WHAT IS PROFESSIONAL ASBESTOS ABATEMENT?

Asbestos abatement, otherwise called asbestos removal, is the process of removing asbestos that may otherwise be a risk. But asbestos cleanup is not that simple.

When disturbed, asbestos fibers create health risks when they travel through the air. Moving asbestos-containing material during the clean-up process without the right safety measures can be dangerous.

We handle the removal and disposal of asbestos following EPA standards to keep you and your loved ones safe. Our licensed technicians are professionally trained in the asbestos abatement process.

HOW CAN YOU KNOW IF YOU HAVE ASBESTOS?

The first thing you need to know is how to identify asbestos or know when asbestos is possible. There are at-home tests you can use to perform your own investigation. However, we highly recommend using the services of a reputable testing company. A professional testing company will understand both the asbestos testing process and safety requirements.

Types of materials that may contain asbestos:

• Building materials such as siding, ceiling tiles, flooring, insulation, plumbing, and roofing shingles, just to name a few.
• Manufactured goods including cement products, heat-resistant fabrics like gloves and iron board covers, coatings, and more.
• Home products like appliances manufactured before 1980, like boilers and furnaces, and talc products.

Many different types of materials contain asbestos, but confirming its presence requires lab testing.

Professional lab tests will include:

• Collecting samples from your property
• Performing an analysis of the samples
• Creating a detailed report of the results

If your tests confirm the presence of asbestos, the testing company may recommend how to get rid of asbestos found in the property samples. We recommend consulting a professional asbestos abatement company like Jenkins Environmental Services before attempting any asbestos cleanup on your own.

HOW DO I REMOVE ASBESTOS?

Removing asbestos can be a tricky job. Without using proper steps, you can accidentally release more fibers into the air. And, in some cases, the testing company may direct you not to remove the asbestos-containing materials at all.

It is always best to work with a professional before attempting any amount of asbestos abatement on your own.

Asbestos abatement procedures:

• The first step in abatement is to know how to safely remove asbestos. This starts with proper PPE (personal protective equipment) and other safety measures. Safety is critical to create a barrier between the worker and the dangerous material.
• Following proper work practices, asbestos workers will follow a detailed plan created for your specific types of asbestos. This plan will follow the testing results and recommendations.
• Asbestos needs to be properly disposed of as the last step in asbestos abatement. We work with specialized facilities to ensure the safety and compliance of all asbestos-containing material.

In summary, it is possible to safely remove asbestos from your property. However, removing asbestos should never be done without proper safety measures. In most cases, you should consult with a professional asbestos abatement company before attempting any removal on your own.

HOW LONG DOES THE ASBESTOS REMOVAL PROCESS TAKE?

The duration varies depending on the size of the area and the extent of asbestos present. We strive to complete the process efficiently without compromising on safety. 

What are the most common forms of asbestos in homes?

Before the late 20th century, it was common for asbestos to be used in building materials. We didn’t know at the time how dangerous asbestos exposure could be. What we did know about asbestos was the strength and heat resistance it provided in the building materials. This is why today you can find asbestos in many types of materials, including the following.

• Insulation: It was widely used in insulation products, including attic and wall insulation, especially in houses built between 1930 and 1950. Asbestos insulation removal has become a common request as it begins to deteriorate over many years.
• Floor and Ceiling Tiles: Asbestos was often used in vinyl floor tiles, the backing on vinyl sheet flooring, and adhesives used for installing flooring. It can also be found in ceiling tiles and the glue that holds them in place.
• Roofing and Siding Materials: Shingles and siding on older homes might contain asbestos.
• Pipe and Duct Insulation: Asbestos was commonly used in pipe insulation and ductwork, particularly in older heating systems.
• Textured Paints and Patching Compounds: Used on wall and ceiling joints, these materials may contain asbestos.
• Automotive Parts: Asbestos was used in brake pads, linings, clutch facings, and gaskets in older vehicles.

OUR TEAM CAN HELP YOU

If your property tests positive for asbestos and requires asbestos abatement, reach out to the Jenkins Environmental Services team! We provide professional asbestos removal services in San Antonio, TX, and the surrounding communities. Our team is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for you and your loved ones. Dedicated project managers can answer all your questions about the asbestos remediation process.

Contact us today!

When disaster strikes or traumatic events occur, it’s essential to restore affected areas to a safe and clean state. At Jenkins Environmental Services, we provide professional forensic cleaning services with skill, compassion, and a commitment to safety. Our certified technicians specialize in removing biohazards, hazardous waste, and hazardous fluids from any property while ensuring thorough restoration and odor removal.

Compassionate, Professional Cleanup Services

Whether dealing with a crime scene, hoarding situation, or hazardous fluid spill, our technicians are trained to approach each case with care and sensitivity. We work closely with families, businesses, and insurance teams to address challenging situations while providing efficient solutions tailored to your needs.

All of our team members undergo sensitivity training and certifications, including OSHA and HAZWOPER compliance, ensuring they handle each situation with empathy and professionalism.

OUR SPECIALIZED FORENSIC CLEANING SERVICES

Crime Scene Clean Up

In the aftermath of a crime or traumatic event, prompt and thorough cleaning is essential to eliminate biohazards such as blood and bodily fluids. Our crime scene clean-up services ensure that homes, commercial properties, or public spaces are restored to a safe and healthy condition.

Biohazard Removal

Exposure to biohazards, including blood, sewage spills, and other hazardous materials, poses significant health risks such as respiratory issues, chemical burns, or infections like E. coli or MRSA. Our biohazard removal services address situations like sewage cleanup, meth lab cleanup, tear gas contamination, and the presence of poisonous chemicals.

Hoarding Clean Up

A hoarding situation can quickly escalate, creating a hazardous environment filled with clutter, biohazardous fluids, sewage spills, and structural risks. Our hoarding clean-up services are designed to restore safety and order while addressing potential dangers, such as fire hazards or decomposition.

Decomposition Clean Up

When decomposition occurs, the affected area may contain hazardous fluids and lingering odors. Our decomposition clean-up services ensure all biohazards are properly removed, restoring the space to a safe and habitable state.

Drug Lab Cleanup

Properties contaminated by drug-related activities, such as meth labs, require specialized cleaning. Our team is trained to safely handle and remove hazardous waste, biohazards, and poisonous chemicals left behind. These hazardous substances can pose severe risks if not properly managed.

Sewage Spill Cleanup

Sewage spills can pose severe health risks and cause significant property damage. Our sewage clean-up services eliminate biohazardous materials and restore affected areas to safe and sanitary conditions. From minor sewage issues to large-scale contamination, we ensure thorough cleaning and restoration.

Tear Gas Contamination Cleaning

Tear gas contamination can leave behind hazardous chemicals and residues that require professional cleaning. Our team is equipped to safely handle and remediate areas affected by tear gas, ensuring they are safe for reentry. We address every trace of contamination to protect future occupants.

Why Choose Jenkins Environmental Services?

Jenkins Environmental Services stands out for our expertise, compassionate approach, and adherence to the highest safety standards. Here’s why we’re the trusted choice for forensic cleaning:

• Expertise: Our certified and highly trained technicians have extensive experience handling hazardous waste and biohazards.
• Compassion: Sensitivity training ensures empathetic and professional service for every client.
• Compliance: We strictly adhere to OSHA, HAZWOPER, and FEMA standards to guarantee safe and effective cleaning processes.
• Comprehensive Services: From blood cleanup to hazardous waste removal, we’re equipped to handle any forensic cleaning challenge with efficiency and care.

If you require environmental forensic cleaning services, trust Jenkins Environmental Services to provide efficient and compassionate solutions. Contact us today by filling out our contact form or calling 888-777-9742. Let us help restore your property and peace of mind.

Most people believe mold is dangerous, however, mold is not always our enemy. In fact, this naturally occurring organism breaks down other organic material so it can be used and absorbed elsewhere. Useful molds include those used in the production of certain cheeses, soy sauce, medications, and more.

It can also grow out of control, causing health issues such as allergic reactions and other health problems. This is why mold has gained such a bad reputation in our homes.

WHAT IS MOLD?

Mold is a general fungus that can be found both indoors and outdoors, almost anywhere. Ideal conditions for mold to grow and colonize are those with excess moisture and warm, damp environments where it easily multiplies.

It has spores that travel through the air, connecting to surfaces like drywall, flooring, and other materials. Once they establish themselves, the spores can proliferate quickly in high-humidity surroundings like basements, bathrooms, and crawl spaces.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), if you find mold, there is a potential health risk, and you should investigate further. Professional testing companies can take samples and determine whether or not the affected area requires mold cleanup.

Jenkins Environmental Services provides mold cleaning services to get rid of mold that is causing issues. We provide mold remediation services throughout the San Antonio area.

When does it become a problem?

Once mold has found an optimum environment with a food source, it can spread through your home or any structure. High amounts of mold can cause structural damage and health risks to those who inhabit or visit the affected space.

If you have high amounts of mold in your home, you may begin experiencing mold allergy symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some of the most common symptoms are stuffy nose, coughing and wheezing, and burning eyes.

WHAT CAUSES MOLD?

When mold spores travel through the air and settle under their ideal conditions, mold or mildew can proliferate quickly. Often going undiscovered, they can become a nuisance and health risk inside your home.

While mold is always present, it can begin growing very quickly when it lives in a high-moisture environment. If you experience an unexpected increase in water, such as from a leaky pipe, a mold issue can occur. The best way to prevent mold growth is to dry out any damp areas or places where water leaks have been detected.

What does mold need to grow?

While mold can live in cold temperatures, temperatures above 60 degrees provide optimum conditions for it to grow. It also requires moisture to grow. In some cases, even small amounts of moisture can provide an environment for mold growth.

Like any other organism, Mold spores need food to grow. This includes organic matter such as fibers and dead skin cells. Plants can be susceptible to mold problems because of the organic matter found in potting soil. If you notice any moldy areas around your plants, consider changing out the soil and ensure proper drainage.

YOU CAN CONTROL MOLD GROWTH IN A HOUSE BY:

• Reducing humidity levels, dehumidifiers can help in rooms with moisture problems
• Sealing leaky roofs, windows, and pipes
• Sanitizing, cleaning, and drying after water flooding
• Ventilating shower, laundry, and cooking areas

Prevent poor ventilation by performing routine checks on your air conditioners and HVAC system. If you notice a musty odor in one of your rooms, it can be an indicator of poor ventilation.

HOW TO SPOT MOLD?

Identifying mold starts with knowing where to find it. Earlier we learned that mold can be found in cold temperatures, though it is not as common. One of the most common cold areas where you may discover hidden mold is in the vicinity of your refrigerator. You may notice mildew growth on food leftovers once they have been sitting for a while.

However, mold is most often found in the following places and building materials:

• Wallpaper and drywall. Moisture can hide behind both: open windows and use bathroom exhaust fans to reduce high humidity and bathroom mildew.
• Ductwork and ceiling tiles. These dark areas can accumulate mold behind the scenes. Staining on your ceiling tiles can be a sign that a mold-producing water leak may have occurred.
• Carpet, drapes, and furniture. If you have a moisture problem, one of the first signs may be a musty smell in the fabrics around the room. Thoroughly drying any wet carpet, fabrics, and furniture is the first step to preventing further issues. Shower curtains are a common fabric to find mold and mildew growth when not cleaned often.
• Attics, basements, and crawlspaces. These areas can become mold-infested before you know it without regular checks and maintenance.
• Books and magazines (anything made of paper or organic material)

Mold can snowball on most porous surfaces where there is damp and stagnant air. The dangers of mold include the potential for structural damage to your home. The breakdown of materials causes rot, staining, and even collapse. This means undetected mold left untreated can also lower the value of your home.

I FOUND MOLD, NOW WHAT?

For small amounts of mold, there are many household cleaning products able to remove the mold. These cleaners are effective for treating early growth signs. Follow product directions and only use as directed.

When large amounts are present, cleaning mold in your home can pose a danger. Before getting started, you may need a professional mold inspection to properly identify the types of mold present. Inspectors will collect air samples to determine the level of spores present in each area of your home. High levels of mold spores will require remediation to bring the air quality back to a safe level.

If you discover mold, reach out to Jenkins Environmental Services for mold services in San Antonio, TX.
Jenkins Environmental mold removal specialists are certified and trained in all industry-standard mold removal procedures and technology for removing and preventing further mold growth. You can trust that we will address your concerns using the industry’s best practices.