Asbestos Encapsulation – What is it and is it Right for Your Building?

What is Asbestos Encapsulation?

Asbestos encapsulation refers to a method of asbestos management whereby a sealant is applied to an asbestos-containing material (ACM). It acts as a protective layer, protecting the asbestos fibres from being disturbed or damaged and thus becoming airborne.

Asbestos Encapsulation Methods & Procedures

The process of encapsulation involves sealing the asbestos and, if necessary, further enclosing it with materials like sheet metal cladding and resins to prevent mechanical damage occurring in the future. The protective layer can either be applied directly to the ACM, or alternatively, it can be installed using an independent supporting framework.

The purpose of the protective seal is to protect and repair any damaged asbestos, seal any exposed edges, increase the useful life of the material, reduce any fibre release through general degradation, protect against any unintentional knocks/scrapes and enhance the overall appearance of the material.

Once encapsulation is complete, warning labels are applied to the ACM warning of the presence of asbestos behind and to prevent accidental disturbance.

Asbestos Encapsulation Vs Removal

Asbestos removal is typically much more complicated than encapsulation. Although incredibly effective, removal can be expensive and often involves a considerable period of downtime.

Encapsulation, on the other hand, can be carried out with minimal disturbance. This is ideal if you’re looking for commercial asbestos management as it enables your business premises to remain fully operational. Also, if you’re encapsulating the material rather than removing it, you won’t be required to safely dispose of it, which can be costly.

It is worth pointing out that only ACMs that are in good condition can be encapsulated whereas badly damaged ACMs will usually have to be removed and disposed of.

Benefits of Asbestos Encapsulation

Minimises Risk

Encapsulation involves relatively little disturbance of the asbestos, minimising the risk that the microscopic fibres will become airborne (it is only when the fibres become airborne that they become a risk to health as they can then be inhaled through the mouth and nose).

Quick & Cost-Effective

The process of carrying out encapsulation is generally much shorter and cheaper than completely removing an ACM. Also, in situations where the specific qualities of the ACM need to be maintained, such as fire resistance or insulation, encapsulation is a much more cost-effective solution than removal.

Less Renovation

Unlike asbestos removal which sometimes requires renovation work to be performed, encapsulation delivers a safe building environment without the need for any structural change or damage. This also helps to keep costs down.

How to Encapsulate Asbestos

Asbestos encapsulation should only be conducted by a fully qualified, experienced and licensed organisation. Failure to correctly and safely manage the ACM puts not only you, but also those around you, at a serious health risk. Asbestos is known to cause a wide range of fatal diseases, such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis, so it simply isn’t worth the risk of encapsulating the material yourself. The cost of hiring a professional to take care of the ACM far outweighs the risk and potential consequences of doing it yourself.

Asbestos Encapsulation Cost

The price for a licensed contractor to encapsulate any ACMs at your property will significantly depend on the size, type and condition of the asbestos. It also depends on how many ACMs need encapsulating. It may be advisable to have a survey undertaken prior to any work being done to establish the extent and condition of the ACM.

For the best and most accurate costs, it is recommended that you get a quote from our asbestos specialists. We will take into account all potential hazards and provide you with a competitive quote for the safe encapsulation of any and all ACMs you have.

Get Started with Casa Environmental Services

Here at Casa Environmental Services, we specialise in providing UKAS accredited asbestos surveying and analytical services throughout the UK. If you suspect your property contains asbestos, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with a member of our team today. We have all the knowledge, equipment and expertise needed to not only identify asbestos, but also safely manage it, whether that be through encapsulation, removal or decontamination.

See more: 10 Surprising Facts and Statistics About Asbestos

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