Replies

1. 
   Greg_B_ | May 15, 1999 02:09am | #1

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   I'm going to install a whole-house fan and I'm concerned about cutting through a textured ceiling and the possible asbestos risk. I haven't had the ceiling tested to see what amount of asbestos, if any, that it contains. The house was built in 1954 and I believe the textured ceiling was probably done in the 70's. So, assuming that it does have some asbestos content, how can I minimize my risk of spreading it around? I was thinking of marking out the section to be cut and then spraying the cut line with water to soften the textured part. Then, I could scrape the wet "goo" off before cutting, rather than cut through dry asbestos and have it flake off. Does that sound like a good idea? Any other suggestions? No matter how I do it, the level of free asbestos is probably low, but I'd like to take any reasonably easy precautions.

2. 
   Guest_ | May 15, 1999 02:09am | #2

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   Greg,
   First isolate the area you are working in by taping it off with plastic ( floors and walls ) then cut it out the usual way making sure you use an appropriate mask and disposable overalls. Vacumm the whole area before taking down the plastic ( make sure the vacumm cleaner has a particle filter installed ).