Facts about asbestos - where it may be used and what to do if you find it in your home.

The following information is to provide guidance for home owners on asbestos containing materials (ACMs) potentially present within Great Britain’s housing stock.

Introduction – What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral used in a wide variety of materials in order to provide heat and fire protection and increases material strength. Asbestos was extensively used in building materials from the 1950’s through to 1990.

Asbestos materials pose a significant health risk, microscopic airborne fibres released when asbestos materials are damaged or disturbed are inhaled and may lead to incurable terminal illness. Thousands of people in Great Britain die each year from asbestos related illness, most of these people have been exposed many years ago and often without their knowledge during their day to day work.  

What do I do if I want to do some works DIY in my home

As asbestos materials were so widely used in the construction industry many homes will potentially contain some ACMs, typical uses include (list is not exhaustive):

• Gutters and Rainwater down pipes
• Facia and Soffit panels
• Garage and Shed Roofs
• Bath Panels
• Lining panels to Walls, Ceilings and Doors
• Textured Coating to Walls and Ceilings
• Floor Tiles
• Electrical Storage heaters

It is advisable therefore to ensure NO ACMs are disturbed during your proposed works.  If you are unsure then do not undertake works until any suspect materials have been sampled/analysed.

What do I do if I’m buying a home containing ACMs

As ACMs where so widely used it is not uncommon for building surveyors to identify materials as possibly containing asbestos when conducting a condition survey prior to purchase. Should this occur you have two options open to you:

1. Get the materials sampled and analysed to confirm the survey findings – Not straightforward as you don’t yet own the house
2. Arrange for a removal quote based on the surveyors recommendations – Quotes can be used in negotiations during the purchase of the property but will be subject to an administration charge

What can 777 do to assist you?

777 offers a complete service to both commercial and domestic customers, our survey team are fully trained and can undertake full building surveys along with material sampling and analysis service for smaller projects.  As a full HSE licence holder we are also authorised to undertake asbestos remediation works on all ACMs. Please feel free to contact one of our team on 0208 689 6861

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