How to Encapsulate Asbestos Pipe Insulation Safely
When it comes to asbestos, you don't want to shake things up
- Safety goggles
- Respirator with asbestos-rated HEPA filter
- Disposable hazmat suit
- Disposable gloves
- Disposable booties
- Pipe repair wrap
- Rewettable pipe lagging
- Asbestos encapsulation paint
If you are a homeowner with asbestos pipe insulation in your house, you have three options: leave it alone, remove it, or encapsulate it. Leaving it alone is really only a choice if the material is in good condition. If there is damage, then removal or encapsulation is the way to go. While you will need to hire a pro to do the work, knowing how to encapsulate asbestos pipe insulation can help you understand what is involved in the process.
Prepping to Encapsulate Asbestos Pipe Insulation
Before taking steps to encapsulate asbestos pipe insulation, you need to identify it and determine if it is damaged. Asbestos pipe insulation looks like gray-white corrugated paper, wrapped around the pipes in your home. (You may also spot asbestos wire while inspecting the walls of an old home.) The only way to determine for sure that the insulation contains asbestos is to have it tested by a local professional asbestos abatement company.
Once you have determined that the material contains asbestos, evaluate its condition. If the insulation is intact, your best option is to leave it alone. Asbestos only causes problems when disturbed.
If there are signs of damage, such as crumbling or flaking material, you will need to decide whether to remove or encapsulate the insulation. Encapsulating, or sealing, the material may be appropriate if only a small area is affected or you are not planning on a major remodel. An asbestos professional can give you guidance on next steps and your best course of action.
How to Know If You Have Asbestos Pipe Insulation
If your home was built before the 1980s, your pipe insulation may contain asbestos. Before you start investigating, make sure you're wearing a dust mask and safety goggles to err on the side of caution.
Search for asbestos insulation by inspecting older pipes in your home, looking for a white or gray material that may be flaky or dusty. In some cases, the insulation looks paper-like or has a rough, cement-like coating. Look for insulation that resembles corrugated cardboard or has a cloth-like covering.
Insulation that's brittle or crumbles easily are common asbestos signs. If you're unsure about the material or you see that it is deteriorating, avoid touching it. Disturbing any type of asbestos can increase the risk of inhaling the harmful fibers.
Encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos removal. This process uses a sealant to bind asbestos fibers so they cannot be released into the air. This method is only suitable in some situations and must always be performed by a professional.
Wear Protective Gear
You do not want to inhale asbestos or spread its fibers around your home. To prevent that from happening, you and any professionals who work with the material should wear the right protective gear.
To avoid breathing in asbestos fibers, wear a respirator that is equipped with an asbestos-rated HEPA filter. To keep the fibers from getting on your body or clothes, wear a disposable hazmat suit, booties, and gloves. Remove the suit, gloves, and booties before exiting the work area and discard in a garbage bag.
Repair Damaged Areas
Repair damaged areas of insulation before you encapsulate them. Fill the five-gallon bucket with water, then dip a roll of pipe repair wrap into the bucket. Completely saturate the wrap, then wring it out to remove excess water. Wrap the repair wrap around the damaged sections, cutting the material with the scissors once you have fully covered a section.
Encapsulate the Asbestos Pipe Insulation
Encapsulate the pipe insulation once you have repaired the damaged areas. Cut the lagging into three-foot lengths to make it easier to work with. You can either dip the lagging into a bucket of water, then wrap it around the pipe insulation, or wrap the pipe with the dry lagging, then spray with water to activate it. When wrapping the pipes, make sure there is an overlap of at least three, but not more than six, inches with each strip. Let the lagging dry for up to 48 hours.
Seal the Insulation
Painting the lagging with a sealant paint adds an extra layer of protection. Once the lagging is fully dried, apply the sealant paint over the material using a paint brush.
Allow to Dry
Allow the sealant to dry for up to 16 hours to ensure the first layer has fully adhered to the asbestos insulation. This creates a stable base for the next coat. Keep the room well-ventilated as it dries and avoid disturbing the encapsulated area to prevent any potential fiber release.
Apply a Second Coat
After the first coat has dried completely, apply a second coat of sealant to reinforce the seal. This will reduce the risk of fiber release and add extra durability. Follow the same steps used for the first application and keep the area ventilated while it dries.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Encapsulating asbestos pipe insulation is definitely a project to leave to the professionals. Depending on where you live, you may be required to hire a professional asbestos abatement company and report any encapsulation or removal projects to the local health department.
Beyond any legal requirements, the risk of handling asbestos yourself is just too great. Exposure to the material can lead to scarring of the lungs or cancer of the mesothelium, a thin tissue that lines many of your internal organs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos has many beneficial properties, including fire resistance, strength, and chemical resistance. It is also an excellent insulator, which is why it was used in pipe insulation and other building materials for decades. For all its benefits, asbestos is dangerous for human health, which is why it was eventually banned from use in certain products.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) banned the use of asbestos pipe insulation in certain applications in 1975. It released further bans in 1989 and 2019. While asbestos pipe insulation was common from the 1930s to 1970s, its use fell off after the 1970s due to public concern and the EPA's actions.
Do not panic if you are exposed to asbestos. The illnesses associated with asbestos exposure are rare. If you are concerned about exposure, talk to your doctor, especially if you are having any respiratory symptoms, such as coughing or difficulty breathing. They may recommend imaging to get a view of the insides of your organs and determine if scarring or growths are present.
Asbestos removal costs range from $400 to $6,000, depending on your location and the size of the issue. A full home remediation project may cost as much as $30,000. The type of material you want to remove also affects the cost. It typically costs between $5 and $15 per square foot to remove asbestos pipe insulation. Encapsulation is often less expensive, ranging from $2 to $5 per square foot.
