A Simple Guide to Understanding Asbestos Before You Start Any Home Project

A lot of modern homeowners or those looking to buy a home for the first time might not be aware of what asbestos is or how dangerous it can be to have asbestos in your home. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral, used widely in construction materials from the 1930s to the 1990s. Used mainly due to its durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. The use of asbestos is no longer permitted in new products, but it still remains in many homes that have been built or refurbished before the year 2000.

Where is Asbestos Commonly Found in the Home?

Asbestos is typically found in several places and often hidden in plain sight. Common locations include:

• Ceiling and walls – Textured coatings, popcorn ceilings, ceiling tiles, and insulation boards may all contain asbestos.
• Flooring – Vinyl floor tiles, backing on linoleum and bitumen adhesives.
• Insulation – Pipe lagging (thermal insulation) as well as loose-fill insulation in cavity walls and attics.
• Exterior – Garage roofs, soffits, guttering, and cement sheets.
• Other – Toilet cisterns, fuse boards, bath panels, and fire blankets can contain asbestos.

How to Identify Asbestos

Identifying asbestos isn’t easy, and it’s not often something you can spot just by looking at it. Materials containing asbestos will often look exactly like those that don’t. If your house was built or renovated before 1999-2000, then it’s wise to assume that any suspected materials you find that have been compromised may contain asbestos until proven not to be.The only way you’re going to know for sure that it’s asbestos is to have a sample tested by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. Do not do your own DIY sampling, as this can release fibres that can be life-threatening.

Safety Steps Before You Start Projects

Before you start planning and following through with any renovation projects, you should follow certain steps to stay safe.

1. Check for asbestos first

First and foremost, check to see if the property you’re renovating was built before 2000. This is an indicator of whether asbestos may be present or not.

2. Get a survey

Arrange a survey if you’re doing extensive work. This is a legal requirement, and there may be something similar to the Refurbishment and Demolition Survey depending on where you live.

3. Assume the worst 

Always assume the worst when it comes to suspecting asbestos. If you’re unsure and can’t test the material, it’s best not to touch it until you’ve established it’s not asbestos.

4. Hire professionals 

For any removals or repair work, use a licensed asbestos contractor to help conduct asbestos removal safely.

What To Do If You Find Asbestos Mid-Project

If you find it mid-project, then you should stop work immediately. Isolate the area by closing doors and preventing others from entering. Don’t clean up and seek advice immediately upon its discovery.

Asbestos is something to take seriously and to not assume it’s something that you can just handle yourself. Leave it alone, seal up the surrounding area, and call in professional help as soon as you can.