Asbestos was used in millions of UK homes up until the year 1999, when it was eventually banned. With so many properties likely to be affected – over half of UK homes built before 2000 to be precise – it is no wonder so many homeowners are concerned, and eager to find out how to check for asbestos.
The dangers of asbestos and its associated health risks are widely known. But despite being aware of the risks, few people know how to recognise whether the substance is present in their homes.
Because asbestos is impossible to recognise with the naked eye, and because it is completely odourless, when it comes to how to tell if your home has asbestos, it is very difficult. You really need to have an idea of the types of materials asbestos is present in if you are going to recognise it.
Asbestos that is left intact actually doesn’t pose much risk at all. However, when it is disrupted or damaged, its tiny fibres can be released into the air. And that’s when the problems arise, as if these fibres are inhaled into the lungs, they can damage the lining and cause a range of asbestos related illnesses, including cancer.
So if you are planning renovation or major redecoration works within your home, or are intending to pull down a garage or other outbuilding, and the property was built or refurbished between the 1930s and 1999, then you will need to proceed with caution, as there is every likelihood that asbestos is present.
Instead of trying to identify the product itself, if you are wondering how to tell if your home has asbestos, the best approach is to look for products that are likely to contain asbestos, or signs that the material may be present.
Here’s how to check for asbestos, without potentially disturbing it…
If you have an outbuilding such as a concrete shed or garage, and your property was built before 1999, there is a chance that the structure has an asbestos roof.
An asbestos roof tends to be made of flat or corrugated cement sheets. These have small craters or dimples on the surface.
Look for roofing sheets joined together with aluminium runners on the outside, and plastic or wooden runners on the inside.
If the roof sheets appear to be coming apart, or you can see scaling or cracks, it is likely you are dealing with an asbestos roof.
You may also see a batch code printed on the underside of the sheets. If it contains the letters ‘AC’, then this will denote asbestos. If the roof has been made from cement, however, the batch code will contain the letters ‘C’ or ‘CE’. It is important to note that this is not a fully reliable test, however, as not all manufacturers used these codes, or the codes may have deteriorated.
Decorative coverings containing asbestos were used on walls and ceilings until the 1990s. Otherwise known as Artex, the covering was easily identified by its swirl and stipple finish.
Whilst not all textured finishes will contain asbestos, they should still be treated with caution. Providing they are not disturbed, they won’t usually pose a risk. But if you are planning on removing the finish, or drilling out sections of a wall or ceiling that is covered in it, then the correct procedures must be followed, including notifying the relevant authority.
Asbestos was widely used in construction for its excellent insulation and fireproofing qualities. It is common to see it used as ceiling tiles, which are commonly off-white or grey in colour, as well as vinyl floor tiles.
If your property still has ceiling or floor tiles dating back to the 1950s, 60s or 70s, perhaps sitting under or behind a more modern covering that was later placed over them, then there is every chance you are dealing with asbestos.
As well as being heatproof and insulating, asbestos was also acid and moisture resistant. It was therefore widely used around the home as vent and pipe insulation, and within ductwork, gaskets, fuse boxes, fire blankets, bath panels, toilet cisterns, window sills, eaves, flues and window putty.
If you see what looks like several layers of paper wrapped around your pipework, this is likely to be asbestos.
Now that you are more aware of how to tell if your home has asbestos, you may be wondering what to do next if you believe the material is present within your property.
The next step is to confirm that what you suspect is asbestos, actually is. There is only one sure way of doing this, and that is to have it professionally tested. To do this safely, you should engage a licensed asbestos contractor.
Asbestos testing will confirm the presence and type of asbestos, as well as its level of risk. Samples from the material suspected to contain asbestos will be taken following a safely prescribed method. The results will inform what to do next.
Mostly, there will be no need for any action at all, other than regular monitoring to ensure the levels remain safe.
In some cases, however, where it is identified that the asbestos fibres are highly likely to be released and breathed in, then an asbestos removal plan will need to be put in place.
If the asbestos-containing materials are damaged, for example, or if there are plans to demolish a structure containing asbestos, or carry out a full refurbishment of a property where asbestos has been identified, then a licensed contractor will need to be engaged.
At Advance Asbestos Removal, we have been helping homeowners, landlords and commercial property managers with asbestos testing and removal services since 1984. Our team is fast, efficient, helpful and reliable, and all our specialists are UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) trained.
If you’re based in Molesey & Hampton, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Molesey & Hampton asbestos removal service for details.
If you’re based in Earlsfield, our local licensed surveyors and removal team can help — see our Earlsfield asbestos removal service for details.
We offer a professional service with minimal disruption and full legal compliance. To learn more about how we can help you, or to request your free, no-obligation quotation, please contact us today.
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Established in 1984 With Over 30 Years Experience. Call: 07759 018402
