Asbestos
Encapsulation
Encapsulation treats asbestos-containing material with a coating that embeds or surrounds the fibers to keep them in place, instead of removing the material from the building.
Encapsulation is a way to manage asbestos without taking it out. A coating either forms a membrane over the surface or soaks in and binds the material together. Either way, the goal is to stop fiber release.
It can make sense for material that is in good condition and out of the way of daily wear. It is less suited to material that is damaged, crumbling or in the path of a planned renovation. If you plan to cut into a wall, encapsulation does not help.
An encapsulated area still contains asbestos. It must be inspected, kept in good shape, and disclosed to future crews. If the coating fails or the material is damaged, the risk returns.
Before you choose, get an asbestos survey and ask for a written comparison with removal. Material that is friable often changes the answer. Match the method to the condition of the material and your plans for the space.
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