a single point of contact for easier communication.
How We Chose the Best Asbestos Removal Companies
The process of selecting the best asbestos removal companies started by finding reputable asbestos remediation services with wide service areas to cater to as many customers as possible. It was important that companies were transparent with their technician training, certification, and licensing. We looked for companies that could provide services to both residential and commercial customers. Accessible customer service was another important factor to consider, and we appreciated companies with a range of additional remediation services that could handle any other hazardous material in a home or business.
Before You Hire One of the Best Asbestos Removal Companies
Finding asbestos in a building doesn’t mean that it needs to be removed immediately. Undisturbed asbestos material in good condition (not crumbling or deteriorating) will not pose a risk because the fibers are not airborne. However, asbestos should be removed immediately if any remodeling is planned. Any physical action to move, shift, cut, or otherwise disturb the asbestos can release airborne fibers. Customers should avoid cutting into an asbestos wall, lifting asbestos tiles, shifting asbestos insulation, scraping away asbestos joint compounds, or working on asbestos roofing shingles.
Cost of Hiring One of the Best Asbestos Removal Companies
One of the factors to keep in mind when looking for an asbestos removal company is the cost. Asbestos removal is a dangerous job, and the costs associated with this task reflect the risk the technicians are taking. Depending on the size of the area, the type of material being removed, and the disposal fees, customers can expect to pay about $1,200 to $3,000, with an average cost of about $2,000.
The more asbestos material used in a home, the more the job will cost. Removing asbestos drywall from a 1,500-square-foot home could cost up to $20,000. This job would require removing and disposing all of the asbestos drywall and replacing it with new drywall. Encapsulation can be a more budget-friendly option, costing about 15 to 25 percent less than removal.
The Advantages of Using One of the Best Asbestos Removal Companies
There are a variety of jobs around the home that are considered dangerous but doable for experienced DIYers. However, the risk of airborne asbestos contamination is too great for DIYers to try to handle this job independently. Without the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), airborne asbestos fibers can enter the lungs. Exposure to airborne asbestos can lead to asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Hiring professionals with the right equipment and experience to complete this hazardous task is worth a customer’s long-term health and safety.
Asbestos removal contractors will set up a sealed containment area while they work to prevent exposure to the rest of the home. After the job is complete, the company cleans and tests the affected area, then provides a report on the work. This report can be used to prove that the asbestos was removed by a licensed company and serve as a record for future homeowners.
- Airborne asbestos poses a significant risk to individuals without the proper protection.
- Professionals have the knowledge and training to create a fully sealed work space.
- Most companies provide a completion report that can be used as proof of asbestos removal.
FAQs
Asbestos remediation isn’t a DIY task. Before hiring professionals to handle asbestos in a home or business, it’s recommended to find out more about what asbestos removal companies do, the cost involved, and some of the areas where asbestos is found. Consider the answers below to some of the most commonly asked questions about asbestos and asbestos removal.
Q. What do the best asbestos removal companies do?
When you hire one of the best asbestos removal companies, the trained technicians will work to set up a plan, clearly mark off the hazardous areas, and seal off a regulated work area from the rest of the home. The technicians will then start removing the material with specialized tools and loading it into sealed waste disposal bags.
During removal, technicians use a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) vacuum to reduce airborne fibers. After the work is complete, they will do a final cleaning to ensure all asbestos has been removed. Customers should also receive a report from the abatement contractor with the information about the job, including permits, site logs, and copies of licensing.
Q. How much do asbestos removal companies charge?
On average, customers can expect to pay about $2,000 for asbestos removal. However, this can increase or decrease depending on the size of the contaminated area, disposal fees, and the type of material. Popcorn ceilings, which may contain asbestos, could cost close to $3,000 to remove. Check with the customer support staff for a more detailed cost breakdown.
Q. Is it safe to attempt to remove asbestos on my own?
It is not safe for untrained individuals to attempt to remove asbestos.
Q. What are some things that asbestos is found in?
Asbestos was a commonly used product for many years, so a wide range of items can contain this hazardous material. Some examples include floor tiles, ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, shingles, siding, patching compounds, joint compounds, popcorn ceilings, and wall insulation.
Q. Why was asbestos used in construction?
Asbestos was an affordable material with fire-resistant insulating qualities, making it a great construction option. The risk of asbestos was not fully understood until it had been in use for a significant period, which is why it can still be found in homes today, despite most asbestos products being banned years ago.
Q. How do I prepare my home for asbestos removal?
It’s recommended to pre-clean the area with a HEPA filter–equipped vacuum. This helps remove any dust and debris from the area before the asbestos removal professionals get started. However, pre-cleaning is typically undertaken by the asbestos removal company, so if you don’t have the time or the vacuum to tackle this job, you can leave it to the pros. Make sure any items are moved out of the space, so the technicians don’t have to work around furniture or risk exposing your belongings to airborne asbestos.