Testing Ceiling Materials for Asbestos before Beginning Demolition or Renovation Projects

Many building renovation and repurposing projects involve changes to ceiling materials. This may include removing popcorn ceilings, taking down ceiling tiles, and other actions that involve disturbing existing building materials.

There are some important safety issues to address before a property owner or construction company begins a renovation project involving ceiling materials. One that should not be overlooked in residential, commercial, and institutional buildings constructed or previously renovated between the 1920s and 1980s is the possible presence of asbestos.

In fact, according to the New York City Department of Buildings:
A project may involve the removal or disturbance of Asbestos Containing Material (ACM). Pre-1987 buildings may have plumbing piping and equipment insulated with asbestos, or may contain walls, floors, ceiling tiles, roofing, etc. made with an ACM. These buildings, prior to permit, an asbestos assessment is required to determine whether the site is asbestos–free, has a minimally acceptable amount of ACM to not be an Asbestos Project, or requires asbestos abatement per NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) rules and regulations.

“The only way to know for sure if a ceiling tile or other suspect material contains asbestos is to have it tested,” said Frank Selamie, President of CTSI. “If it comes back positive, it has to be handled properly to avoid putting workers and building occupants at risk, and to avoid facing costly noncompliance penalties. At CTSI, we have performed thousands of asbestos related projects across the country in over 100 million square feet of space. Our professionals comply with all state and local rules and regulations to protect workers and building occupants.”

To learn more about asbestos or other industrial hygiene, indoor air quality, environmental, health, and safety services, please visit www.ctsiweb.com, email contactus@ctsiweb.com , or call (212) 971-7016.

About CTSI
Established in 1992, Consulting & Testing Services, Inc. (CTSI) was founded on one strong commitment: to provide efficient and expert services to clients based on professionalism, innovation, and cost-effective expert solutions. This commitment has been furthered with CTSI’s reputation in fostering client relationships in all sectors of the Environmental, Health, Safety, and Construction industries. CTSI prides itself in utilizing a high quality service based on its diverse team of staff and professionals’ concise recommendations and solutions to the most pressing dilemmas. The company operates offices in New York and Florida that service clients across the United States.

Contact Information

Paul Cochrane

President

Cochrane & Associates, LLC

Contact via E-mail