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Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — almost every jurisdiction requires a demolition permit before tearing down any structure, regardless of size. This includes full building teardowns and selective demolition (such as interior or partial demolition). Permits ensure compliance with public safety regulations, utility disconnections, environmental protection (like asbestos or lead abatement), and waste disposal laws.

At APEX Environmental Solutions, we take care of the entire permitting process for you .That includes:

  • Filing permit applications
  • Coordinating with city or county building departments
  • Scheduling required inspections
  • Verifying utility shutdowns (gas, water, electric, sewer)
  • Providing necessary environmental clearance documents

Whether you’re in Shreveport, Bossier City, Texarkana, or anywhere in the Gulf South, we know the permitting rules and fast-track the process so your project isn’t delayed. Avoiding or mishandling permits can lead to major fines, stop-work orders, or liability issues — let APEX ensure your demolition project is done right, start to finish.

Yes — if done improperly, pressure washing can etch concrete, strip paint, crack vinyl siding, or damage shingles. The key to safe, effective pressure washing is matching the water pressure, nozzle type, and cleaning technique to the surface being cleaned. That’s why it’s critical to hire experienced professionals like APEX.

We use commercial-grade pressure washers with adjustable PSI and offer soft washing for delicate materials like roofing, stucco, and wood siding. We also use biodegradable, non-toxic detergents that safely break down grease, mold, and dirt without harming landscaping or nearby surfaces. Our team is trained to clean thoroughly without causing surface damage, and we can provide before-and-after documentation for property managers or HOAs.

OSHA requires that any worker who may disturb asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during their job must undergo certified training. This includes general construction workers, maintenance personnel, custodians, and abatement crews. The required training depends on the level of exposure risk and the nature of the work:

  • 2-hour awareness training for employees who may work near but not disturb ACMs
  • 16-hour operations and maintenance (O&M) training for maintenance workers who may disturb ACMs
  • 32- to 40-hour abatement worker or supervisor training for those performing asbestos removal

APEX offers EPA- and OSHA-compliant asbestos training courses for individuals and companies across Louisiana and the Gulf South. We also provide annual refresher courses to maintain certifications. This training protects both your workers and your business by ensuring legal compliance and workplace safety.

Mold remediation typically takes 2 to 7 days, depending on the size of the contaminated area, the type of materials affected, and how deep the damage goes. Smaller residential projects may be completed in a couple of days, while large commercial or multi-unit properties may take a week or more, especially if drying and structural repairs are required.

APEX works quickly and carefully to contain the mold, remove damaged materials, treat surfaces, dry the environment, and test for clearance. We also provide detailed reports and documentation for insurance claims, property managers, or regulatory agencies. Our goal is not just to remove the mold, but to make sure it doesn’t return — that’s why we also fix the source of the moisture causing the problem.

An indoor air quality (IAQ) inspection tests for a variety of pollutants that can affect your health, productivity, and comfort. Common issues include:

  • Mold spores and microbial growth
  • Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide levels
  • Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from paint, furnishings, and cleaners
  • Formaldehyde and chemical off-gassing
  • Dust, dander, pollen, and fine particulates (PM2.5)
  • Poor ventilation or HVAC performance

APEX Environmental Solutions uses advanced tools like air sampling pumps, particle counters, and humidity meters to pinpoint what’s affecting your air — and your health. Whether you’re in a home, office, school, or healthcare facility, our IAQ assessments identify the root cause of headaches, respiratory issues, and other symptoms linked to poor air quality. We then give you a clear action plan to correct the problem safely and effectively.

The frequency of sweeping depends on your property type, usage level, and local environmental regulations. High-traffic commercial lots or busy city streets often need weekly or biweekly sweeping. Residential communities, HOAs, or school campuses may only require monthly service, while construction sites may need daily sweeping to comply with SWPPP(Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plans).

Regular sweeping prevents stormwater pollution, protects pavement from wear and tear, reduces slip-and-fall hazards, and maintains a clean, professional appearance. At APEX, we create custom sweeping schedules based on your location, debris level, and operating hours. We also offer documentation for environmental compliance and inspections. If you’re unsure, we can conduct a site evaluation and recommend the right plan for your needs.

Encapsulation means applying a sealant to asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. It’s often used when the material is still in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed. Removal, on the other hand, involves the complete extraction of the ACMs from the structure.

While encapsulation is sometimes more cost-effective upfront, it does require long-term monitoring, and it doesn’t eliminate future risks or liabilities — especially during future renovations or sales. APEX will help you weigh the pros and cons of each approach based on material condition, location, building usage, and regulatory requirements. Our certified consultants provide expert guidance so you can make an informed and legally sound decision.

Yes — even intact lead-based paint can pose a health risk, especially in homes with children, pregnant women, or frequent renovation activity. The danger increases significantly when the paint is chipping, cracking, or disturbed by sanding, drilling, or impact. Lead dust is nearly invisible and can accumulate in windowsills, floors, and air ducts — and it only takes a small amount to cause lead poisoning.

That’s why APEX offers both lead inspections and lead risk assessments. We use XRF analyzers and dust wipe sampling to determine not just the presence of lead paint, but the actual exposure risk to occupants. If you’re planning renovations, renting out a unit, or managing a public facility like a daycare or school, federal law may require lead-safe certification or abatement planning. We help you stay compliant and protect those inside your property.

You might be able to clean small surface-level mold on hard, non-porous surfaces (like tile or metal) yourself — but professional remediation is strongly recommended for anything beyond that. Mold often hides behind walls, under flooring, in HVAC systems, or inside insulation. What looks like a small patch may actually be part of a much larger contamination problem caused by hidden moisture or poor ventilation.

At APEX, we don’t just remove visible mold — we identify the source of the moisture, contain the affected area to prevent spore spread, and safely remove or treat contaminated materials. We also perform clearance testing to ensure your space is safe to occupy again. DIY mold removal can often make things worse by releasing spores into the air or spreading contamination to other parts of the building. For health, insurance, and peace of mind, hiring professionals is the smartest and safest route.

Yes — an asbestos inspection is required before any renovation or demolition in structures built before the 1980s, and in many jurisdictions, even newer buildings must be cleared prior to disturbance. This is not just a safety recommendation — it’s a legal requirement enforced by federal and state agencies including OSHA, the EPA, and local environmental departments. The goal is to identify any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that, if disturbed, could release hazardous fibers into the air.

At APEX Environmental Solutions, we perform comprehensive asbestos inspections using certified inspectors and laboratory testing. Our reports outline exactly where asbestos is found, the condition it’s in, and the safest course of action — whether that’s removal, encapsulation, or management in place. If you skip this step, your project could face major delays, legal fines, and health liabilities. We make sure you’re protected from all three.

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