Asbestos Sprayed Coating
There are many forms of asbestos products that could potentially be lurking in your home or workplace and it’s important to understand the different types, especially seen as asbestos is not completely banned in the USA.
Asbestos was mined and used extensively in the USA in the late 1800s to the 1980s due to the fire and heat resistant properties it had among others. It was cheap, relatively easy to mine, and a better option compared to other similar products.
However, asbestos is now known to be incredibly dangerous too and when the fibres are inhaled it can result in permanent lung damage and even cancer. One of the most dangerous asbestos products is asbestos sprayed coating and we take a look at what it is and how to identify it below.
How to Paint Over Asbestos
Asbestos sprayed coating is essentially a granulated form of asbestos that has been sprayed using hoses onto surfaces to provide insulation or to prevent the build-up of moisture. It is typically found in the following places and used for the following purposes:
• Underside of roofs
• Sides of buildings and warehouses
• Fire protection on steel beams
• Sprayed onto the underside of floors
• Filler
• Insulation
It is more commonly used internally and in places you cannot easily see, but it was used for external building cladding too and warehouse coverings.
This is one of the most dangerous types of asbestos product due to its high asbestos content. Typically, asbestos sprayed coating contained 85% asbestos which aside from asbestos rope makes it one of the highest strains.
The danger is increased because the sprayed coating breaks up easily so the fibres can be released with minimum effort. Even small chunks of asbestos sprayed coating flaking or breaking off from the surface can release a large amount of fibres due to the higher percentage of pure asbestos.
What Does Asbestos Sprayed Coating Look Like?
Asbestos sprayed coating is one of the easier asbestos products to identify and it is typically found in the following places:
• Lofts on the underside of roofs
• Structural steel beams
• Structural concrete
• Areas where there is insulation
In appearance, it looks like a lumpy grey or white concrete-like substance. It is usually bobbly and never smooth and has a textured appearance and depending on the quality and age it could be patchy or flaky. The overall color is usually white but it is typically speckled and will have flecks of grey and black in it too.
When did They Stop Using Asbestos Sprayed Coating?
Asbestos products used in construction and for residential purposes were stopped being used in the USA in the 1980s. There is generally an overlap where manufacturers were told not to produce their asbestos products anymore, and when they sold their remaining stocks.
As a result, we state that no property built after 1990 should contain asbestos sprayed coating or any asbestos products. The earlier your property was built, the higher the chance that it could contain asbestos sprayed coating.
Realistically, if your property was built after 1985 then it shouldn’t contain any asbestos but there isn’t any guarantee. Indeed, asbestos is still imported in the USA today and not completely banned. This is why we say 1990 to ere on the side of caution.
How to Deal With Asbestos Sprayed Coating?
After reading the above info you should have a clear idea if your home could contain asbestos and where to look for asbestos sprayed coating. You then need to know what to do if you find it and we have listed some of the main considerations and processes below.
Testing for Asbestos Sprayed Coating
If you think you have identified asbestos sprayed coating then the first thing to do is to test for it! Our asbestos testing kits are the easiest and quickest way to do this and they mean that you don’t have to have any specialist help.
The kit includes sample bags and complete instructions on how to obtain a sample safely. This is because you must physically remove some of the sprayed coating which can be dangerous without the correct equipment and PPE.
Speaking of PPE, you get all the require equipment including the most important item – a face mask. A pre-paid envelope is also included so you can safely send the asbestos sample off to our labs. Once the samples are received, expect results within 72-hours via email. Using these testing kits lets you know for certain if the sprayed coating does contain asbestos.
Removing Asbestos Sprayed Coating
Asbestos sprayed coating can be difficult to remove as without removing the entire thing it is sprayed onto, you would need to scrape or chisel the coating away – like plaster. Please do not attempt to do this yourself – it’s just too dangerous.
Instead, if you do want the sprayed coating removed then you need to hire professional asbestos removers. These companies specialize in safe asbestos removal and will have the tools and knowledge to get rid of the coating or advise on the best course of action.Cleaning Asbestos Sprayed CoatingWe generally advise against trying to clean any asbestos sprayed coating due to the high asbestos content and the potential for releasing the dangerous fibres. Even if you are incredibly gentle you could accidentally disturb the coating.
Certainly using something like a power washer is a huge no no as the force could easily break off layers of the coating and release it into the air.
Painting Asbestos Sprayed Coating
If the asbestos sprayed coating is in-tact and undamaged, then it is possible to paint over it. You should only attempt this if the surface is undamaged though – if you see that it is frayed or patchy then avoid it and seek professional advice.
If the spray is still in a great condition, then the first action is to use a special sealing paint. You can get sealant paints that are applied before the main coat, and these will lock in the asbestos spray and prevent any from escaping. After that you can apply your standard paint to give the area color.
The reality is, however, is that you should not need to paint over any asbestos sprayed coating due to how it is used. In most instances, it is used in a protective application and is not external so you don’t usually see it.