PuroClean of Strafford County PuroClean of Strafford County | Serving Rochester, NH and Surrounding Communities
If your property has experienced water damage or any form of property damage in Rochester, New Hampshire, it’s important to know that homes built before the 1990s may come with hidden risks that can delay restoration—namely, asbestos. At PuroClean of Strafford County, we take a proactive and safety-first approach to all water mitigation jobs, especially when working with older properties that may have hazardous materials in building components like ceiling tiles, floor tiles, and drywall compound.
Rochester, NH Is One of the Fastest-Growing Cities in the State
Rochester has grown significantly over the past few decades—and it’s now one of the five largest cities in New Hampshire. With over 34,000 residents and a mix of both historic and newer homes, it’s a city where property maintenance, safety, and restoration matter more than ever.
If you own a home in Rochester, there’s a good chance it was built before 1990. In fact, data shows that roughly 83% of homes in Rochester were constructed before 1990—a statistic that carries major implications when it comes to water damage restoration or any kind of renovation.
Homes Built Before 1990 May Contain Hidden Hazards
Older homes often contain materials or building systems that are no longer considered safe by today’s standards. That’s why it’s critical to work with professionals like PuroClean of Strafford County who know what to look for before starting demolition or repair work.
If your home was built prior to 1990, here are a few hazards that might be present:
- Asbestos – Often found in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and joint compounds. If disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose serious health risks.
- Lead-based paint – Common in homes built before 1978. Dust from deteriorating paint can be toxic, especially to children and pets.
- Outdated plumbing – Older pipes are more prone to corrosion, leaks, and water pressure issues, which can lead to hidden or recurring water damage.
- Aging electrical systems – Older homes may still have knob-and-tube wiring or undersized panels, which could increase fire risk during renovation work.
During a recent project in Rochester, we were called in for water damage mitigation after a leak impacted multiple rooms in the home. Given the age of the property, we followed our standard safety protocol and submitted material samples for asbestos testing before beginning any demolition. The test, ordered through the homeowner’s insurance carrier, was a 400-point lab analysis—and it came back positive.
This is not uncommon in homes throughout Rochester and greater Strafford County. Rather than moving forward with demolition and risking exposure, we halted all work and immediately coordinated with a licensed asbestos abatement company to safely remove the affected materials.
Here’s what’s important to understand: PuroClean of Strafford County does not perform asbestos abatement. We are not licensed for it, but work with highly rated companies who are. However, we do know how to spot potential asbestos-containing materials, collect appropriate samples, and submit them to certified labs for testing. If test results confirm asbestos is present, we help by:
- Pausing all work to protect your health and property
- Connecting you with a licensed, third-party asbestos abatement contractor
- Working around their schedule so your mitigation project can resume promptly after clearance
- Coordinating with your insurance provider to ensure the claim continues moving forward with minimal disruption
Our role is to manage water damage restoration and make sure all safety protocols are followed throughout the process. Once the abatement company completes removal and a final clearance test confirms the area is safe, our PuroClean team returns to finish drying, cleaning, and restoring your home to pre-loss condition.
Why We Test Before Demolition in Older Homes
If your home was built prior to 1990, there’s a good chance asbestos-containing materials may be present. Ceiling tiles, vinyl floor tiles, joint compounds, and insulation are just a few examples of building materials that commonly contained asbestos in earlier construction.
When water damage occurs—whether from a burst pipe, leaking roof, or stormwater intrusion—these materials may become saturated and require removal. But removing them without knowing their composition can be dangerous. That’s why we collect samples before starting demolition or structural drying. These samples are submitted to a certified lab, and results usually return within 2–3 business days.
If the results are negative, we continue with standard water mitigation. If they’re positive, abatement must occur before we proceed.
What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?
If asbestos is present in the materials, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor must be hired. This is not optional—it’s the law. Attempting to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself is not only dangerous but also illegal in many states, including New Hampshire.
In the Rochester project mentioned above, our team worked directly with a trusted abatement company and scheduled the removal in coordination with the homeowner’s insurance company. After the abatement team completed their work and a clearance test verified the home was safe, our team returned to continue the mitigation and restoration process. This partnership between mitigation, abatement, and insurance is what makes PuroClean a reliable resource during complex restoration scenarios.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my home has asbestos?
Homes built before 1990 are more likely to have asbestos in building materials. The only way to confirm its presence is through lab testing.
How long does asbestos testing take?
Testing generally takes 2–3 business days once the samples have been submitted to a certified lab.
Who handles the asbestos removal?
Only licensed asbestos abatement companies are allowed to remove asbestos. PuroClean will refer you to a trusted company and coordinate the schedule on your behalf.
Can PuroClean continue work once asbestos is found?
We pause work during abatement, then resume as soon as clearance is granted.
Will insurance cover the cost?
Most insurance companies understand the need for testing and abatement. We work directly with your provider to ensure smooth processing of your claim.
Why Rochester, NH Homeowners Trust PuroClean
With a mix of older homes and historic neighborhoods, Rochester, New Hampshire is no stranger to aging infrastructure. Whether you’re dealing with water damage from a storm, plumbing issue, or roof leak, it’s critical to work with a restoration team that understands both mitigation best practices and the unique risks posed by older construction materials.
At PuroClean of Strafford County, we specialize in restoring homes safely and efficiently while keeping insurance claims on track. If we suspect asbestos, we act quickly—not just to protect your home, but to protect your family. We don’t cut corners, and we don’t put you at risk.
If you’re facing water damage in Rochester, New Hampshire, trust the professionals who know how to manage every step of the process—from testing and coordination to cleanup and restoration. Learn more about property damage restoration services offered in Rochester.
PuroClean of Strafford County 