Finding asbestos is not the best
The very word can strike fear into the hearts of homeowners everywhere: asbestos. Unfortunately, this health-hazardous substance was used in the construction of homes (and ships and automobiles) until the 1970s, which means unless your home is pretty new, asbestos may be lurking in a few places—including the white, insulated tape used to wrap your ductwork. But there’s good news, too: With the proper precautions, you may be able to fully encapsulate asbestos duct wrap in your home without having to go to the potentially costly step of hiring a professional. The process will require some preparation, however. Let’s dive in.
As you probably know, asbestos can shed tiny fibers into the air, which can cause serious health problems like lung disease and lung cancer when people breathe those fibers in. In most cases, asbestos-related diseases are the result of high exposure levels for long periods of time, according to the Environmental Protection Agency—but it’s understandable that most people want to reduce the chance of even minor exposure.
That’s why the first step of the encapsulation process is to invest in the proper safety gear, including a respirator with P-100-rated HEPA filters, goggles, gloves, and a disposable full-coverage suit, which will ensure you don’t track the offending asbestos fibers into your primary living area on your clothes once you’re done with your work.
Because of the highly hazardous nature of asbestos, some people are more comfortable hiring a professional, regardless of the costs—and unless you’re a very skilled contractor yourself, you should never attempt a DIY removal of damaged asbestos materials.
If your asbestos duct wrap is largely intact and contained, encapsulation may be a viable, low-cost option for nullifying the hazardous effects of asbestos. (Keep in mind, though, that painting over asbestos duct wrap can make it even more difficult to remove later, should you decide you want to.)
After suiting up in your protective equipment, head to either your basement or your attic to check out your ducts. Look for a fibrous, white tape on the areas where the ducts bend, or its joints.
If there’s exposed asbestos insulation or any of the asbestos tape is in hidden or hard-to-reach areas, you may need to hire a professional for the best results. But for asbestos-containing tape that’s mostly intact, you can proceed with the encapsulation process.
Using a sealant that’s specifically designed to encapsulate asbestos—which will work to bind with the fibers and thereby render them less of a risk—paint over the duct wrap entirely. The process will only work if no tape is exposed or unpainted, so be thorough. The idea is to cover, or encapsulate, all of the asbestos-containing material under the paint.
Warning: Encapsulating asbestos from the outside of your ducts cannot guarantee that asbestos fibers are not exposed to the interior of the ductwork, which can make its way through your home and pollute your air. While most of the asbestos fibers should stay contained in the tape, and therefore be neutralized by the encapsulation process, ductwork leaks or degradation in your ductwork could lead to health hazards without professional removal.
Allow the sealant to dry completely, and consider adding another layer for extra protection. The drying process can take between 12 and 24 hours, and it may be worth waiting up to 48 hours to ensure the encapsulation is fully cured.
Don’t forget to dispose of your disposable body suit by sealing it in a trash bag (or two) and placing it in the garbage. (For best results, remove your body suit after stepping out of your basement or attic but before walking through the rest of your living space.)
Encapsulating asbestos-containing duct wrap is a relatively easy process—but if you have a more extensive asbestos problem, or if you want to be absolutely sure you and your family are at no risk of asbestos-related health problems, it might be best to hire a professional. After all, the risks of asbestos are significant ones, and your home should be a haven of safety.
Good news: There are many local asbestos abatement companies that can help you get the job done in a timely and budget-friendly manner. That way, you can sit back, ditch the respirator, and let someone else do the dirty work.
Doctor sparky came to my house to add a line in my garage for a freezer. Nathan did a wonderful job talking me through the process and doing the work. He was on time and very polite
DOCTOR SPARKY'S ELECTRIC LLCI recently moved across the country and chose United Trust Van Lines best decision ever The movers arrived on time, carefully packed my fragile items (including a glass dining table and artwork), and delivered everything ahead of schedule. Not a single scratch or missing box! Their team was...
United Trust Van Lines, LLCLeno and his team did a fantastic job on our home’s remodel. Clear estimates, great communication, and the workmanship is excellent, everything looks beautiful. They stayed on schedule, respected the space, and left it spotless. Highly recommend!
Hurtado paintingI recently hired Iconiq Construction for my bathroom renovation, and I couldn?t be happier with the results! From start to finish, the team was professional, attentive, and detail-oriented. They transformed my vision into reality, and the quality of their work exceeded my expectations. The...
Iconiq Construction, LLCI hired Space Air Duct Cleaning after reading great reviews. They didn't disappoint! The technicians were courteous and efficient. They showed me before-and-after photos, and the improvement was astonishing. My allergies have lessened, and the HVAC system works better now. Great value for...
Space Air Duct CleaningBecause of their personnel; exceptional competence, efficiency, and attention to detail, every installation and repair was completed to the highest standards. They provided prompt service, transparent communication, and reasonable prices. Alpina Mechanical was a dependable option for HVAC...
Alpina Mechanical, LLCPatterson Construction prioritizes customer satisfaction above all else. They listened to my concerns and preferences and made sure to address them throughout the project. Their dedication to ensuring I was happy with the final result was evident every step of the way.
MR.MAX LLC is a very good service company for lawn and yard waste clean up work . your team was professional, knowledgeable, and efficient. Thank you so much for your service.
I recently used Cleaning From The Heart LLC, and I'm extremely satisfied with the results. The workers were punctual, efficient, and left my home looking immaculate. I appreciated their attention to detail and dedication to customer satisfaction.
Cleaning From The Heart LLCIf I could give 10 stars I would. He is knowledgeable, experienced, professional, diligent and honest. Customer satisfaction is his #1 priority. Our home interior painting project and the deck recoating projects were completed as scheduled and at a great price.
Seha Enterprises LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
What you’ll pay in Seattle, WA for furnace repairs depends on many factors. Here’s a breakdown of what can go wrong and the cost to fix those issues.
The average boiler installation cost depends on size, system type, and other factors. Keep reading to learn the cost of a new boiler in Seattle, WA.
Inspections are an essential part of furnace maintenance. Prevent inconvenient breakdowns by budgeting for furnace inspection costs and repairs.
Is your furnace not blowing hot air? Find out 13 common culprits behind a cold furnace, plus tips for how to get the warm air pumping again.
If you’re having issues with your heating and cooling system, it’s probably time to discuss these heat pump questions with your HVAC pro.
Thinking about installing a heat pump in your home? Learn about the different types of heat pumps and the options you can choose from in this guide.
