Repair involves either sealing or covering asbestos material. Pipe, furnace, and boiler insulation can be repaired this way. Only a professional trained to handle asbestos safely should undertake these repairs. With any type of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than removal, but it may make later removal of asbestos, if necessary, more difficult and costly.
Repairs can either be major or minor.
If you decide on removal, be sure to get written assurance from the contractor that he or she has followed all local asbestos removal and disposal laws. Homeowners should also ask for a disposal manifest prior to paying the final bill to verify that the material will be disposed of in a landfill licensed to receive asbestos. In the Watertown House 's basement, duct work was wrapped in plastic and relieved of its hazardous asbestos insulation. Only contractors licensed by the state to perform asbestos abatement activities should undertake its repair and removal. As when hiring any contractor , ask for references and a list of similar projects that the contractor has recently completed.