Asbestos in homes - what you need to know
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral. It has many uses and was made into lots of different building materials and used in machinery and equipment. Most was banned in 1985, but asbestos cement (the corrugated grey material you see on garage roofs) was in use up until 1999. So any house or flat built after 1999 will not have any asbestos in it.
Is it dangerous to me?
Normally, asbestos is not harmful.
It is only harmful if it becomes damaged or worked on, and dust is produced. Breathing in the dust does not guarantee illness but may increase the risks of lung diseases.
Where might I find it in my home?
We keep accurate records of where asbestos is located. Common examples inside a property include:
- Artex type textured finishes on ceilings and sometimes walls. The asbestos content is very, very low and it is mixed up with plaster. However, when decorating, never try to sand to smooth out artex.
- Rarely, we may have asbestos board indoors, used as fireproofing around heating ducts or boiler cupboards.
- Asbestos board was occasionally used for garage ceilings, as fireproofing, especially built-in garages.
In communal areas for flats, it can be fireproofing for under-stair cupboards, dry risers, etc.
Externally, it was commonly used for:
- Garage or shed roofs (the corrugated grey sheets)
- Rainwater gutters and down-pipes
- Soffits, the “under-hanging” boards below facias and guttering
- Smooth infill panels around windows.
We survey properties built before the year 2000 to check for asbestos. We keep an asbestos register detailing where asbestos has been found, the type of asbestos and the condition.
Asbestos information is shared with our contractors prior to carrying out any work that may disturb the asbestos.
Please ensure that you request permission prior to carrying out any improvements or alterations to your home.