Asbestos in the Home: A Guide for Homeowners & Tenants
Asbestos was a staple of UK housebuilding for most of the 20th century. Due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties, it was used in thousands of domestic products. While asbestos is generally safe if left undisturbed and in good condition, it becomes a significant health risk when it is damaged, sanded, drilled, or broken during home improvements.
If your home was built or renovated before the year 2000, there is a high probability that it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Where is Asbestos Found in Residential Properties?
Asbestos can be hidden in plain sight throughout a house. It is often found in:
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Living Areas: Textured coatings (Artex) on ceilings and walls, and vinyl floor tiles (often hidden under modern carpets or laminate).
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Kitchens & Bathrooms: Asbestos cement flue pipes for boilers, fire-rated panels behind old heaters, and “AIB” (Asbestos Insulating Board) used in airing cupboards.
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External Areas: Corrugated roofing on garages or sheds, soffit boards under the roofline, and rainwater downpipes or guttering.
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Insulation: Loose-fill insulation in lofts (though less common) and lagging on old pipework in basements or crawl spaces.
Essential Residential Services
1. Asbestos Sampling & Testing
This is the most common requirement for homeowners. If you have identified a single material—such as a garage roof sheet or a textured ceiling—that you are concerned about, we can take a physical sample for laboratory analysis.
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Why do it? It provides a definitive “Yes/No” answer before you start a DIY project or hire a contractor.
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The Process: A surveyor visits, takes a small sample under controlled conditions, and provides a certified lab report.
2. Management Surveys (Homebuyer Support)
Often, a standard RICS homebuyer’s survey will flag “suspect” materials. A Management Survey is a non-disruptive inspection that confirms the presence, location, and condition of these materials. This allows buyers and sellers to understand the true state of the property and can be used to negotiate costs or provide peace of mind.
3. Pre-Renovation Surveys
If you are planning an extension, a kitchen refit, or a wall removal, the law (and your builder’s insurance) requires a more intrusive inspection. We check inside the “fabric” of the building—behind bath panels, under floorboards, and inside wall cavities—to ensure no hidden asbestos is disturbed during the construction work.
Frequently Asked Questions for Homeowners
Is it illegal to have asbestos in my home? No. It is perfectly legal to have asbestos in a domestic property. The danger only arises when the fibres become airborne through damage or DIY work.
Can I remove it myself? While some non-licensed materials (like cement roofing) can technically be removed by a homeowner, it is highly discouraged due to the risk of contamination. Most materials, like AIB or pipe lagging, must be removed by a licensed professional.
What should I do if I find damaged asbestos? Stop all work in the area, close the door, and do not attempt to clean it up with a vacuum cleaner. Contact a professional surveyor immediately to assess the extent of the damage and provide air monitoring if necessary.
Independent & Impartial Advice
We do not carry out asbestos removal or “abatement.” This is a crucial distinction for homeowners: our only interest is providing an accurate, honest report. We will never “find” asbestos just to sell you a removal service.