How To Remove Old Asbestos Floor Tiles In Devon

Introduction

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in construction, due to its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties. Its use peaked in the mid-20th century, and many buildings built before the 1980s contain asbestos in various forms. Asbestos is now recognized as a dangerous health hazard and is banned in many countries, including the UK. However, many older buildings, including homes in Devon and the South West of England, still contain asbestos.

One common place where asbestos can be found is in old floor tiles. If you're renovating an old building, you may need to remove asbestos-containing tiles. However, removing asbestos is a complicated process that requires specialized training and equipment. In this landing page, we will provide information on how to safely remove old asbestos floor tiles in Devon.

Who We Are

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a professional asbestos removal company based in Devon. We have years of experience in the safe removal of asbestos materials, including floor tiles. We offer affordable and reliable asbestos removal services to residential and commercial clients in Devon and the surrounding areas.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in construction materials due to its heat-resistant and fire-retardant properties. The three most common types of asbestos are chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), and crocidolite (blue). Asbestos was used in a range of construction materials, including insulation, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing materials, and cement.

When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, they release small fibers into the air. These fibers can be inhaled into the lungs, where they can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. These diseases often take years or even decades to develop, and there is no cure for them.

Do My Floor Tiles Contain Asbestos?

If you have old vinyl, linoleum or asphalt floor tiles, they may contain asbestos. The only way to be sure is to have a sample of the tiles tested by a licensed asbestos testing company. Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon has experience in identifying asbestos-containing materials and can provide you with a sample collection bag and instructions for how to collect a sample for testing.

If your tiles do contain asbestos, we highly recommend that you hire a professional asbestos removal company to remove them safely. If you're not sure whether your tiles contain asbestos, assume that they do and take appropriate precautions.

What Are Asbestos Floor Tiles?

Asbestos floor tiles are vinyl, linoleum or asphalt tiles that contain asbestos. They were commonly used in the mid-20th century as a durable and inexpensive flooring option. Asbestos fibres were added to the tiles to increase durability, and the tiles were often styled to look like more expensive materials such as marble or wood.

How To Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles

Asbestos floor tiles should only be removed by a licensed asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. The process involves several steps:

Step 1: Site Preparation

The work area must be completely isolated from the rest of the building and sealed off with floor-to-ceiling plastic sheeting. Entry and exit points will be created for workers to enter and exit safely. The work area will also be given a negative air pressure using powerful fans, to prevent asbestos fibers from escaping into the surrounding environment.

Step 2: Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers will be required to wear full body suits, respirators, and protective goggles to ensure they do not inhale any asbestos fibers.

Step 3: Removal of Floor Tiles

The tiles and the adhesive that holds them in place will be carefully removed using specialized tools. The tiles will be wetted down before removal to reduce the release of asbestos fibers. Any cracks or holes in the floor under the tiles will be patched.

Step 4: Clean up and Disposal

All debris and waste materials will be double-bagged in asbestos waste bags and labeled as hazardous waste. The work area will be thoroughly cleaned and then inspected by a licensed asbestos assessor before the area is sealed up and declared safe.

Conclusion

Removing old asbestos floor tiles is a complicated and risky process that requires a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We have years of experience in the safe and affordable removal of asbestos materials in Devon and the surrounding areas. If you have any questions or concerns about asbestos removal or would like to arrange for a quote, please contact us today on 01962 458066 or email us at [email protected]. Our website is affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk.