Hello!
I have started tearing out the fireplace that I believe is as old as the house, from 1973.
I already knew that previous owners had laid laminate flooring directly on the carpet that the house was built with. But now it turns out that the fireplace is also on the carpet, however, with a plywood spacer, fiber mat, and spark protection in between. See pictures.
Do I need to be worried that the fiber material under the spark protection contains asbestos?
I have started tearing out the fireplace that I believe is as old as the house, from 1973.
I already knew that previous owners had laid laminate flooring directly on the carpet that the house was built with. But now it turns out that the fireplace is also on the carpet, however, with a plywood spacer, fiber mat, and spark protection in between. See pictures.
Do I need to be worried that the fiber material under the spark protection contains asbestos?
It looks suspicious to me. But at the same time, it doesn't. I see fiber on the edge but what kind of fiber? From the carpet? Asbestos? Looks a bit like pipe insulation? Or not? Shouldn't a regular asbestos board have been placed under the spark protection? There are many questions but no answers. As usual, it's easiest and best to send it for analysis. It costs a few hundred kronor. The one who knows knows.
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· Västernorrland
· 12 029 posts
But if you're going to remove the stove and can take away the spark protection, should you still remove the board with that white stuff on it regardless? Or are you saying you don't dare to touch it and need to call in the cavalry if it contains asbestos?
I became a bit impatient (and careless) and removed the spark guard. Now, I have placed the three small pieces in a plastic bag. I have taken the large piece of fiber material (board) outside laying on the plywood board. On the plywood board, small remnants of the fiber material had stuck. The material is very porous and breaks apart very easily.
It is cheaper to sort it as asbestos than to send it for analysis.
It is cheaper to sort it as asbestos than to send it for analysis.
Visually, it looks very similar to what I have around my pipes, enclosed with horsehair and some cardboard. Sent for analysis and it's asbestos. Considering where it's been used at your place as well, that's exactly the application asbestos can be used for.
If you can lift the whole board off, that would probably be good. Maybe spray something so that it stays in place? Or dissolve in water and scrape off?
If you can lift the whole board off, that would probably be good. Maybe spray something so that it stays in place? Or dissolve in water and scrape off?
The material has now been taken to the recycling center. It was so little that they didn't bother charging.
Interesting! Is the reasoning that other fibers burn but not asbestos? I'm not convinced it's that easy myself.H hars said: