How long does it take for asbestos to harm you?

• <div><p>According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from <b>10 to 40 years</b> for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:</p><ul><li><p>Amount of exposure</p></li><li><p>Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers</p></li><li><p>Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos</p></li><li><p>Genetic factors </p></li><li><p>Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)</p></li></ul><p></p></div>

Get matched with top asbestos removal specialists in Reading, VT

Q: Are asbestos removal contractors required to have any certifications?

• <div><p>Currently, there is no federal licensing mandate for asbestos removal contractors. However, certain cities and states require certification and specialized training. For example, in New York, those handling asbestos must receive an Asbestos Handler Certification. The mandates dictating the necessary training or certifications vary based on state and local laws.</p></div>

Q: What is asbestos encapsulation?

• <div><p>Asbestos encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos abatement or removal. Suppose you have hired an asbestos testing service and they recommend encapsulation. In that case, they will cover the asbestos with a protective barrier or put it in a sealed enclosure so the fibers cannot escape. Encapsulation usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.</p></div>

Q: Can you seal asbestos with paint?

• <div><p>You are not really supposed to seal asbestos with paint, but in theory it could work&mdash;the caveat being that this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The only real way to seal asbestos is with the professional application of an encapsulating material like epoxy. Due to the negative effect asbestos can have on your home, however, it is usually the best course of action to accept a costly fix and remove the material entirely.</p></div>

Q: Are there safety concerns with older popcorn ceilings that contain asbestos?

• <div><p>Older textures may contain asbestos, requiring careful handling and professional inspection before work begins to ensure safety compliance.</p></div>

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Verified Reviews for Asbestos Abatement pros in Reading, VT

*The Angi rating for Asbestos Abatement companies in Reading, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asbestos Abatement needs.

*The HomeAdvisor rating for Asbestos Abatement companies in Reading, VT is a rating based on verified reviews from our community of homeowners who have used these pros to meet their Asbestos Abatement needs.

Last update on January 15, 2026

Reviewed in September 2023
I have a positive overall satisfaction with his service, and the experience was top notch. He worked for me for an entire year renovating a mountain house; he did the extensive work, from tree removal and installing frost trim around the house to installing the new driveway and relocating rocks...
Schulz Firewood, LLC
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Reviewed in August 2023
Stephen and his crew have been taking care of our property for the last 12 years. His team is professional and prompt and always willing to adjust to our needs. In addition to weekly service they have helped us with several landscaping projects, from building a blue stone patio for our fire pit...
Post Road Landscape Inc.
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Reviewed in July 2019
The setting up and removal of the floor with asbestos was very good. The final cleanup was only good. The workers were friendly and efficient .The price was very reasonable.I would use them again.
Alberca Construction Company, LLC
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Reviewed in May 2019
Our tub to shower conversion work was done on May 8, 2019 by two installers who worked non-stop and provided an excellent new shower as planned by Salesman. They were very professional during their work by putting floor covers down and were very careful removing old tub material to not damage...
Luxury Bath NJPA, LLC
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Reviewed in September 2018
It went really well. Kevin and his crew carefully removed all of the slate shingles from the roof and kept them in neat bundles on the ground until they could take them away. The roof was not easy with four gable ends and steep pitches. They were very responsive - a strong wind loosened some of...
KJL Roofing
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Reviewed in May 2018
At the time the service was done, I was incredibly pleased. They were responsive, polite, professional. Removal and clean up of the old system was amazing. I was even given a 10 year warranty on their system parts and compressor. Warranty, to me, means it’s not going to break and if it does, the...
Annison-Bitter Heating & Air
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Reviewed in July 2017
Replaced board but I am not sure that it was the actual fix. Perhaps a cold weather pack was what was really needed. I was irritated that I was charged twice for the board replacement. However, calling the company to question the additional charge resulted in a removal of the charge. Timeliness...
RICHARD ELECTRIC INC
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Reviewed in September 2016
Gene and Jennifer arrived at the agreed time. They covered Everything with plastic sheeting, removed (and replaced) all our deck furniture before they began working on cleaning the roof. The cleaning process took about 1.5 hours. They were through and the roof looked good when completed. I...
Renew Roof & Exterior Cleaning LLC
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Reviewed in February 2016
Dick, the owner, performed a site review and a review of the plans with me a few weeks prior to performing the work. He asked thoughtful questions about the plan, the trees to be removed, the location and course for an access road. When the time came for the work, he arrived with a crew, all...
SCHULZ EXCAVATION INC
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Find Asbestos removal specialists in Reading

SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

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SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties

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59 years of experience

As a trusted leader in the restoration industry, SERVPRO of Windham & Windsor Counties provides 24-hour emergency service and is dedicated to being faster to any size disaster. We can respond immediately to your emergency and have the expertise to handle your restoration or cleaning needs.

AMH Inspections

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AMH Inspections

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12 years of experience

We are a family owned and operated small business. We strive for highest work quality and customer satisfaction.

Asbestos Removal questions, answered by experts

Currently, there is no federal licensing mandate for asbestos removal contractors. However, certain cities and states require certification and specialized training. For example, in New York, those handling asbestos must receive an Asbestos Handler Certification. The mandates dictating the necessary training or certifications vary based on state and local laws.

According to the National Cancer Institute, asbestos-related diseases can take anywhere from 10 to 40 years for symptoms to appear. The health risks increase with prolonged and heavier exposure. Risk factors also include:

Amount of exposure
Chemical makeup, size, and shape of the asbestos fibers
Length of time a person is exposed to asbestos
Genetic factors
Source of exposure (direct exposure or secondhand exposure from someone directly exposed)

Asbestos encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos abatement or removal. Suppose you have hired an asbestos testing service and they recommend encapsulation. In that case, they will cover the asbestos with a protective barrier or put it in a sealed enclosure so the fibers cannot escape. Encapsulation usually costs between $2 and $6 per square foot.

You are not really supposed to seal asbestos with paint, but in theory it could work—the caveat being that this is extremely dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. The only real way to seal asbestos is with the professional application of an encapsulating material like epoxy. Due to the negative effect asbestos can have on your home, however, it is usually the best course of action to accept a costly fix and remove the material entirely.

Older textures may contain asbestos, requiring careful handling and professional inspection before work begins to ensure safety compliance.

The Reading, VT homeowners’ guide to asbestos removal services

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

See all articles

Angi
•
Dec 20, 2025Dec 20, 2025
How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost? [2026 Data]
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How Much Does It Cost to Remove Asbestos Siding? [2026 Data]
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How Do I Clean My House After Asbestos Exposure?
Cleaning your house after asbestos exposure can be risky. In most cases, you should hire a pro. Learn why dealing with this mineral is so dangerous.
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How to Cover Asbestos Tile on Floors Safely
If you need to cover asbestos tiles, you must do it safely. Learn why hiring a professional to carry out both inspection and work is the only recommended option.
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•
Mar 11, 2025Mar 11, 2025
5 Questions to Ask About Asbestos Testing
Planning to renovate an older home? You may need to test it for asbestos first. If so, a pro will likely ask these asbestos questions before testing your house.