How To Remove Asbestos Linoleum In Devon

Asbestos linoleum, also known as vinyl asbestos tile, or VAT, was popularly used in flooring during the 1980s. Unfortunately, this material can cause mesothelioma, a deadly cancer, as exposed asbestos fibers can easily be inhaled. This is why it is crucial to remove any asbestos-containing materials in your home or workplace, especially ones that are friable, meaning they can easily crumble into tiny particles that then release asbestos fibers into the air you breathe.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable asbestos removal company that provides safe and professional asbestos removal services throughout Devon and the South West of England. We understand the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, and we are committed to ensuring our clients' homes or workplaces are free of asbestos for their safety and that of their loved ones. In this landing page, we will discuss the types of linoleum flooring that may contain asbestos, the dangers of removing it improperly, and how to use proper methods and techniques to safely remove it.

Types of linoleum flooring that may contain asbestos

Old linoleum flooring may contain asbestos, a mineral fiber that was commonly used to make materials such as roofing shingles, floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and insulation. Asbestos was once considered a miracle material due to its thermal insulation properties and resistance to heat and fire. However, it was later found to be a carcinogenic material that causes severe health problems when inhaled in its friable form.

The following are the types of linoleum flooring that may contain asbestos:

Vinyl asbestos tile (VAT)

Vinyl asbestos tile (VAT) was a popular type of linoleum flooring used in homes and workplaces during the 1980s. It consists of a thin layer of vinyl composition tile (VCT) that is adhered to a layer of asbestos-containing material. The asbestos-containing material gives the tile its strength and durability.

Alhambra linoleum

Alhambra linoleum is another type of linoleum flooring that may contain asbestos. It is a sheet flooring material that was popularly used in homes during the mid-20th century.

Linoleum sheet flooring

Linoleum sheet flooring is a flooring material consisting of a layer of vinyl or linoleum adhered to a layer of asbestos-containing material.

Check for designated asbestos linoleum

If you are not sure whether your linoleum flooring contains asbestos, you should take a sample and have it analyzed by a laboratory. To be safe, you should assume that any old linoleum flooring installed before the 1980s contains asbestos.

The dangers of removing asbestos linoleum improperly

Removing asbestos linoleum improperly can be dangerous as it releases asbestos fibers into the air you breathe. These fibers can cause severe health conditions, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. As a result, you should not attempt to remove asbestos linoleum on your own, especially if you lack the proper training, equipment, and protective gear.

Without the proper training and equipment, you may break the tiles, resulting in tiny pieces that can release asbestos fibers into the air you breathe. Also, you may not be able to contain the dust and fibers released during the removal process, even if you do not break the tiles. The dangerous asbestos fibers may contaminate the air and surfaces in the room, leading to severe exposure.

The proper way of removing asbestos linoleum

Removing asbestos linoleum requires specialized training, equipment, and protective gear, provided by an experienced asbestos removal company such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We have been removing asbestos-containing materials for over 13 years and understand the risks involved, which is why we are committed to providing safe and efficient asbestos removal services.

The process of removing asbestos linoleum involves the following steps:

1. First, we prepare the area to ensure maximum safety by sealing off the area and preventing the release of asbestos fibers. We also use negative air pressure machines to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers.
2. We carefully remove the linoleum flooring without breaking it apart by using specialized tools such as floor scrapers and chemical solvents.
3. We dispose of the removed linoleum flooring and any other asbestos-containing materials in compliance with the Environment Agencys guidelines to avoid posing a risk to the public.
4. We decontaminate the area by cleaning it thoroughly with specialized equipment to ensure that all harmful asbestos fibers are removed.

Conclusion

If you need to remove asbestos linoleum from your home or workplace in Devon or the South West of England, Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is the perfect asbestos removal company for you. We are experienced, professional, and understand the risks posed by asbestos exposure. We are committed to ensuring that our clients remain safe and healthy by using proper techniques and equipment to remove all asbestos-containing materials. Please call us today at 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to get a free quote for asbestos removal services.