How Would I Remove Asbestos From My Garage In Devon?

If you own a garage in Devon and are concerned about the potential presence of asbestos in it, you might be wondering how you can safely remove it. Asbestos is a hazardous material that can cause serious health problems if disturbed, which is why it's essential to take the necessary precautions when dealing with it.

Fortunately, if you're looking for affordable asbestos removal in Devon, you're in the right place. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we're experts in removing asbestos from a range of properties, including garages. In this guide, we'll outline everything you need to know about asbestos removal in Devon, including the different types of asbestos, how to identify it, and what steps you need to take to remove it safely and legally.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials throughout the 20th century due to its fire-resistant properties. It was used in everything from insulation and roofing to pipes and cement. However, it was discovered that asbestos fibres can cause serious health problems if inhaled, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

Due to the health risks associated with asbestos, the use of asbestos in construction was banned in the UK in 1999. However, many buildings, including garages, that were constructed before this date may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

How to Identify Asbestos

It is sometimes difficult to identify asbestos just by looking at it. Asbestos-containing materials are often concealed behind walls, in ceilings or flooring, and even the roof of your garage. However, some common signs of asbestos include:

• A textured coating on walls or ceilings
• Vinyl or linoleum tiles
• Artex
• Flue pipes from boilers or fireplaces
• Corrugated roofing sheets made of cement

If you suspect that you have asbestos in your garage, the best thing to do is to have it tested. You should never try to remove asbestos without proper equipment and training. Instead, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon and send a sample of the suspected material to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing. Testing typically takes a few days, and the results will determine if the material contains asbestos and, if so, what type of asbestos it is.

Types of Asbestos

There are six types of asbestos used in construction. The three most commonly used types are:

• Chrysotile, also known as white asbestos
• Amosite, also known as brown asbestos
• Crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos

Of these, chrysotile is the most common type found in buildings, including garages.

How to Remove Asbestos

Before any asbestos removal work can take place, you should hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor. The contractor will carry out a risk assessment to determine the best way to remove the asbestos-containing materials safely and legally.

There are two main methods of asbestos removal:

Encapsulation

Encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos-containing material so that it cannot release fibres into the air. This method is only suitable if the asbestos is in good condition and not likely to be disturbed. The encapsulation process usually involves applying a special coating to the material to seal it.

Removal

The most effective method of asbestos removal is to completely remove the asbestos-containing materials. This method can involve partial or complete removal of the material, depending on the situation. The contractor will usually use a combination of tools and equipment, such as wetting agents, negative air pressure units, and personal protective equipment, to ensure that the asbestos is removed safely.

Asbestos Removal Types in Garage

If you have a garage in Devon that contains asbestos, there are several types of asbestos removal that you might need to consider:

Asbestos Cement Roof Removal

Asbestos cement was a popular material used in roofing sheets due to its durability and weather-resistant properties. However, many garages in Devon could have an asbestos cement roof. These roofs are often corrugated or flat, and the asbestos can be either white or grey. Removing asbestos cement sheets from a garage roof can be a challenging task due to the size and weight of the sheets.

Asbestos Insulation Removal

Asbestos insulation was commonly used in pipework and boilers in garages. Asbestos insulation can release harmful fibres into the air, which is why it's essential to have it removed by a licensed contractor. It is crucial not to attempt any insulation removal on your own as you can expose yourself, your family, or your neighbours to the hazardous substance.

Asbestos Garage Removal

If your garage was constructed before 1999, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in construction, and a garage may have several asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos in garage walls, doors, ceilings, and even floors can be removed safely by a professional asbestos removal company.

The Total Cost of Asbestos Removal

The total cost of asbestos removal in your garage will depend on several factors, including the type and amount of asbestos-containing materials that need to be removed, your location in Devon, and the accessibility of the material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer competitive pricing for our asbestos removal services. We provide upfront, transparent pricing, so you know exactly what you will pay before we begin work. We highly recommend that you not try to handle the asbestos yourself as handling asbestos without the necessary tools and protective suits can be highly dangerous, and it is not worth the hazards that may come with it.

How to Dispose of Asbestos

After the asbestos-containing materials have been removed, they need to be disposed of correctly. Hazardous waste can cause harm to the environment and individuals, which is why asbestos waste must be handled and disposed of by licensed asbestos contractors like us.

The waste can be disposed of at a registered hazardous waste collection site in Devon. At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we have the necessary license to dispose of your asbestos waste in a safe and legally compliant manner.

Concerns Regarding Asbestos Work

We understand that you may have concerns regarding asbestos removal work in your garage. That's why we're here to help. Our highly skilled and trained asbestos removal experts will walk you through every step of the process, providing you with information and clarity about the work we carry out.

If you have any concerns regarding asbestos work, please feel free to contact us on 01962 458066. Our team will be happy to discuss your concerns and provide you with helpful advice about asbestos-related issues.

Asbestos Disposal Center in Devon

If you're looking for a disposal center for asbestos waste in Devon, we recommend the Hazel Court Household Waste Recycling Centre in Exeter. The center has authorized facilities to receive asbestos waste; however, it must be double-wrapped and sealed with asbestos hazard tape. The asbestos must be disposed of by appointment only.

Conclusion

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we understand the importance of safe and legal asbestos removal. Our team of professionals is dedicated to ensuring that your garage is free from asbestos and the potential health risks associated with it. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or fill out our contact form to discuss your concerns regarding asbestos in your garage, and we'll provide you with all the information you need regarding the asbestos removal process. We operate throughout Devon and the wider South West England region, and we're here to help you remove asbestos safely and affordably.