What Is Asbestos Abatement? Everything to Know About Safely Managing Asbestos

If you're living in a home built before the 1980s, you may worry whether asbestos is in your walls, siding, or ceilings. You have options to help keep your home safe, but what is asbestos abatement? Learn what your options are when you hire an asbestos abatement professional near you to protect your home from this hazardous material.

What Is Asbestos Abatement?

Asbestos abatement refers to managing and reducing asbestos materials in a building to eliminate the potential release of asbestos fibers. Abatement minimizes any risks posed by asbestos-containing materials, especially when they get damaged or disturbed. Abatement applies to older structures where asbestos was used in construction materials, such as insulation, floor tiles, and roofing materials.

There are two approaches to asbestos abatement: removal and encapsulation. Removal involves taking out asbestos materials entirely, while encapsulation seals the materials to prevent fiber release. Each approach requires compliance with strict safety guidelines to ensure asbestos remains contained and controlled.

The Dangers and Risks of Asbestos

What is asbestos? Asbestos is a formerly used construction material made up of microscopic fibers that pose serious health risks. When disturbed, asbestos fibers can be easily inhaled and get trapped in the lungs, leading to chronic inflammation and scarring. Illnesses associated with exposure include asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare but aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. Symptoms take years to develop, which means you may not realize you've been affected until long after exposure.

The danger of asbestos lies in its durability and ability to linger in the environment if not properly managed. Even low levels of exposure can accumulate over time, posing risks, especially to construction workers, asbestos abatement professionals, and people living in older buildings. Because of these dangers, handling asbestos requires strict safety measures and professional intervention to ensure that asbestos fibers aren't released into the air.

If you're unsure if your home contains asbestos, hire an asbestos testing professional near you to check your home for the material.

Types of Abatement Services

Homeowners can choose between two abatement options: removal and encapsulation. Each service addresses asbestos differently depending on the material's condition and location. Both asbestos abatement services prevent the fibers from becoming airborne and causing potential harm to the home's inhabitants. 

Asbestos Removal

Asbestos removal completely rids the home of asbestos-containing materials. This approach is recommended when materials are damaged, deteriorating, or located in areas where they might be frequently disturbed.

Abatement professionals set up a containment area to prevent fibers from spreading and then carefully extract the asbestos material piece by piece. After removal, the materials are sealed and transported to a designated facility for safe disposal, ensuring that no asbestos remains.

Asbestos Encapsulation

Asbestos encapsulation seals the material in place to prevent fiber release. This method is preferred when the asbestos-containing material is in good condition but can be hazardous if disturbed.

Abatement professionals apply a sealant or barrier to the material's surface, creating a protective coating. Encapsulation is a quicker and more affordable option than removal. However, encapsulation requires regular monitoring to ensure the material remains undisturbed and intact.

Asbestos Abatement Cost

Asbestos abatement costs depend on the method you choose. Asbestos removal is more expensive than encapsulation. The average asbestos removal cost ranges between $450 and $6,000, but largely depends on the size and location of the affected area. Homeowners pay, on average, $5 to $20 per square foot. Encapsulation costs less, averaging $2 to $6 per square foot.