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The Advantages of Covering Asbestos Vs. Removal

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, asbestos materials can be found in building and roofing materials constructed prior to 1970. Because of its potentially harmful health effects, asbestos manufacturing was banned, though some older buildings and products may still contain the material. Due to the inherent health risks, there are certain advantages to covering an asbestos area as opposed to removal.

  1. Health Effects

    • Asbestos minerals consist of a strong fibrous-like material that has insulating properties. Over time, asbestos can begin to deteriorate and break apart. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, exposures to deteriorated or damaged surfaces can pose a serious risk to the lungs and air passageways as microscopic asbestos fibers enter the air. Asbestos-containing products include insulation materials, roofing shingles, paint and patching compounds made before the 1970s. And while removal may eliminate the problem altogether, the potential for releasing asbestos fibers into the air increases. When possible, covering an asbestos surface can be the safest way to avoid harmful health risks.

    Condition of Material

    • The overall condition of an asbestos surface can indicate whether covering or removing is warranted. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, surfaces that appear intact with minimal deterioration pose little to no risk of exposure and are best left alone. Surfaces that do show signs of wear or damage may benefit from using an enclosure material as a way to cover the area. Enclosure materials simply block off an area from open exposure. An example of this might be blocking off asbestos-insulation with a plaster or sheet-rock barrier. According to Partners for Sacred Places, the advantage in enclosing an area leaves asbestos materials intact, which greatly decreases the likelihood of fibrous materials entering the air.

    Cost

    • The costs involved with asbestos removal can be substantially higher than covering an exposed surface and can greatly increase exposure risks when not done properly. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, federal regulations regarding schools and public buildings require contractors who work with asbestos to be licensed. These regulations don't apply for private residences, which means homeowners may be susceptible to unnecessary costs and suffer the effects from improper handling of the material. Another less costly involves encapsulating an asbestos surface and essentially sealing off any breaks or cracks that can release fiber materials into the air, according to Partners for Sacred Places. Encapsulation methods include covering or sealing an asbestos surface, such as laying new vinyl tile overtop asbestos tile. Lamination or paint coatings can also seal off a surface area depending on the texture of the material in question.

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