Several decades ago, asbestos was still widely used in construction, often chosen as an insulating material in many areas of the home. Unfortunately, this means houses built in the UK before 2000 (when asbestos use was banned) may still have asbestos present.
But why is asbestos so dangerous, and how can you identify its presence in your home? We’ve compiled this handy guide to give you all the information you need.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
The risks of asbestos are now well known, which is why its use is banned. While they have lots of benefits as insulators, ACMs (asbestos-containing materials) can break down into microscopic fibres. These are so small that they remain airborne and undetected for several days after they’ve been damaged or disturbed. If anyone breathes the thin fibres into their lungs, it can result in serious illness, including lung cancer, internal scarring, inflammation and breathing issues.
While asbestos is often safe while in good condition and left alone, it’s important to recognise its presence at your property. If any ACMs are damaged or broken (e.g., during a home renovation), they could become a hazard.
Is there asbestos in your property?
If your home was built before 2000, it’s a good idea to spot the signs of asbestos at your property.
Domestic asbestos can be found in lots of different places, including attic insulation, pipe lagging, cement water tanks, vinyl tiles, partition walls and sprayed coatings. It can also be found in outbuildings, such as sheds and garage roofs, especially those made from cement sheets (with craters) and corrugated materials.
However, the safest way to check for ACMs in your home is to call a trained asbestos contractor.
Why get a domestic asbestos survey?
Asbestos surveys can locate asbestos within a property, including its condition and extent. This often provides reassurance for homeowners that they have all the information they need to keep themselves, their family or tenants safe from harm, especially if there’s refurbishment work you want to carry out.
The survey results will help you manage asbestos at your property. If it’s identified, many choose to have it removed. For example, you could replace an asbestos garage roof with something more modern, like GRP fibreglass. In other cases, it can be left untouched if it’s in good condition and in an area not frequently accessed.
Work closely with an asbestos professional to determine the best course of action.
Identify asbestos at your home – Speak to Goodbye Asbestos
Do you need an asbestos contractor to conduct a home survey or an ACM removal? Speak to the team at Goodbye Asbestos. We offer our services across Surrey, London and the Home Counties, coming out to homes and businesses in Caterham, Cheam and surrounding areas.
To hire our team or receive an asbestos removal quote, call now on 0800 024 6203 or 07500 866733. Alternatively, send a message to info@goodbyeasbestos.co.uk, and we’ll get back to you shortly.
