Top Signs Your Property May Have Asbestos and What to Do Next

Are you thinking of having an asbestos survey? If so, then you’ve come to the right place.

Asbestos management can be complicated and dangerous, which is why it should always be left to the experts. That said, if you own or are looking to buy a property, then it’s worth knowing the basics before making your decision. That’s why today we’ll be talking about the top signs to look out for and what to do when you encounter them.

The Age of Your Property

Before you even see a property, you should always start by finding out when it was built. In the UK, asbestos started being phased out in 1985, with a full ban only coming into effect in 1999.

In practice, this means that if your property was built in the last twenty years, you’re off the hook. If it was built before 1985, however, then there’s a strong chance that asbestos was used somewhere in the original construction process. Of course, it may have been located and removed in the years since, but if you can’t find details on when the building last had an asbestos survey, then now is the time to get one.

The Location of Potential Asbestos

If you suspect your building has asbestos, then we certainly don’t recommend trying to survey it yourself. If any of the asbestos is broken or damaged, then the fibres could get into your lungs, leading to very serious long-term health problems. That said, if you’ve encountered something in your property and you’re not sure whether or not it contains asbestos, then it depends a lot on where you’re looking.

As a building material, asbestos was used for its insulation and flame-retardant capabilities. Therefore, you’re most likely to find asbestos in loft/cellar spaces, roofing, and around pipework.

Next Steps

Arranging an asbestos survey is fairly easy to do and is the only way to ensure that safe asbestos management takes place. Safe removal of asbestos can take time and should also be performed by experts. That said, if you’ve been living or working in a building that contains asbestos, then, so long as it’s not been damaged, you don’t need to worry about your health.

If you’re worried that your property might contain asbestos, then don’t hesitate to get in touch. Call today at 0800 272378 or email office@0800asbestos.com to speak with one of our experts.