Should A Floor Be Sealed After Asbestos Tile Removal in Hampshire?

Asbestos tile flooring was a popular choice for building construction before the 1980s, making it a regular feature in many homes and commercial buildings across Hampshire and the South East of England. However, its discovery as a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance led to its ban and the need for its safe removal.

Nowadays, asbestos removal companies like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire offer a vital service in helping to identify, remove and dispose of asbestos tiles and their adhesive safely.

But once the tiles are removed, should a floor be sealed to prevent further exposure to asbestos fibres? In this landing page, we will explore the reasons behind sealing floors after asbestos tile removal and provide practical advice on how to ensure a safe and asbestos-free environment.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous minerals that were once used for commercial applications due to their desirable properties like insulation, fire and chemical resistance. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma, and other serious respiratory diseases.

Asbestos was widely used in building construction as an additive in building materials such as cement, insulation, roofing, flooring and more. One common application of asbestos was in vinyl asbestos tile (VAT), which was often installed in houses and commercial buildings before the 1980s.

Asbestos Tile Removal

Asbestos tiles are considered friable, which means that they can release fibres into the air when crumbled or broken - making them dangerous if not handled correctly.

When removing asbestos tiles, it is essential to hire a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, as they have the equipment, experience and training to do the job safely and efficiently.

During the asbestos tile removal process, the tiles are carefully removed using specialised tools while minimising any dust emissions. Once the tiles are removed, the asbestos adhesive left on the floor must be removed too.

Should a floor be sealed after asbestos tile removal?

The question of whether a floor needs to be sealed after asbestos tile removal is a contentious one, and the answer largely depends on the condition of the floor and its underlying framing.

If the floor framing and subfloor are asbestos-free and in good condition, and there is no indication of asbestos fibres remaining, then there is no need to seal the floor. In this case, a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire will provide a clearance certificate indicating that the area is safe to use.

However, if the floor framing is not asbestos-free, it is recommended to seal the floor to prevent any remaining asbestos fibres from being released into the air. Additionally, if the floor surface is in poor condition, sealing it can provide some structural support and reduce the risk of further degradation.

Sealing a floor after asbestos tile removal involves covering the entire area in a protective layer such as epoxy or polyurethane coating. This layer acts as a barrier, preventing any residual asbestos fibres from being released into the air.

How to Seal a Floor After Asbestos Tile Removal

Sealing a floor after asbestos tile removal should only be done by professionals like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire, as it involves working with hazardous materials and adhering to strict safety procedures.

During the sealing process, the entire area is first thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue, including adhesive, dust or debris. Any cracks or damage to the floor are repaired, and then the protective layer is applied.

After the protective layer has been applied, the area must be left undisturbed for several hours to allow it to cure. The safety of the area is verified by an independent third-party, and a clearance certificate is provided to ensure that the area is safe for use.

Asbestos Tile Removal - A Recap

In summary, the safe removal of asbestos tile flooring should always be carried out by a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire.

Whether a floor should be sealed after asbestos tile removal depends largely on the condition of the floor framing and the floor surface. If the floor framing is asbestos-free, and there is no indication of remaining asbestos fibres after removal, sealing the floor may not be necessary. Otherwise, sealing the floor can provide additional protection against the spread of asbestos fibres.

If you have any concerns regarding asbestos in your home or commercial building, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire for advice and assistance in identifying and safely removing asbestos tiles.

Contact us at 01962 458066 or visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-hampshire.co.uk for more information.

References

• Inspectapedia Online. (2021). Asbestos: how to find and recognize materials in buildings. https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Materials_Identification_Guide.php
• US EPA. (2021). Asbestos in Buildings. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/asbestos-building
• US EPA. (2021). Advice for building owners. https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/advice-building-owners-0
• Air US. (2021). Asbestos Testing & Diagnosis. https://airus.com/asbestos-testing-diagnosis/
• Inspectapedia Online. (2021). Asbestos Hazards, Testing, Diagnosis, Repair, Cleanup, Prevention. https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Hazards.php

Disclaimer: This landing page is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or services. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the contents, and any reliance on the information provided is at the user's own risk.