Asbestos Encapsulation: When Sealing Beats Removal
Discovering asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building triggers an expensive question: remove or manage? UK regulations (Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) don't always require removal — if ACMs are in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, managing them in place is often the safer route. That's where encapsulation comes in.
What is asbestos encapsulation?
Encapsulation seals sound asbestos-containing materials behind a durable, flexible coating so fibres cannot be released into the air. The coating covers the ACM completely and cures into an elastic, crack-bridging film that moves with the substrate instead of cracking off it.
Encapsulation vs removal
- Cost — where the material is sound, encapsulation usually costs much less than removal
- Disruption — no removal enclosure; the work area is segregated while the coating goes on
- Risk — removal itself disturbs fibres; encapsulation leaves the material undisturbed
- Compliance — encapsulated ACMs stay on your asbestos register and need periodic inspection
Removal remains the right call when ACMs are badly damaged, will be disturbed by refurbishment, or the building is being demolished.
Our encapsulation coating
Asbestos Shield (formerly Soteria) is an elastic coating designed for sealing sound ACMs such as asbestos cement roofing and cladding. For protecting floors and walls during removal or strip-out — a different job — see Surface Pro, a peelable temporary film.
How it's applied
- Survey and record the ACM (your asbestos management duty)
- Prepare access — no abrasion or disturbance of the material itself
- Apply the coating in even passes to the specified film thickness, using low-pressure methods where possible in line with HSE guidance
- Inspect, document, and add to the management plan with a re-inspection schedule
Important: HSE lists encapsulating or sealing in asbestos that is in good condition as non-licensed work. Operatives need non-licensed work training (UKATA Category B or equivalent) — awareness training alone is not enough — plus a written risk assessment and plan of work. Damaged or friable materials need an HSE-licensed contractor. Always confirm the category for your situation from the survey and HSE guidance.
Questions about a specific ACM? Talk to our technical team.