Where would asbestos be within my house?

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A lot of articles you may read will make you extremely fearful of asbestos and what asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) could be present within your home. Whilst there are definite concerns around exposure, what you need to understand is that not every home has traces of it within them.

As an example, if your home was built in the 2000s you will be safe from any form of it. The reason being is that it was banned from use in construction in 1999. Therefore, if you occupy a home that is 20 years old, you have no worries about these types of materials within your property.

However, if your property was built before 1999, there is a potential for it to be present within some of the construction materials. Whilst this is a concern for you, what you have to remember is that they are safe as long as they are not disturbed or damaged.

Being sure

If you are unsure about it and its condition within your home, you need to contact a competent asbestos removal company – the only way to know for certain is asbestos surveying or sampling. 

Asbestos surveying does not have to mean that the materials within your home do require removal. Certainly, this would be the case if you are planning extensive work in an extension or demolition work that may release asbestos fibres into the air. If you are not planning any major work that could be damaging, it could mean just ensuring that these materials are in a safe and managed state.

Asbestos management

An asbestos specialist would conduct full surveying to determine where it is present in the building, as well as its extent, condition and type. Samples will be taken and testing will be conducted at an accredited laboratory to discover its asbestos content and potential risk.

From there – if the ACMs are considered safe to remain contained – our specialists will help to form a full management plan to keep you and your family safe from any disturbance or damage to the materials. 

Should they need removing, it should not be attempted by anyone but an insured and competent asbestos services contractor. It takes a lot of specialist equipment and disposal – not something that can be simply dumped in a skip or taken to your local waste tip.

If you feel you may have it within your home and are unsure about its condition or risk to your family, contact specialists in asbestos removal Manchester to be certain.