Options for Dealing with Asbestos in Your Home

If you have recently discovered asbestos in your property, you may be unsure of your options. Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious respiratory disease. The good news is that asbestos is only dangerous if it is damaged or crumbling, exposing the asbestos fibre. This means you have a number of options for dealing with the asbestos in your property. Below is a guide to steps you can take to manage asbestos found in your property.

Asbestos Removal

If you have discovered asbestos in your home, one way of dealing with potential health issues is to have it removed. While it is possible to carry out a DIY asbestos removal, it is generally best to employ a professional asbestos removal company to complete the work, as improper removal could lead to asbestos fibres being released into your home. If you do decide to remove the asbestos yourself, you should ensure you take safety precautions to protect yourself from harm. This means wearing protective mask and gloves and ensuring that the area is properly ventilated. You should also take note of any local laws about the removal, transportation and disposal of asbestos.

Asbestos Encapsulation

Encapsulation involves applying a thick liquid to the asbestos material using a low pressure sprayer. There are two forms of encapsulation:

• Bridging encapsulation is used to create a protective layer on the top of the asbestos material.
• Penetrative encapsulation soaks into the asbestos material and then hardens, bonding the fibres together. 

This liquid prevents asbestos fibres from being released into the atmosphere of your home, even if the material is moved or damaged.  However, the asbestos-containing material must be in a good condition for encapsulation to work and any loose material must be removed before the liquid is applied. If the asbestos material is located in a moist area of your home, encapsulation is not a suitable approach, as moisture can prevent the liquid from adhering to the asbestos material, which can allow fibres to escape.

Asbestos Enclosure

As the name suggests, enclosure involves building an airtight physical barrier around the asbestos material. This barrier could be a drywall box or a pipe which will trap any fibres and prevent them from entering your home. If you have discovered asbestos material in the soil around your property, enclosure will involve adding a layer of concrete over the affected area.

If you have suspect you have discovered asbestos in your home, you should contact a professional asbestos removal company, who will be able to aid you in identifying and containing or removing the material. 

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