How To Remove Asbestos Mastic From Concrete In Sussex

If you are in Sussex and looking to remove asbestos mastic from concrete, then you have come to the right place. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is here to help you remove asbestos mastic from your concrete floor in the most affordable, safe and effective way possible. Whether it's for your house, office or any other building, our asbestos removal team is equipped and experienced to handle any asbestos removal task you may have. In this guide, we will cover the best practices for removing asbestos mastic from concrete in Sussex, so let's get started.

Introduction

Asbestos is a carcinogenic material that can cause life-threatening diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. It was widely used as a building material in the UK from the 1950s to the 1980s due to its durability, heat resistance and insulating properties. However, the use of asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999 when the danger it posed to peoples health became apparent. Nevertheless, asbestos still exists in many buildings constructed before the ban. If you are dealing with an old floor that was installed in the 70s or 80s, there is a high possibility that it contains asbestos. Asbestos can also be found in other products such as insulation, cement, roofing and many more.

The Problem With Asbestos Mastic

Old flooring, especially those installed during the 70s and 80s, may contain asbestos in the adhesive or mastic. The mastic is a black and tar-like substance that was used to secure linoleum and other types of flooring. The asbestos mastic is a health hazard and needs to be safely removed as soon as possible. Asbestos mastic can release asbestos fibers into the air, which when inhaled can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma and other serious respiratory diseases.

Tools Needed for Removing Asbestos Mastic from Concrete

Removing asbestos mastic from concrete can be a challenging task, especially if you don't have the right set of tools. Here are some tools that you will need to remove asbestos mastic from concrete:

1. Knife you will need a sharp utility knife for cutting through the linoleum or other types of flooring.
2. Paint scraper a flat paint scraper can be used to scrape away any remaining mastic on the concrete.
3. Minnie's House/heat gun this tool can be used to soften the mastic glue, making it easier to remove.
4. Chemicals you will need a chemical adhesive remover to soften the mastic for easy removal.
5. PPE Personal protective equipment, including gloves, respirators, and protective clothing, to keep you safe from asbestos fibers.

How to Remove Asbestos Mastic from Concrete

First and foremost, it is essential to ensure that you have proper protective gear before you start working on the floors. You need to wear a protective suit, gloves, respirator and goggles to keep yourself safe.

Step 1: Mind Your Surroundings

Ensure that you isolate the area, preferably with plastic sheeting, to prevent the spread of asbestos fibers. Switch off your HVAC and close all windows to prevent the fibers from spreading to other parts of the building.

Step 2: Peel Back the Linoleum

Using your knife, cut one corner of the linoleum and begin to peel it back carefully. You may encounter resistance, so exercise caution not to rush it or damage the concrete underneath. Use a Minnie's House/heat gun to soften the adhesive around stubborn areas.

Step 3: Remove the Mastic

Use the scraper to remove any remaining mastic glue from the concrete floor. The mastic may be too hard or tough to remove, especially if it's aged, but using chemicals or heat can help loosen the glue.

Step 4: Make Use of Chemicals

If the glue is too stubborn to get rid of using physical means, use a chemical adhesive remover. These adhesive removers are made to soften the asbestos mastic glue, making it easier to scrape or peel off.

Step 5: Spend Time Scraping

Scraping alone is not enough. Spend enough time scraping or peeling off the remaining mastic glue. Work steadily, carefully and do not underestimate the amount of time that it will take.

Why Hiring Professionals Saves You Time and Money

Asbestos removal can be a challenging task that requires special tools, expertise, and protective equipment. If not done correctly or by a trained professional, it may expose occupants and workers to asbestos fibers, which can cause severe health problems. Hiring a professional asbestos removal company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex can save you time and money.

We have years of experience in the asbestos removal industry, and we have the proper equipment and training to get the job done correctly. We also abide by all the safety guidelines set by the Health and Safety Executive to ensure that the asbestos removal process is carried out safely, efficiently and to the high standards expected in the industry.

Conclusion

Removing asbestos mastic from concrete in Sussex is not an easy task, but it is necessary to ensure the health and wellness of you and your loved ones. Moreover, hiring Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex to remove the asbestos mastic from your concrete floor can save you time, money, and give you the peace of mind you deserve. Contact us today at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for all your asbestos removal needs. Visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk to learn more about our services.