Asbestos Encapsulation
Encapsulating Asbestos and Controlling the Risk
Once a popular material due to its excellent fire insulation property, asbestos has been illegal to use in UK construction for many years and 60 countries worldwide have banned or restricted its use. Despite the restrictions, it is estimated that at least 50% of all asbestos ever used in the UK is still present in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers, roofing, caulking and other areas. The safest and most cost-effective means of preventing the further release of harmful asbestos fibres into the air is asbestos encapsulation, as opposed to asbestos removal which can often prove impractical and costly. With no disturbance to the asbestos, work can be completed quickly with minimal disruption.
Safe & Cost-Effective Solution
Little surface preparation is required prior to the application of Flexcrete’s asbestos encapsulation membranes. Able to be applied to damp substrates in confined spaces, our asbestos encapsulation products ‘lock in’ dangerous fibres within a permanent, seamless, durable, waterproof membrane. Waterborne and non-hazardous, the coatings can be applied to both steel and concrete and cure to form a tough finish that assures long-term durability. They upgrade the surface whilst creating a safe environment for the future, ensuring full compliance with all asbestos regulationsOnce a popular material due to its excellent fire insulation property, asbestos has been illegal to use in UK construction for many years and 60 countries worldwide have banned or restricted its use. Despite the restrictions, it is estimated that at least 50% of all asbestos ever used in the UK is still present in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, boilers, roofing, caulking and other areas.
The Hidden Killer
Asbestos has been termed the ‘hidden killer’ as it can cause serious diseases that often take a long time to develop, including Mesothelioma and Asbestos-related Lung Cancer. Due to legislation such as the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2012, the owners of buildings and other assets, such as tunnels and access shafts, have a legal obligation to identify and control asbestos under their ‘duty to manage asbestos’.
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Asbestos Encapsulation Problems and Solutions
- Asbestos Encapsulation
The Problem
All building owners have a legal obligation to identify and control asbestos to prevent release of fibres. Removal is often impractical or very expensive and encapsulation can provide a cost-effective way of controlling the risk.
The Solution
CUI can be effectively controlled and prevented by coating the pipes and steelwork with two layers of Cemprotec E942. This stand-alone anti-corrosive system is equally effective when applied to steel where full preparation to Sa2½ is not possible. Independent tests have documented its performance even when subjected to temperature cycles which typically pass repeatedly through the dew point.
Asbestos Encapsulation Products
Find out more about Flexcrete’s range of asbestos encapsulation products below:
| Biodex Wash | A powerful surface treatment for neutralising active mould, fungal and bacterial growth prior to the application of Flexcrete products. |
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| Cemprotec Clutch Filler | Mortar for sealing the surface gap at the interlock or clutch between piles. |
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| Cemprotec E942 | Waterproofing and protection of concrete where enhanced chemical resistance is needed. Stand alone anti-corrosion coating for ferrous metal. |
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| Curing Membrane WB | Water based curing membrane / sealer, formulated for use with Flexcrete Repair Systems. |
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Asbestos Encapsulation Projects
Take a look below at some of Flexcrete’s latest asbestos encapsulation projects, or browse the project profile pages to find more.
Project Profile
Project Location: Hanger Lane Underpass, London
Flexcrete’s asbestos encapsulation and waterproofing system was applied in the Hanger Lane Underpass with the use of two double decker buses.
Project Profile
Project Location: BT Underground Tunnels, London
Flexcrete’s water-based coating Cemprotec E942 was chosen for asbestos encapsulation inside BT Underground Tunnels in London.
Project Profile
Project Location: Kingsway Tunnel Invert, Liverpool
Flexcrete’s products were used for the asbestos encapsulation between precast segments in Kingsway Tunnel Invert in Liverpool.