Rochester, NH Is One of the Fastest-Growing Cities in the State<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Rochester has grown significantly over the past few decades\u2014and it\u2019s now one of the five largest cities in New Hampshire<\/strong>. With over 34,000 residents and a mix of both historic and newer homes, it\u2019s a city where property maintenance, safety, and restoration matter more than ever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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<\/strong>\u2014a statistic that carries major implications when it comes to water damage restoration or any kind of renovation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Older homes often contain materials or building systems that are no longer considered safe by today\u2019s standards. That\u2019s why it\u2019s critical to work with professionals like PuroClean of Strafford County who know what to look for before starting demolition or repair work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your home was built prior to 1990, here are a few hazards that might be present:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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\u2019s insurance carrier, was a 400-point lab analysis\u2014and it came back positive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s what\u2019s important to understand: PuroClean of Strafford County does not perform <\/strong>asbestos abatement<\/strong>.<\/a> 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:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Why We Test Before Demolition in Older Homes<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If your home was built prior to 1990, there\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When water damage occurs\u2014whether from a burst pipe, leaking roof, or stormwater intrusion\u2014these materials may become saturated and require removal. But removing them without knowing their composition can be dangerous. That\u2019s why we collect samples before starting demolition or structural drying. These samples are submitted to a certified lab, and results usually return within 2\u20133 business days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If the results are negative, we continue with standard water mitigation. If they\u2019re positive, abatement must occur before we proceed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n If asbestos is present in the materials, a licensed asbestos abatement contractor must be hired. This is not optional\u2014it\u2019s the law. Attempting to remove asbestos-containing materials yourself is not only dangerous but also illegal in many states, including New Hampshire.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the Rochester project mentioned above, our team worked directly with a trusted abatement company and scheduled the removal in coordination with the homeowner\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Frequently Asked Questions<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n How do I know if my home has asbestos?<\/strong> How long does asbestos testing take?<\/strong> Who handles the asbestos removal?<\/strong> Can PuroClean continue work once asbestos is found?<\/strong> Will insurance cover the cost?<\/strong> Why Rochester, NH Homeowners Trust PuroClean<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n With a mix of older homes and historic neighborhoods, Rochester, New Hampshire<\/strong> is no stranger to aging infrastructure. Whether you’re dealing with water damage from a storm, plumbing issue, or roof leak, it\u2019s critical to work with a restoration team that understands both mitigation best practices and the unique risks posed by older construction materials<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n 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\u2014not just to protect your home, but to protect your family. We don\u2019t cut corners, and we don\u2019t put you at risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re facing water damage in Rochester, New Hampshire, trust the professionals who know how to manage every step of the process\u2014from testing and coordination to cleanup and restoration. Learn more about property damage restoration services offered in Rochester.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nHomes Built Before 1990 May Contain Hidden Hazards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"Rochester](\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/strafford-nh-puroclean-strafford-county-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1035\/2025\/03\/Rochester-NH_Water-Damage-Remediation_PuroClean-of-Strafford-County.jpg\")
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Homes built before 1990 are more likely to have asbestos in building materials. The only way to confirm its presence is through lab testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Testing generally takes 2\u20133 business days once the samples have been submitted to a certified lab.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
We pause work during abatement, then resume as soon as clearance is granted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Most insurance companies understand the need for testing and abatement. We work directly with your provider to ensure smooth processing of your claim.<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"PuroClean](\"https:\/\/www.puroclean.com\/strafford-nh-puroclean-strafford-county-new\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1035\/2025\/03\/PuroClean-in-NH-Inspection-ServicesWATER-FIRE-MOLD-BIO-1024x1024.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nFor professional fire, water, and mold restoration services, contact PuroClean at (603) 664-3727<\/a>. We specialize in emergency situations in New Hampshire and Southern Maine. We are proud to be IICRC-certified company(Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification)<\/a> and invest in continuous learning and development for our team so we are able to better serve you in your fire damage, water loss, sewer backflows, and mold contamination with an enhanced level of competency. The quality of the remediation services we provide makes PuroClean your ideal property damage restoration company. Give us a call today (603) 664-3727<\/a>.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n