Why Do You Need To Be Careful Removing Your Old Carpet?

Why Do You Need To Be Careful While Removing Your Old Carpet?

When it comes to Carpet Removal jobs, there is a list of installation methods:
– Smoothedge
– Nailed
– Staple Gunned
– Glued Carpet Tiles
– Glued Broadloom Carpet

If it’s a residential job, the carpet is most likely installed with:
– Smoothedge
– Staple Gun
– Nailed

If it’s a commercial job, the carpet is most likely installed with:
– Glued Carpet Tiles
– Glued Broadloom Carpet

Staple guns were the old method used to install carpets from the 1920s – 1990s, carpets installed after the 1990s will always be installed with smoothedge and not staple guns, as staple guns were phased out after this period, as well as asbestos underlays.

It’s vital to know if the carpet is indeed staple gunned. If it is, there will be a “Brown Hessian Underlay” underneath the carpet. This must be sent to a lab such as AIRSAFE.NET.AU to test if it contains ASBESTOS.

Dangerous contaminated dust and asbestos particles are likely to be present in staple gunned carpets (and underlays) even if the carpet appears to be in good condition (Especially underneath!). If carpet removal is not carried out carefully, other home areas such as children’s play areas, bedrooms, or living areas can easily become contaminated with dangerous dust and asbestos particles. That may be nearly invisible to the eye.

Why Can Old Underlay Contain Asbestos?

Carpet underlay was often made from old hessian bags from the 1920s to the 1980s, and these bags sometimes came from abroad, having been used to ship goods. Made from asbestos, wool, jute, and even materials such as goat hair, these bags would be shredded and cleaned. Luckily, in many samples, all the asbestos has been removed during this process. Although unfortunately in some, the asbestos still remains.

Am I At Risk?

If your carpet was installed pre-1980 then there’s a small risk that it might contain asbestos. Therefore, it’s important not to rip up old carpet without getting it tested first. If you pull up an old underlay, dust and fibres are released into the air, which could contain asbestos particles. While the ill effects of breathing asbestos aren’t always noticeable straight away, breathing in fibres could lead to lung conditions decades later that are life-threatening. Which is often the result of a large number of tradies dying per year (Around 4000 Australians die every year from asbestos-related diseases)

What Does Asbestos Carpet Underlay Look Like?

As you can see below, the asbestos carpet underlay has a unique brown look that feels “Fluffy and Fiberious” Some may be thicker than others, but they will all pretty much have the same look, as shown below.

Is It Safe To Vacuum Old Carpet That Has Asbestos Underlay?

If you have an older carpet with an asbestos underlay underneath, it should still be perfectly safe to vacuum it. Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, but if it’s used in an underlay, the carpet should prevent it from being damaged (As long as there isn’t damage to the carpet, which may be exposing the underlay).

– There’s no evidence to show that vacuuming a carpet would release asbestos fibres, so don’t worry if you’ve done this in the past.

Do I Need To Remove The Underlay?

It may be that you have an older carpet but don’t want to replace it, in which case, it’s worth speaking to the experts to get the underlay tested. The official advice is that the risk from asbestos underlay is low, and as long as it’s not disturbed, it shouldn’t cause issues. However, when homeowners find out they’ve got asbestos in their house, most of them choose to get it removed. This is because there’s always a small risk it’ll get damaged or disturbed, and in a situation, such as a fire, it just adds an extra hazard.

Old carpets can also wear or become torn and damaged over time. While they can last for decades, they will eventually degrade, which then removes the barrier between you and the asbestos.

Another thing to consider is whether you plan to sell your house in future. Any potential owners will need to be notified of the presence of asbestos to ensure they don’t just pull up the carpet, and it’s something that can put off buyers. For peace of mind, you might find removal the easiest choice.

Removing Asbestos Underlay

Because of the risk of even small amounts of asbestos, it’s important to leave it to professionals. They will be able to:

– Bring the correct safety equipment
– Follow all government safety guidelines
– Pull up the old underlay and remove it safely
– Ensure it’s disposed of properly at a certified facility

That’s why it’s best not to attempt a DIY job, as improper sealing or disposal can see you falling foul of environmental health rules. It’s also the kind of job that must always be left up to the professionals, as they can ensure there’s no trace of the old underlay, dust or fibres left in the property, ensuring that your home is safe and ready for the reinstallation of a new flooring system.

Can Carpet Glue Contain Asbestos?

Up until the 1980s, asbestos was occasionally used in adhesives, known as “Black Mastic Glue“. In some cases, these glues were used to seal the edges of carpets and other flooring such as laminates or tiles. As with underlay, it doesn’t pose an immediate danger, as it’s difficult for the fibres to escape. However, as the adhesive gets older, it can flake and become more dangerous, and if disturbed it can cause problems. If you suspect any kind of asbestos has been used in your home, then you shouldn’t try to remove it, and get the experts in to test and offer advice.

What Should I Do With Hessian Bags or Underlay?

If you have any old hessian bags or underlay laying around the garage, then you should also get them disposed of. These old bags could have been made with asbestos, or been used to carry asbestos, which means they can pose a danger. Don’t try to wrap them up yourself, or transport them in your car. Simply call asbestos removal specialists who can pick them up and dispose of them properly.

Click Here To View Our Carpet Removal Page For More Information
Click Here To View Our Asbestos Warning Page For More Information
Click Here To View Our Magnesite Flooring Removal Page For More Information