Asbestos Abatement or Asbestos Encapsulation: Which is Right for You?

No one ever wants to hear that their house or commercial property has Asbestos inside. Yet, if you own or manage a property in Michigan that is more than a few decades old, this is a very real possibility. If you’re told that your building has Asbestos, you need to take immediate action. This is not something to wait on! That’s the first step, and an important one. The next step is to choose exactly how to remove the threat of Asbestos. You may be surprised to learn you don’t actually need to get rid of the Asbestos inside of the building in order to do so.

What is Asbestos Abatement?

When you think of Asbestos removal, you’re thinking of abatement. There are two different classifications for Asbestos, friable and non-friable. Friable Asbestos is considered to be any Asbestos material that can be pulverized or crumbled by hand pressure. This is when it’s most dangerous, as the invisible fibers can be easily inhaled. This is what causes serious lung damage, cancer, and even death. Abatement is a service in which the Asbestos is removed all together from the building.

What is Asbestos Encapsulation?

Your second option is encapsulation. Asbestos encapsulation is a term used when Asbestos is left in place but covered with a protective barrier to reduce risk of asbestos exposure. This is basically covering up and totally encasing the toxic material, instead of bringing it out of the building. Encapsulation involves covering the Asbestos with a performance coating that protects the Asbestos and seals any exposed, raw Asbestos edges. It also reduces any potential for fiber release through general degradation. Encapsulation protects against accidental knocks and scrapes. It is said by many that Asbestos encapsulation within a seamless, protective coating is possibly the safest and most cost effective method of Asbestos management. It involves relatively little disturbance of the Asbestos itself, therefore minimising risk. As noted above, when Asbestos is friable it is at its most dangerous.

Asbestos Abatement or Asbestos Encapsulation: Which is Right for You?

While Asbestos removal may seem like the obvious choice for dealing with Asbestos, it’s often more complicated than that. Abatement tends to be more expensive and can result in extensive downtime for a place of business. If you find you have Asbestos, but it hasn’t yet become friable, choosing encapsulation will ensure it never becomes so. 

Which is the right decision for your situation? Contact us and let us work with you to decide! While many people’s first instinct is often to remove Asbestos, it’s worth remembering that it’s not always the safest or most cost effective solution. As long as the Asbestos is deemed to be in good condition, Asbestos encapsulation is a highly effective, more affordable way of managing the issue Not to mention, it is less hazardous and more efficient in certain situations.