How to Remove Glazing That Has Asbestos in Devon

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in many products in the construction industry worldwide. It was often used in the manufacturing of building materials, particularly between the 1940s and 1990s, due to its heat resistance, durability, and fire-resistant properties. One of the places where asbestos can be found is in glazing putty, which is commonly found around window frames.

However, it poses significant environmental and health hazards once it becomes exposed or disturbed. In particular, airborne asbestos fibres can lead to fatal lung diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Therefore, it is important that property owners in Devon take asbestos removal seriously.

This article aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to remove glazing that has asbestos in Devon. We provide expert advice and practical tips on the necessary steps to have a safe and affordable asbestos removal service.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon: Your Local Asbestos Removal Company

If you are based in Devon and suspect that your property has asbestos in the glazing putty, it is important to contact a licensed asbestos removal company that specialises in asbestos surveying, testing and removal.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is one of the leading asbestos removal companies in Devon and the South West of England. With years of experience in the industry, our team of asbestos specialists are fully licensed, qualified and experienced in providing affordable and efficient asbestos removal solutions.

We understand the importance of safely removing any asbestos-containing materials from your property. Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive service that ensures that your property is free of any asbestos and complies with rigorous health and safety regulations.

You can contact us on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos removal requirements.

Surveying Your Property for Asbestos

The first step in removing glazing putty that contains asbestos is to identify the location of the asbestos. This can be done by hiring professional asbestos surveyors who will carry out a comprehensive inspection of your property.

Asbestos surveyors will check all areas of your property, including the window frames, for the presence of asbestos-containing materials. They will take samples of the suspect material and send them to an accredited laboratory for testing. The laboratory will analyse the samples and identify the type and amount of asbestos present.

Once the laboratory results come back, the surveyors will create a report that details the location and extent of any asbestos found in your property. The report will also provide recommendations for the removal and disposal of the asbestos-containing materials.

Steps to Remove Glazing That Has Asbestos

Once it has been confirmed that your glazing putty contains asbestos, the next step is to have it removed as soon as possible. Here are the steps involved in removing glazing that has asbestos:

Step 1: Prepare the Work Area

It is essential to prepare the work area properly to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure. This includes sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and duct tape to prevent any airborne asbestos fibres from spreading to other parts of the property.

The work area should also be cleared of any furniture, fittings or other objects that may obstruct the removal process. The asbestos removal specialists will wear personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep them protected from asbestos exposure.

Step 2: Remove the Glazing Putty

The next step is to remove the glazing putty that contains asbestos. This will involve carefully scraping away the putty using specialised tools, such as putty knives, to ensure that the asbestos-containing materials are not disturbed.

The putty must be removed intact as much as possible to minimise the risk of asbestos fibres becoming airborne. The removed putty will be placed in sealed, labelled bags ready for disposal.

Step 3: Disposal of Asbestos-Containing Materials

Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of safely and in accordance with the UK government regulations. The removed putty will need to be disposed of in a licensed waste site that is authorised to handle asbestos waste.

The asbestos removal specialists will ensure that the waste is transported in licensed and sealed bags to an appropriate waste site.

Step 4: Post-Removal Air Testing

Once the asbestos-containing material has been removed, it is essential to test the air for any remaining asbestos fibres. This is to ensure that the air quality is safe for re-entry and that there is no risk of asbestos exposure.

The asbestos removal specialists will use specialised equipment to take air samples from the work area and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The laboratory will provide an air clearance certificate if the results show that the air is clear of asbestos fibres.

How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost?

The cost of asbestos removal varies depending on the amount and location of asbestos found in your property. It is important to note that it is not safe or legal to carry out asbestos removal activities yourself, so it is important to seek the services of a licensed asbestos removal company.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we provide affordable and competitive prices for our asbestos removal services in Devon. We offer personalised quotes based on the specific requirements of each project to ensure that you get the best value for your money.

Types of Glazing Putty That Contain Asbestos

There are two types of glazing putty that contain asbestos: hand-mixed putty and pre-1960s putty. Hand-mixed putty was commonly used before 1980, and it is a mix of linseed oil, chalk, whiting, and asbestos. Pre-1960s putty also contains asbestos and is usually harder than modern putties.

Asbestos was often used in glazing putty due to its fire-resistant properties. It was added to improve the puttys resistance to fire and heat, making it ideal for use in building materials.

Can I Remove Asbestos-Containing Materials Myself?

It is illegal to carry out any asbestos removal activities yourself without proper training and equipment. This is because removing asbestos-containing materials can pose a serious risk to your health and the environment.

Asbestos removal should only be carried out by licensed and qualified asbestos removal specialists who have the expertise and equipment to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials safely and effectively.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a highly hazardous material that requires proper removal and disposal. If you suspect that your property has asbestos in the glazing putty, it is crucial to contact a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon as soon as possible.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos removal services to our clients in Devon and surrounding areas. We offer a comprehensive asbestos removal service, from surveying to air testing and disposal, to ensure that your property is free of asbestos.

Do not take any risks with the health and safety of you and your family. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected] to discuss your asbestos removal requirements.