Do You Need To Remove Asbestos In Devon?

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials due to its strength and heat-resistant properties. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibres can cause serious health complications when inhaled, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

In the past, asbestos was used extensively in construction, particularly during the mid-20th century. As a result, many buildings in Devon and throughout the UK may contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). If you are a property owner or manager, it is important to know the risks associated with asbestos and when it may be necessary to remove it.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a professional asbestos removal company in Devon that can help you manage asbestos in your property. In this landing page, we will discuss the dangers of asbestos, the types of products that may contain asbestos, and when it may be necessary to remove it.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in building materials such as insulation, roofing, and fireproofing. Asbestos fibres are very fine and can be released into the air when these materials are disturbed or damaged. If inhaled, the fibres can become trapped in the lungs and cause long-term health complications.

Breathing in asbestos can cause various health conditions such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. These diseases can take years to develop and often have no immediate symptoms. As a result, it is recommended to have your property regularly inspected for asbestos-containing materials.

Types of Asbestos

There are several different types of asbestos, including:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos)
• Amosite (brown asbestos)
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
• Tremolite
• Actinolite
• Anthophyllite

Chrysotile is the most commonly used form of asbestos and was often used in building materials such as cement sheets and roof tiles. Amosite and crocidolite were commonly used in insulation and fireproofing materials.

Asbestos-Containing Products

Asbestos was used extensively in construction materials in the UK until the late 1990s. It is estimated that over 50% of commercial and residential buildings constructed before 1985 contain asbestos-containing materials.

Asbestos-containing materials can be found in a variety of products, including:

• Insulation
• Roofing
• Flooring
• Ceiling tiles
• Cement sheets
• Pipe insulation
• Fireproofing materials
• Textured coatings (e.g. Artex)

It is important to note that not all materials containing asbestos pose a risk. For example, if asbestos-containing materials are intact and undisturbed, they pose little risk to health. However, if the materials are damaged or if asbestos fibres are released into the air during renovation or demolition, they can pose a significant risk to health.

When Should You Remove Asbestos?

If you suspect that your property contains asbestos, it is essential to have it inspected by a professional asbestos surveyor. They will identify any asbestos-containing materials and assess the risk they pose.

In general, asbestos should be removed when:

• The materials are damaged, crumbling, or deteriorating
• The materials are likely to be disturbed during renovation or demolition
• The materials are in an area where there is frequent human activity or disturbance (e.g. a school or public building)

If asbestos is present in your property but is unlikely to be disturbed or damaged, it may be safe to leave it in place and manage it through regular inspection and monitoring.

Asbestos Removal Process

Asbestos removal is a complex process that should only be carried out by a licensed and experienced asbestos removal company. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we follow strict guidelines set out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to ensure the safe removal of asbestos.

The asbestos removal process generally involves the following steps:

1. Site Assessment: Our team will inspect your property and assess the risk posed by asbestos-containing materials. We will then create a plan for removal and disposal.

2. Containment: We will set up a containment area to ensure that asbestos fibres do not escape into other parts of your property. This may involve using plastic sheeting, negative air pressure machines, and HEPA filters.

3. Removal: Our team will remove the asbestos-containing materials using specialised equipment, such as HEPA vacuums and mopping techniques to ensure that all fibres are cleaned up.

4. Disposal: We will transport the asbestos-containing materials to a licensed disposal facility, where they will be safely disposed of.

5. Clearance: A clearance certificate will be issued to confirm that all asbestos-containing materials have been safely removed and that your property is now safe to inhabit.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are a team of highly qualified asbestos removal specialists with years of experience in the industry. We understand the risks associated with asbestos and how to safely remove it from your property.

We are dedicated to providing affordable, reliable, and high-quality asbestos removal services to the residents of Devon and the South West of England. Your safety is our top priority, and we will work with you to ensure that your property is free from asbestos.

Contact Us

If you suspect that your property may contain asbestos, it is essential to have it inspected by a professional asbestos surveyor. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer a range of asbestos-related services, including surveys, testing, and removal.

To find out more about our services or to request a free quote, call us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. We are always happy to answer any questions you may have and provide you with the expert advice you need to keep your property safe.