July 2013

With the recent flooding in our city taking a toll on several homes, the issue of asbestos is getting more attention. We dug up a really great resource from CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), that answered some common questions about asbestos.

What is asbestos?

It is a natural mineral that is strong enough to resist high temperatures, chemical attack and wear. It insulates well against heat and electrcity. Asbestos, although formerly used in many products, can cause serious health problems.

What are the health risks of asbestos?

The health risks associated with asbestos are only there when fibres are in the air when people breathe. The fibres lodge into the lungs, and can lead to severely impaired lung function, and even cancers

When crisis hits, we'll take help from just about anywhere. But in the wake of the recent floods in our city, City of Calgary officials are urging Calgarians to take caution when hiring tradespeople to help rebuild homes. Reports of several unaccredited tradespeople doing work on destroyed homes, has already been reported. Be sure what to look for, or more damage could be done.

• Check references
• Ensure the contractor has liability insurance
• Ensure the contractor has Workers' Compensation
• Check if they have a warranty
• Get everything written in a contract to protect yourself

Some other tips to protect yourself:

• Don't accept door-to-door deals from contractors
• Check if they are RenoMark or BBB certified