How To Remove Old Linoleum With Asbestos In Sussex

Are you planning to do some renovation work in your home, specifically removing your old linoleum floor? Do you know if your old linoleum contains asbestos? If you have an old linoleum flooring, installed before 1980, it is highly possible that it has asbestos in it. Asbestos fibers are dangerous materials that can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma.

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, only licensed asbestos removal companies are allowed to remove more than 1 square meter of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). That means that attempting a DIY asbestos removal of your linoleum floor is not recommended.

However, to help you have an idea of what goes into removing old linoleum with asbestos in Sussex, we've prepared some information to guide you.

Materials

First and foremost, it's important to understand the materials that you will need to remove old linoleum with asbestos. You will need:

• Safety equipment (disposable coveralls, gloves, goggles, and respiratory mask with asbestos-rated filters)
• Asbestos waste sacks
• Heavy-duty plastic sheet
• Adhesive remover or a floor scraper
• Heat gun or hot air blower
• Regular trash bags

It is important to note that the safety equipment must be properly worn throughout the entire process, and the asbestos waste sacks must be properly labelled and disposed of according to current regulations.

Removing the Linoleum

To remove the linoleum from your floor, you will first need to check whether it is asbestos-containing. If it is, you will need to take proper precautions before any removal begins.

Practice Proper Removal Precautions

• Hire a licensed asbestos removal company, such as Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, to remove the asbestos-containing linoleum, rather than doing it yourself.
• Seal off the work area, including all vents, doors, and windows, with heavy-duty plastic sheeting and tape.
• Wear disposable coveralls, gloves, goggles, and respiratory mask with asbestos-rated filters throughout the entire process.
• Place a heavy-duty plastic sheet on the floor to catch any debris, and put regular trash bags outside the work area to dispose of non-asbestos materials.
• Dampen the linoleum with water and let it sit for at least 10 minutes to limit the amount of dust that is generated when it is removed.
• Carefully remove the linoleum with a floor scraper, being careful not to generate any dust.

Removing the Adhesive

Once you have removed the linoleum, you will need to remove the adhesive that is left behind. There are two methods to remove the adhesive: adhesive remover or heat gun.

• Adhesive Remover: Apply the adhesive remover to the floor and let it sit for a few hours, as directed on the package. Then, use a floor scraper to remove the adhesive.
• Heat Gun: Use a heat gun or hot air blower to soften the adhesive, and then use a floor scraper to remove it.

It is important to note that if your linoleum floor is very old, the adhesive may be thicker and stickier, and may require additional work to remove.

Disposing of the Linoleum

After the asbestos-containing linoleum and adhesive have been removed from your floor, you will need to dispose of them properly. Place the debris in asbestos waste sacks and label them correctly before taking them to a designated asbestos disposal facility.

Vinyl Sheet Flooring

If you have a vinyl sheet flooring, you also need to check whether or not it contains asbestos before attempting to remove it. The process for removing vinyl sheet flooring with asbestos is very similar to linoleum. However, because vinyl sheet flooring is thinner than linoleum, it may be easier to eliminate in smaller sections.

Conclusion

In conclusion, removing old linoleum with asbestos is a dangerous job that is best left to the professionals. If you suspect that your old linoleum flooring contains asbestos, do not attempt to remove it yourself.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are licensed to remove more than 1 square meter of asbestos-containing materials, including asbestos linoleum and vinyl sheet flooring. We provide professional and affordable asbestos removal services in Sussex, South East England. Contact us at 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected] for more information about our services.