Asbestos flooring was once widely used in residential homes and businesses because it is resistant to fire and very durable. When people became more aware of the health dangers associated with asbestos, controls were enacted to restrict its application. If you have older asbestos flooring on your property, you might be wondering if covering it up is a safe choice or if a professional touch is required. Prior to making a choice, consider factors such as asbestos removal in Toronto, the need for a designated substance survey, and air quality testing to ensure safety.
In case you suspect asbestos within your flooring, it is wise to seek professional guidance from the specialists at Inch by Inch Inspections.
What Is Asbestos Flooring and Why Is It Dangerous
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Asbestos was used extensively in vinyl tiles, linoleum, and adhesives because of its heat resistance and durability. Intact asbestos flooring is safe but becomes dangerous when it is cut or broken and releases tiny fibres into the air. The tiny fibres may cause serious diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Identification of asbestos flooring is best conducted by professional designated substance surveys as a visual check is not always sufficient.
Is It Safe to Cover Old Asbestos Flooring?
Covering asbestos flooring may, in certain cases, prove to be an affordable and safer option than removal. Encapsulation, or sealing asbestos material so that fibres are prevented from being released, is widely recommended where the flooring is intact and not touched. Common ways of covering asbestos flooring include:
- Installing New Flooring: Laminate flooring, vinyl planks, or carpeting over asbestos tiles.
- Using Epoxy Coatings: These create a seal to keep asbestos fibres from entering the air.
- Installing Plywood or Cement Board: This adds an additional layer of protection before installing new flooring.
Before performing any removals, air quality testing should be conducted in order to determine if asbestos fibres are already present in the air. Inch by Inch Inspections can determine the safety of your floors and recommend accordingly.
When To Have Asbestos Flooring Removed Instead?
Not all asbestos flooring can be covered. If the floor is worn, crumbling, or cracked, having asbestos removed in Toronto may be your only safe option. Signs that removal is necessary are:
- Visible Wear: Crumbling or damaged asbestos tiles will emit fibres.
- Future Renovations: If the flooring is in a location that is going to be disturbed, then removal is the way to go.
- Risk Exposure: Higher risks of exposure are possible with highly trafficked regions or areas containing higher moisture.
Employing a skilled asbestos removal company ensures compliance with safety regulations as well as decreasing health risks. Inspections for designated substances are also required beforehand to determine available harmful substances in case of renovation.
Best Practice Guidelines for the Covering of Asbestos Flooring
If considered safe to cover asbestos flooring, proper best practice is necessary to prevent exposure. Procedures in the covering process involve:
- Conducting an Inspection: A professional assessment, including air quality tests, confirms the condition of the flooring.
- Choosing the Rght Covering Material: Ensure the new flooring material is not adhesive-based or sanded heavily, as this can release asbestos.
- Avoiding Drilling or Cutting: Any action that disturbs the asbestos must be avoided to prevent fibre release.
- Sealing the Edges: Sealing effectively minimizes the likelihood of asbestos particles seeping in the long run.
For professional advice and safe removal, Inch by Inch Inspections offers expert services to ensure your home remains asbestos-free.
Regulations and Safety Considerations
Handling asbestos is governed by strict safety regulations. In most regions, including Toronto, homeowners and businesses must comply with local laws regarding asbestos management. Before any renovation or encapsulation, a designated substance survey may be legally required to ascertain the presence of dangerous materials. Also, air testing should be carried out prior to and after the work to ensure a safe environment. Using qualified experts such as Inch by Inch Inspections assures adherence to laws and regulations and provides long-term safety.
Making the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing to cover or have asbestos flooring removed is based on various factors, such as its condition, possibility of disturbance, and legislation. Although asbestos flooring can, in fact, be safely and successfully covered in some cases, degraded or damaged materials typically require professional asbestos removal in Toronto. Whichever your situation, professional consultation is essential. Inch by Inch Inspections provides comprehensive inspections, including designated substance surveys and air testing, that allow homeowners to make an educated decision. Prioritize professional guidance and safety to achieve the best from your home or business.