How To Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles Yourself In Devon

Are you aware of asbestos floor tiles in your home in Devon? Asbestos was used in many building materials back in the day, including flooring tiles. However, if disturbed or damaged, the asbestos fibers can become airborne and pose serious health risks, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

If you have identified asbestos floor tiles in your Devon home, it is essential to get them removed immediately. While hiring a professional asbestos removal company is the safest and most efficient way to remove asbestos flooring tiles, you may be looking to save money by doing it yourself.

This landing page will guide you through the process of removing asbestos floor tiles yourself in Devon, including the risks involved, necessary precautions, tools needed, and steps to follow.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

If you are unsure about identifying asbestos floor tiles, it is advisable to contact a reputable asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team of fully licensed and qualified professionals has years of experience in identifying and safely removing asbestos flooring tiles from homes and commercial properties in Devon and the South West of England.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and follow strict procedures to ensure that asbestos is removed safely and doesn't pose a risk to you and your family's health. Our services are also affordable and available 24/7, so you can rest assured that we'll be there when you need us.

Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral found in rocks and soil. It has been used extensively in building materials since the early 20th century because of its durability, strength, and resistance to heat and fire. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can release into the air when disturbed, posing a severe health hazard if inhaled.

Exposure to asbestos can cause several health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. These diseases usually take years or even decades to develop, and their symptoms often manifest only in the later stages.

Asbestos-containing materials are still present in many buildings built before 2000, so it's essential to identify and safely remove them to safeguard your health.

Flooring Tiles

Asbestos-containing flooring tiles are prevalent in homes and commercial buildings built before the 1980s. These tiles are usually nine inches square, and their asbestos content ranges between 5% to 15%.

Asbestos tiles have a distinctive look and feel, almost like vinyl or linoleum flooring. They are usually black, brown, white, or grey and may have a mottled or speckled appearance.

Some manufacturers of asbestos-containing tiles include Armstrong, Kentile, and Congoleum. However, not all tiles manufactured by these companies contain asbestos, so it's essential to identify them accurately.

Work Area

Before you start removing asbestos floor tiles, you must prepare the work area to protect yourself and others from asbestos fibers. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Seal off the work area: Close and lock all doors leading to the work area and cover all vents with plastic sheets and duct tape. This prevents asbestos fibers from spreading to other areas of your home.

2. Wear protective clothing: Asbestos fibers can stick to clothing, so it's essential to wear disposable coveralls or clothing that you can wash separately. Also, wear gloves, eye protection, and a respiratory mask.

3. Wet the tiles: Asbestos fibers can become airborne when the tiles are cut or broken. To prevent this, wet the tiles with a solution of water and detergent. This reduces the risk of spreading the fibers.

4. Keep children and pets away: Asbestos fibers can pose a severe health risk, especially to young children and pets. Keep them away from the work area until it's safe.

Tools Needed

To remove asbestos floor tiles, you'll need the following tools:

1. Putty knife or scraper to loosen the tiles.

2. Hammer and chisel to break the tiles.

3. Damp cloth to wipe up the debris.

4. Plastic bags (6-mil thick) or containers to dispose of the materials.

5. Duct tape or heavy-duty garbage bags to wrap and seal the waste.

Steps To Follow

Here are the steps to follow to remove asbestos floor tiles yourself:

1. Wet the tiles: Wet the tiles thoroughly with a solution of water and detergent to prevent asbestos fibers from becoming airborne.

2. Remove the baseboard: Use a pry bar or putty knife to remove the baseboard around the perimeter of the room.

3. Loosen the tiles: Use a putty knife or scraper to loosen the tiles adhesive. Work in small sections to avoid damaging the tiles.

4. Remove the tiles: Once the tiles are loosened, lift them gently and place them in a plastic bag or container. Don't break the tiles during removal, as this increases the risk of releasing asbestos fibers.

5. Clean the floor: Use a damp cloth to wipe up any debris or adhesive left behind by the tiles. Avoid using a vacuum cleaner, as this can spread the asbestos fibers.

6. Disposal: Place the plastic bags containing the tiles and debris in heavy-duty garbage bags or containers. Label them as "asbestos waste" and seal them securely with duct tape. Contact your local council to find out how to dispose of asbestos waste safely.

Conclusion

Removing asbestos floor tiles yourself in Devon can be risky and complex, so it's essential to take necessary precautions and follow the right steps. If you're unsure, don't hesitate to contact a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon.

We are fully licensed and experienced in removing asbestos flooring tiles safely and efficiently. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to learn more about our services. Alternatively, you can visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk to request a quote or book an appointment.