Building Renovation or Demolition
Are you renovating or planning on knocking down a building in Philadelphia? Make sure that you are prepared to submit an Asbestos Inspection Report (A.I.R.) to the city in order to pull your demolition/renovation permit.
Many developers, especially those new to the Philadelphia area, are blindsided when their renovation/demolition gets put on hold because of missing inspections that they didn’t know they needed.
Do you need an A.I.R.?
If the property you are renovating was built prior to 1980 or if the project proposes alterations where the cost exceeds $50,000, then yes, you need an asbestos building inspection and an asbestos inspection report.
In the City of Philadelphia, only a licensed City of Philadelphia Asbestos Investigator can perform the inspection and prepare the report.
Synertech can help!
With over 10+ City of Philadelphia Asbestos Investigators, you’re just one call away from scheduling an inspection and receiving your A.I.R. so that you can move to the next step in your planning, and most of all, be in compliance.
For additional help, call our office to speak with someone who can guide you through the process.
Philadelphia Landlords
If you are a landlord in Philadelphia you may have already heard about the Lead Safe Rental Disclosure and Certificate Law that became effective in December of 2012.
In October of 2020 the Guidance was updated to now include ALL residential rental properties built prior to 1978.
What does this mean for you?
If you own a rental property in the City of Philadelphia built prior to 1978, you will now be required to have a lead paint inspection performed on each property and unit in order to renew your rental license.
Synertech can help!
With over 10+ EPA lead dust technicians certified to perform Lead Safe Inspections on your property, you’re just one call away from obtaining the certification you need to be in compliance.
For additional help, call our office to speak with someone who can guide you through the process.
Do You Have Popcorn Ceilings?
Are you ready to revamp your home or work space and notice that the ceilings have that old outdated “popcorn” look?
Fact: Popcorn ceilings can potentially contain asbestos.
The textured ceiling material grew its popularity in the construction industry in the early 1940’s. The typically sprayed-on material was applied to ceilings in both residential and commercial properties to provide a fire resistant, acoustic insulation and cosmetic coverup to surfaces all while being relatively cheap and durable.
Although asbestos was banned by the EPA from being used in ceiling coatings in the early 1970’s, products previously manufactured and distributed were still being used in construction throughout the 1990’s.
Synertech can help!
Before you renovate, schedule an asbestos building inspector to come out and sample the suspect material. With laboratory analysis we can eliminate your concerns so that you can get back to focusing on your renovation project design!
Mold & Moisture Intrusion
If you had a leak, or any moisture intrusion issues, you are at risk of developing mold inside your property. Many common building materials, such as ceiling tile, wallboard, wallpaper, carpet, wood, and soiled fiberglass insulation contain sufficient organic materials to support fungal growth (mold) when they become wet or retain moisture. Fungal growth can even appear on non-organic materials, like glass or metal, if organic matter (dust, bio-film, etc.) is present on surfaces.
Musty odor in your property? Dampness?
As fungi are ubiquitous in the ambient environment, it is important to recognize that everyone is continuously exposed to fungi at varying concentrations. Certain amounts are inhaled by humans, whether indoors or outdoors. Most fungi are generally innocuous, not posing a health threat to healthy individuals; however, fungal species can be considered allergenic and may produce allergenic responses as well as other health problems in susceptible persons. Fungi can also be destructive to the substrate upon which they are growing, especially cellulose products like paper, books and drywall boards.
Synertech can help!
Before you start ripping your walls and floors apart, contact us to perform an inspection in the areas of concern. To learn more about mold and it’s effects, refer to the EPA’s Brief Guide to Mold & Moisture in your home. If you decide that you might have a problem, give us a call to discuss inspection and sampling options.