What is remediation in construction?
Remediation (in Dutch saneren, literally “making healthy”) in construction means removing, isolating or neutralising materials or situations that are harmful to people, the building or the environment. The Dutch word comes from the Latin sanare, to heal. The term is used broadly, from removing asbestos to renewing a sewer or repairing a wall damaged by damp and salts.
Types of remediation
- Asbestos removal: removing materials that contain asbestos. This is strictly regulated. In the Netherlands, in most situations a certified company must do the work, after an asbestos survey. Private individuals may, under conditions, only remove limited quantities of bonded asbestos themselves, and must notify the municipality beforehand. Always check the current rules with your municipality or local authority.
- Soil remediation: excavating, capping or cleaning contaminated soil, for example around an old oil tank or on a former industrial site. If contamination is suspected, a soil survey should be carried out first.
- Wall remediation: repairing walls damaged by damp and salts, by removing old plaster and applying a renovation plaster or a lime plaster, once the source of moisture has been dealt with.
- Sewer rehabilitation: replacing old sewer pipes or repairing them from the inside (relining).
- Timber remediation: removing and replacing timber attacked by fungi or insects.
- Urban renewal: radically improving or replacing run-down neighbourhoods.
When it happens
Remediation usually precedes a conversion or renovation. It is wise to include it early in the planning: an unexpected asbestos find or contaminated soil can halt a project for weeks and push up the budget considerably.
Tips
- For homes built before 1994, have an asbestos survey done first before any demolition or breaking out. Asbestos was banned in the Netherlands in that year.
- If in doubt, stop work. Stop, wet down and seal off the area, and call in an expert.
- Always tackle the cause first. Remediating a wall without solving the damp problem is money thrown away.
Related terms
- Asbestos
- Saltpetre on walls
- Renovation
- Sewer
- Sewer rehabilitation
Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.