Owners of homes built before 2000 urged to ‘act fast’

Residents of homes built before 2000 are being alerted to a significant risk and urged to ‘look’ and ‘make a decision swiftly’. Property experts have outlined how to determine if your home contains asbestos and the immediate steps you can take for protection.

Despite its ban in 1999 due to its lethal effects on humans, asbestos can still be found in UK homes. It was extensively used in construction materials from the 1930s, prized for its fire resistance, durability, and insulation properties, making it a popular choice for housing products like wall linings and garage roofs.

The health hazards were not recognised at the time, and it wasn’t until the late 1990s that asbestos was associated with severe diseases. Consequently, many UK properties and garages still harbour asbestos in concealed areas.

Asbestos poses a threat due to its minuscule fibres, which, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled. Once lodged in the lungs, these fibres can lead to serious health complications such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

Asbestosis is a long-lasting lung condition that results from breathing in asbestos fibres. Extended exposure to these fibres can lead to scarring of lung tissue and difficulty in breathing. The symptoms of asbestosis can vary from mild to severe, and they typically do not manifest until several years after the first exposure.

Therefore, if your home was constructed before 2000 and you’re considering even minor renovations, it’s crucial to be vigilant for warning signs, understand what to look for, and make essential decisions promptly, reports Bristol Live.

How can you tell if your home contains asbestos?

The most reliable way to determine if your home contains asbestos is to hire a certified asbestos surveyor. While certain materials, such as 9×9-inch vinyl floor tiles, textured coatings like Artex, and pipe insulation, may raise suspicions, only a professional can confirm the presence of asbestos through proper testing.

If you suspect there might be asbestos, avoid disturbing it and contact a specialist for safe removal.

Common locations:

• Floor tiles: Specifically, 9×9-inch vinyl floor tiles.
• Ceilings: Textured coatings like Artex and some ceiling tiles.
• Pipe insulation: Wrapping and coatings on pipes.
• Roofing materials: Asbestos cement sheets and shingles.
• Exterior siding: Stucco siding can contain asbestos.
• Underlayment: Underlayment material under shingles and siding.
• Ductwork: Paper and tape used on ductwork.

What to look for:

• Dimpled or corrugated ceiling tiles.
• Textured coatings like Artex.
• Signs of damage or deterioration.

Even if materials resemble asbestos, they may not contain it. Testing is essential for confirmation. Qualified professionals have the expertise and equipment necessary to safely identify and collect samples of potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within buildings.

Surveyors will take samples from materials suspected to contain asbestos for laboratory testing. Labs then employ polarised light microscopy (PLM) among other methods to detect asbestos fibres.

DIY kits are available for sample collection, but they must be used with utmost caution. If you choose to use a kit, ensure you follow the instructions meticulously and wear protective gear. Samples should then be sent to a laboratory for expert analysis.

What should you do if asbestos is found?

Avoid causing damage or disturbance to materials that may contain asbestos. If you discover asbestos, it is crucial to make a prompt decision on how to manage the situation.

It’s vital to engage a licensed specialist to eliminate it as swiftly as possible, taking measures to minimise potential exposure during the removal process.

• Contact your local council for information about asbestos and disposal.
• The Health and Safety Executive website provides guidance on asbestos management.
• You can always consult with other organisations specialising in asbestos identification and removal.

What about garages constructed prior to 2000?

Alastair Mayne, CEO at Garolla (an electric garage door firm), has offered guidance on identifying if your garage contains asbestos and the steps you should take for protection.

1. Determine the age of your garage

Asbestos was outlawed in the UK in 1999, and since then, no building materials containing asbestos have been sold. Therefore, if your garage was erected after this date, there’s likely no cause for concern.

However, asbestos was most commonly used between the 1950s and the 1980s, so if your garage dates back to this period, it’s essential to consult a professional to assess the safety of your property.

2. Examine the roof

If your garage features corrugated grey panels, particularly weathered ones, they may well be made with asbestos cement. Likewise, flat panels could be asbestos insulating board, which poses an even greater risk. Be vigilant for moss growth on your roof, as it can conceal degradation – a damaged panel can heighten the risk of fibre release.

3. Scrutinise the walls

Asbestos insulation boards, commonly found in wall panels near doors, can be easily confused with fibreboard due to their flat, grey appearance.

Alastair warns: “If you suspect you have asbestos in your garage, it’s very important that you consult a professional rather than attempt to remove it yourself. Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can be released easily.”

He further advises: “Professionals are trained to identify asbestos safely, test under strict conditions, and remove it with specialised equipment. If in doubt, it is always best to consult proper expertise.”