Special skills and tools necessary—leave it to the pros.
Time to complete
64 hours
A pro can seal up your asbestos quicker.
Cost
$500–$1,000
Professional encapsulation costs $2 to $6 per square foot.
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What you'll need:
TOOLS
Safety goggles
Respirator with asbestos-rated HEPA filter
Disposable hazmat suit
Disposable gloves
Disposable booties
Five-gallon bucket
Scissors
Spray bottle
Paint brush
SUPPLIES
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.
Before taking steps to encapsulate asbestos pipe insulation, you need to identify it and determine if it is damaged. Asbestos pipe insulation often 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.
Angi Tip
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.
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 it to dry for up to 16 hours, then apply a second coat.
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 department of health.
Beyond any legal requirements, the risk of trying to handle asbestos yourself is just too great. Exposure to the material can lead to scarring on the lungs or cancer of the mesothelium, which is 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.
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.
Amy is a content writer specializing in home improvement and personal finance topics. She loves helping people tackle DIY projects that beautify their spaces. Her work can also be found on Money Crashers and Coldwell Banker where she combines home improvement and money saving tips.
The homeowners guide to Asbestos Removal
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
