can I encapsulate asbestos pipes myself?

Answer 1

To respond to some previous answers:

I know of no law that requires disclosure of what is in your own home, except when it comes time to sell it.

Everyone talks about "duct tape". The silver-colored, cloth-like stuff is lousy and not even recommended for use on ducts (read the label). It falls apart in a few years.

6-mil polyetylene plastic sheeting (heavier than painter's tarps) and vapor-barrier sealing tape (it's red, 2" wide, substanial and very sticky) is good. 20-mil, 2" pipe wrap tape also lasts a very long time.

Obviously, the safest and most expensive option is to hire out all the work. If you DIY, you should be aware of all the things a competent contractor would do and why. They would seal off the work area, maintain it under negative pressure, and dress in tyvek suits withhoods, use latex gloves, and have had their respirators fit-tested for their clean-shaven faces.

They would double-bag in 6-mil or thicker any debris and take it to a landfill that allows such waste. They would conduct "clearance tests" after the work.

Is somewhat of that an over-reaction? Sure, in some cases. But really friable asbestos can get all over the place and messing with it can make things worse instead of better unless one is very skilled and practiced.

But intact asbestos? Encapuslated while you wear a well-fitting HEPA respirator, have sealed off the work area and then you wet-mop up all dust? You'd be at a miminal risk as a worker and your family will be ahead for your having done it.

It's your life, your lungs, and your family. If you spend the time to study up on it, understand the risks, and the asbestos isn't in bad shape, I wouldn't try to talk a friend out doing it themselves.

If the job is difficult or you're prone to dive in without doing all the prep work, I'd suggest you put your energies into other tasks around the home and leave this one to people who do it day in and day out.

Answer 2

Asbestos Encapsulation

Answer 3

If the asbestos is friable, I would reccomend hiring an asbestos abatement company to remove the stuff. If the material is solid, enclose the area where the asbestos is located, and encapsulate with an approved spray on encapsulant, then jacket the material with sheet plastic and duct tape. Use an approved(msa) respirator, and good luck.

Answer 4

Wear a good respirator, and then, get rolls and rolls of duct tape.

Get up there and start winding the duct tape around the asbestos pipes and after you have covered every square inch, I would paint the duct tape with a sealer, so that it wont "rot out" or dry out" and it will be sealed and no danger of asbestos leaching out.

IF the asbsetos is already "powdering", then you are required by LAW to report it and for your own saftey and that of your friends, coworkers and family, get an asbestos abatement team in there and have them either remove it, or seal it up. (yep, its gonna cost you thousands, but, if you have ever suffered from any form of lung disease, especially asbestosis, you will be willing to part with that, instead of having your lungs not able to breathe!).

I wish you well..

Jesse
I wish you well..

Jesse

Answer 5

I have a better question, can you handle the effects of cancer. Because if you need to ask this question here you have no business messing with asbestos and for heavens sake don't get the kids involved.

Answer 6

i'd wear mask & cover with sealed plastic sheeting[if not too hot] .maybe encapsulating the possible asbestos airborn by whatever means might do the trick....good luck!!chirp!

Answer 7

Paint them with a high quality enamel paint. Gentle brush strokes will not cause the pipe to crumble. When dry, you can come back with duct tape, and if you want to, another coat of paint.

Answer 8

yes if it is still intact and solid. Wouldnt try otherwise, and if you use duct tape like someone mentioned you want to do it lengthwise not around in circles. I know, just had a home inspector come and tell me this. And definately wear the mask.

Answer 9

Stop The Violence! Go for chemical warfare, offer them a nice cup of coffee with some of your very own special ingredients. Then sit back and HEE HEE HAA HAA while they sip it down.

Answer 10

sure if you are trained in Asbestos abatement and removal-