Asbestos was commonly used in homes and commercial buildings built before the 1980s. It may be present in insulation, joint compound, floor tiles, vinyl tiles and the black adhesive known as mastic,  popcorn ceilings, pipe wrap, siding, roofing materials and boilers, among other places. At New England Surface Maintenance, we specialize in the safe, certified removal of asbestos materials. Our process is fully compliant with Massachusetts DEP regulations, along with OSHA and EPA protocols, ensuring your space is left safe.

Asbestos is the name for a group of naturally occurring minerals separated into microscopic fibers. These fibers are durable and highly resistant to high temperatures, making them an effective insulation tool. Asbestos is most dangerous when it is deteriorating or is friable - meaning it could be crushed by hand pressure. When materials containing asbestos are damaged or friable, fibers can become airborne and inhaled. These fibers can cause serious health conditions including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If asbestos materials are deteriorating or are subject to being disturbed in your home or building, it is recommended to address the issue.

Project timelines depend on the size of the area, the type of material, and the scope of work. Most residential projects can be completed within a few days. Our team follows a controlled process that includes containment, safe removal, proper disposal, and final clearance Identification to ensure the space is safe to reoccupy.

Many residential asbestos abatement projects take one to two days, depending on the scope of work. Larger projects may take longer. The process includes containment setup, safe removal, proper disposal and air clearance Identification post-abatement. At New England Surface Maintenance, we are fully staffed, licensed and insured to handle all needs ranging from homes to schools, hospitals, commercial and municipal buildings and more. 

The typical abatement process contains a multi-step approach to address asbestos removal needs, including:

• Site Containment: The area is sealed air-tight with polyethylene sheeting, critical barriers such as windows, doors and vents are covered, and negative air machines equipped with HEPA filters are deployed to establish negative pressure.
• Surface Preparation: Furniture, fixtures and other items within our designated work area are covered or moved.
• Cleaning and Removal: All materials are wiped and wetted thoroughly, followed by our removal process. Materials are removed using hand tools or equipment depending on the size and scope of work.
• Final Clean-up: HEPA vacuums are used to clean, remove and minimize dust and other debris.
• Waste Disposal: All materials are sealed, labeled, and transported to certified asbestos disposal facilities along with the appropriate shipping manifest documents.
• Air Clearance Identification and break-down: An independent industrial hygienist performs an air clearance test in order to verify all materials have been removed in accordance with regulations. Once it is confirmed that we have performed all work appropriately, we break-down our containment and share our letter of completion confirming the work we finished. We do our best to leave your property in the same condition we found it.