Asbestos was once commonly used for its fire resistance properties, however, after being discovered to have serious health risks, asbestos was banned during the 90s. Buildings with asbestos today are still unsafe, and property owners with asbestos in their buildings must have it removed or encapsulated as soon as possible for safety reasons. Whether you’re a homeowner, business owner or managing a public building, health and safety is key. Our blog dives into some of the key asbestos treatments to consider for the safety of your building and occupants. To learn more about the best approach to handling asbestos, keep on reading.
Understanding The Dangers Of Asbestos
Asbestos was used in many buildings for its natural fire resistant properties. However, when asbestos materials are disturbed, tiny fibres are released into the air that can be easily inhaled by people in the area. When these fibres are inhaled, they can cause serious problems and health issues. Although they may not impact an individual straight away, over time, these illnesses can develop. Asbestos can cause a range of fatal and serious diseases, and it’s important for those working around asbestos to stay protected.
Asbestos Treatments: Encapsulation Vs Removal
When managing asbestos containing-materials, there are two main methods that property owners and professionals would use to approach these materials. These methods are encapsulation and complete asbestos removal, which we’ll dive into below in our blog. Both approaches are effective in mitigating health risks that are posed by asbestos, but they do differ in a range of ways.
Choosing between encapsulation and removal services depends on several factors, including the condition of the asbestos, the location, budget constraints and other long-term considerations for the property. If you’re considering having an asbestos treatment, seeking professional advice can help you choose the most appropriate safety management strategy.
Understanding Asbestos Removal
Asbestos removal is the process where asbestos contaminated materials are completely stripped and removed from a property or home. They are removed by asbestos experts, and disposed of in a professional manner. There are different methods of asbestos removal, which can depend on the severity of the asbestos and the risk associated with it. There are also risks involved in the removal process, as the asbestos can become damaged during removal too. Asbestos removal is an in depth process which requires lots of careful steps to ensure a safe removal.
Asbestos removal is often considered the safer option as opposed to encapsulation, however, it is the more expensive choice. We’ve carefully outlined the key limitations and benefits of asbestos removal so that you can gain a deeper understanding.
Benefits
- Asbestos is completely removed from a property and is eliminated in full
- Asbestos removal complies with regulations
- Removal of asbestos meets safety standards
- Removal of asbestos can give peace of mind to occupants
Limitations
- Asbestos removal can be a costly service
- Asbestos removal can be timely, and a lengthy process
- Removal processes can be potentially disruptive to occupants
- There is a risk of asbestos fibres being released during removal
- There is potential for structural damage during the removal process
Understanding Asbestos Encapsulation
Asbestos encapsulation is when the surface of asbestos materials are sealed in order to prevent the asbestos fibres from being spread and becoming airborne. Encapsulation is often used over removal when the asbestos materials are in good condition, or in a low risk area. If property owners are looking to protect the structural integrity of a building, they may also want to use asbestos encapsulation. There are a number of encapsulating methods that can be used to treat asbestos, such as:
Asbestos encapsulation can often be chosen as a cost effective method, in comparison to complete asbestos removal, which makes it suitable for asbestos that is in good condition, or in less disturbed areas. It is important to note however, that asbestos encapsulation is not a permanent solution. It will require regular maintenance to continue being a safe solution, and it does not eliminate the hazard of asbestos entirely.
Read below to understand more about the benefits and limitations of using this asbestos treatment.
Benefits
- Compared to asbestos removal, asbestos encapsulation can be a cost effective solution
- Encapsulation is a faster process than removal services
- Minimal disruption to occupants and building structure
Limitations
- There are long term maintenance requirements is you have asbestos encapsulation
- Monitoring requirements when asbestos is encapsulated
- The encapsulation product may degrade over time
- Encapsulating damaged asbestos does not remove the health risks
- Encapsulation can be more of a temporary solution
- There is still potential for a future disturbance with encapsulation
What To Consider When Choosing Either Encapsulation Or Removal
When deciding between encapsulation and removal, there are various crucial factors to consider to ensure you’re making the right decision. Read below to understand what you should be considering when deciding which treatment to use.
- Asbestos Risk Level – Considering the severity of your asbestos is vital to which treatment you want to opt for. If the asbestos is posing a current problem, is damaged or releasing fibres, the safest option is typically to have it removed as soon as possible to reduce the level of harm it might cause.
- Local Guidelines & Regulations – Certain types of asbestos materials need to be handled and disposed of with regulatory compliance or against local guidelines. If this is the case, depending on the type of asbestos in your home or property, you may want to opt for removal service to enhance your safety.
- Cost Considerations – Outside of safety and regulatory compliance, cost may be a big consideration when it comes to the service you want to choose. Encapsulation can be a fraction of the cost of a removal service. With that being said, you should always choose the safest service so that you can keep your occupants safe.
- Location & Accessibility – If the asbestos is in a spot that’s tough to access, or could be a risky removal, encapsulation can be the preferred choice. In areas where occupants are moving through frequently, it can be safer and more convenient to encapsulate rather than remove asbestos.
- Professional Consultations – If you have your property surveyed by a professional consultant, they may be able to give you expert advice on the best and safest approach to handling your asbestos.
Evans Asbestos: Asbestos Abatement & Experienced Professionals
Deciding between asbestos encapsulation and removal is a critical choice that is unique to each situation. It’s vital to choose the right asbestos solutions for your property so that you can ensure the utmost safety for your occupants. By evaluating your options and seeing professional advice, you can make an informed decision that meets your needs and protects your building.
If you’re still feeling unsure about choosing the right asbestos abatement or asbestos solutions, seeking professional advice can help you make the right choice. Here at Evans Asbestos, our asbestos experts can give you tailored recommendations and advice on the safest approach for your property.
We offer a range of safe asbestos solutions to keep your property free from harmful fibres. If you’re looking for asbestos treatments, our team will be happy to help you navigate your asbestos safely. Contact us today to learn more and speak to our experts today.