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

Asbestos is no longer used in construction, but it can still be present in millions of UK buildings. If your property was built before the year 2000, there’s always a chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used.

While you can’t always spot asbestos with the naked eye, some common indicators should raise a red flag. Here’s what to look out for in your home or commercial building.

1. Age of the Building

The single biggest clue is when your property was built. Asbestos was widely used up until its ban in 1999. Homes, schools, and commercial buildings from the 1950s through the late 1990s are the most likely to contain it. If you’re unsure of your building’s construction date, check with local records or your survey documents; it’s always good to know.

2. Certain Building Materials

Asbestos was used in a wide range of everyday products, many of which are still in place today. These include:

• Ceiling and wall coatings such as Artex
• Floor tiles and adhesive
• Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
• Cement sheets, soffits, and roofing materials
• Textured panels in fire doors or partitions

These are some of the features you should look out for in your home, as they may indicate the presence of asbestos until confirmed otherwise through testing. You should be especially cautious if you’re planning any DIY that could disturb these materials, as this is when asbestos fibres are most likely to be released.

3. Deterioration or Damage

Following on from that, asbestos becomes most dangerous when disturbed, as the microscopic fibres are then released into the air.

Crumbling ceiling coatings, damaged floor tiles, or broken cement sheets should be taken seriously. Even if you don’t know for certain they contain asbestos, any signs of wear and tear in older materials mean it’s time to bring in professionals for an asbestos survey.

4. Planned Refurbishment or Demolition

If you’re planning renovation works, this is another clear sign you need to consider an asbestos survey. The law requires a Refurbishment and Demolition (R&D) survey before carrying out intrusive works on pre-2000 buildings. Skipping this step risks both safety and legal compliance.

What to Do Next

If any of these signs sound familiar, don’t panic, but don’t ignore them either. The next step is straightforward:

1. Book an asbestos survey with a qualified professional.
2. Have suspect materials tested in a certified lab.
3. Follow management or removal recommendations based on results.

The key thing to remember is that asbestos can’t be reliably identified just by looking at it. Professional inspection and testing are the only way to know for sure.

Need expert advice? At 0800 Asbestos, we provide clear guidance, UKAS-accredited surveys, and safe solutions tailored to your property. Get a quote today to arrange an inspection and protect your building, staff, and family with confidence.