How To Safely Remove Asbestos Flooring In Devon

Asbestos is a mineral that was commonly used in the construction of buildings during the mid-20th century. The mineral was popular because of its durability, resistance to heat and fire, and insulating properties. However, it was soon discovered that the use of asbestos in building materials was extremely harmful to human health. Exposure to asbestos can cause mesothelioma, a form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall.

Asbestos was used heavily in flooring materials, including floor tiles and sheeting. Asbestos-containing flooring is still present in many buildings, especially those constructed before the 1980s. If you find asbestos-containing flooring in your building, it is important to remove it safely to protect yourself and others from exposure to this harmful mineral.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed and certified asbestos removal company operating in the Devon area of South West England. Our team of professionals has years of experience in safely removing asbestos from buildings. We offer our services at an affordable price, ensuring that everyone can have access to safe and efficient asbestos removal.

Our company is fully equipped with safety gear, including protective clothing, respirators, and safety helmets, to ensure that our team is protected while working on asbestos removal projects. We understand the importance of safety when it comes to handling asbestos, and we take every necessary precaution to ensure a safe and effective removal process.

Understanding Asbestos-Containing Flooring

Before embarking on any asbestos removal project, it is important to understand what asbestos-containing flooring looks like. Asbestos-containing flooring can come in the form of tiles or sheeting. The tiles can vary in size and shape, but at times they may be 9-inches by 9-inches or 12-inches by 12-inches. Asbestos-containing sheeting can take on the form of an entire floor covering.

Asbestos-containing flooring may not always be easy to identify visually. To determine if your flooring contains asbestos, you will need to invest in an asbestos testing kit or consult a professional asbestos testing company. Investing in a testing kit is simple and affordable, so if you are unsure about the presence of asbestos in your flooring, it's always best to get it tested.

Preparing The Work Area

Before any asbestos removal can take place, the work area must be properly prepared. This involves the following steps:

1. Clear the work area of all objects and furniture, including the removal of the baseboards or any trim.
2. Cover all air vents, ducts or grilles that can circulate air to other areas of the building.
3. Seal off the work area from other parts of the building with plastic sheeting and airtight tape.
4. The work area should be clearly marked with warning signs indicating that asbestos-containing materials are being removed.

Removal Of Asbestos-Containing Flooring

Once the work area has been properly set up, the removal of the asbestos-containing flooring can begin. There are three methods that can be used when removing asbestos-containing flooring.

Method 1: Wetting

This method involves wetting the flooring materials down before removal to prevent the release of asbestos fibers into the air. The wetting process helps to bond any loose asbestos fibers together and creates a lower likelihood of exposure. This method is best for flooring materials that are not heavily bonded to the subfloor or base layer.

Method 2: Dry Removal

Dry removal is a more complex removal method that can only be used for hard, asbestos-containing flooring materials that are tightly bonded or glued to the subfloor or base layer. This method involves the use of special tools, including manual scrapers and mechanical grinders, to remove the flooring layer. This will create a significant amount of dust and debris, so the work area must be properly set up to prevent contamination.

Method 3: Encapsulation

Encapsulation is a method that involves encapsulating the asbestos-containing flooring with a special sealant adhesive. The adhesive helps to bind any loose asbestos fibers together and prevents them from being released into the air. This method is best suited for asbestos floor tiles that are intact and securely bonded to the subfloor or base layer.

Disposal Of Asbestos Waste

Asbestos-containing materials are toxic and should be disposed of properly to ensure the safety of people and the environment. Once the asbestos-containing flooring has been removed, it must be placed in special asbestos waste bags that are disposable. Our team at Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon will ensure that all waste bags are sealed and properly labeled before being transported for disposal.

Conclusion

When it comes to the removal of asbestos-containing flooring in Devon, it is important to seek the help of a licensed and certified asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. Our team has the expertise and experience necessary to handle asbestos safely and efficiently. We also offer our services at an affordable price, ensuring that everyone can access safe and professional asbestos removal services. If you need our services or have any questions, reach out to us at 01962 458066, or send us an email at [email protected].