Asbestos Pipe Insulation Removal

It is allowed for householders, but when it comes to residential properties, DIY asbestos removal is limited. Commercial properties, however, require hiring a certified removal expert to carry a removal procedure. Please, bear in mind, that DIY removal is not advised as a lack of knowledge of how to conduct it properly may lead to disturbance of asbestos.

The costs of asbestos removal depend on the type of work that is required and its extent, hence it may start from £680, for a given work, but it may also cost much more for the total removal of asbestos in a 1,500 square foot home, including removing asbestos insulation, pipe lagging, flue pipes.

Asbestos is harmful when is disturbed and becomes airborne, thus, easily enters the respiratory tract. But if it is in some kind of enclosure (for example placed within the walls) and there is little probability of disturbing it, it is not very likely for it to be dangerous. However, during refurbishment or demolition, it must be kept in mind, that the risk is increasing, and a proper risk assessment should be conducted prior to undertaking any work.

Materials that contain asbestos are not regarded as dangerous as long as it is not disturbed, hence friable. It means that once the asbestos is crumbled, it releases tiny asbestos particles that float in the air and might effortlessly enter the lungs. Consequently, asbestos may cause cancer of the respiratory tract, mesothelioma or asbestosis, or other serious health conditions.

To verify the presence of asbestos in a given material, a sample of the air must undergo an analysis under a microscope. The most reliable examinations are held by certified laboratories.

Asbestos cement (AC) pipe is pipe made of a combination of asbestos, cement and water, in which cement serves as a binding factor that keeps fibres of asbestos in the firm matrix so that particles of it are not released into the air as long as it is not disturbed. It was commonly utilised in the mid-‘90s for purposes like sanitary sewers or potable water distribution network, storm drainage systems or drainage pipes, thanks to the fact that it was extremely durable (up to roughly 70 years). Though it is considered to be nonfriable, in many cases this solution is being removed from infrastructure.

As with anything containing asbestos, the asbestos pipe insulation may also pose a threat to one’s health once the asbestos is disturbed, and hence, airborne. Sprayed-on asbestos has a high potential of releasing fibres into the air which may lead to inhaling it and depositing fibres in one’s lungs.

A lot of materials and construction elements in old buildings contain asbestos, for instance, pipe insulation, as well as outdated valve insulation jackets (specifically its fabric), but also various other parts like ducts, plumbing and Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC) component.

First, you should not try to get rid of it by yourself, since not thorough, DIY asbestos removal may cause disturbance of asbestos and its disintegration. As soon as you find asbestos pipe insulation in your dwelling, you shall contact a licensed contractor that will provide you with comprehensive help.

It all depends on the condition of asbestos pipe insulation and its enclosure. Undoubtedly, it is recommended to remove all of the asbestos from a given place, but in some specific cases, for example, when the pipe is well-preserved, without any marks and cracking, and there are no chances of leakage, it is enough to enclose it tightly so as not allow asbestos fibres to crumble and float in the air. It also happens that householders prefer not to do anything about this issue in fear of disturbing asbestos. In cases like this one, contact us – you will have your dwelling thoroughly assessed and we will help you choose the best solution to ensure the safety of your home or workplace.