Finding asbestos in your home will undoubtedly be a concern, especially if you’re planning renovation work or you live in a property that was built before 2000. Once widely used in construction for its insulation and fire-resistant qualities, asbestos is now recognised as a hazardous material that can pose health risks if disturbed.
If you think or you have found asbestos in your home, it’s important to not panic and act responsibly. This guide will walk you through how to tell if you have asbestos in your home, common places you might find it, and what to do if you do find it.
How to tell if you have asbestos in your home
Unfortunately, asbestos can’t be identified by sight alone. Many asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) look very similar to non-asbestos materials. The only safe way to confirm it’s definitely asbestos is through professional sampling and testing by trained asbestos surveyors, like Midlands Asbestos Solutions (MAS).
There are some signs that you may potentially have asbestos in your home such as:
- Your home was built or refurbished before 2000
- You have textured ceilings (like Artex), pipe lagging, or insulation boards
- You have cement roofing sheets or your garage panels look old and weathered
- You have floor tiles with bitumen adhesive and they’re lifting or cracking
If you’re unsure if you have any of the above, the safest approach is to arrange an asbestos survey with our qualified specialists.
Common places asbestos might be in your home
Asbestos was used in a wide range of materials in the last century and they could be hiding in parts of your property, especially if it hasn’t been renovated recently. Some common places you might find it include:
- Garage roofs and shed panels, often made from asbestos cement
- Ceiling coatings like Artex or textured paint
- Insulation boards usually found in ceilings, partition walls, and soffits
- Pipe lagging and boiler insulation, especially in older heating systems
- Vinyl floor tiles which usually contain asbestos backing or adhesive
- Eaves, gutters, and rainwater pipes which are frequently made from asbestos cement
Should you be concerned if you find asbestos in your home?
Asbestos is only a risk to health when it becomes damaged or disturbed as it releases fibres into the air. If it’s left undisturbed and it’s in good condition, asbestos materials may not pose an immediate risk. However, it’s important to treat any suspected asbestos with caution.
Disturbing asbestos – for example, by drilling, sawing, or removing it without proper controls – can expose you and your family to dangerous airborne fibres. Long-term exposure to asbestos is linked to health conditions and should not be tampered or removed by yourself.
If you suspect you’ve found asbestos in your home, you should avoid disturbing the area and contact our professional and qualified experts for further advice.
What to do if you find asbestos in your home
As we’ve mentioned, if you think you’ve found asbestos in your home, it’s important to not panic and act responsibly. Below are some steps to follow:
- Don’t disturb the asbestos – avoid touching, drilling, or attempting to remove it.
- Limit access – keep people and pets away from the area where you’ve found the asbestos.
- Speak to a professional – get in touch with an asbestos surveyor, like MAS, or a removal contractor for expert advice.
- Arrange testing – when you consult a professional, a sample can be taken and sent for laboratory analysis to confirm whether asbestos is present.
- Decide on the next steps – if asbestos is found, the professional may recommend encapsulation, reinstatement, or full removal, depending on the condition and location of the material.
At MAS, we can provide all of these services under one roof, including surveys, testing, removal, and safe disposal. Don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out more about our services.
Get in touch with us today
Finding asbestos in your home can be a daunting process, but when you consult a professional, it doesn’t have to be. At Midlands Asbestos Solutions, we have over 30 years of experience dealing with asbestos in domestic properties.
Whether you’re unsure about a ceiling coating, planning a renovation, or you need a full removal service, our friendly team is here to help. Based in the Midlands, we offer our services across the UK and all of our work is fully compliant with HSE regulations. Don’t hesitate to contact us today for expert advice or to arrange a consultation.
FAQs around asbestos in your home
How dangerous is asbestos in the home?
Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed, as it releases microscopic fibres that can be inhaled. These fibres can become lodged in the lungs and cause diseases over time. Undisturbed asbestos that is in good condition may pose minimal risk, but arranging a professional assessment is always recommended.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
No, asbestos removal should only be carried out by trained professionals. DIY removal is not only unsafe but can also be illegal depending on the type of asbestos involved.
What happens if asbestos is found in my survey?
If asbestos is confirmed, we’ll recommend the most suitable approach based on its condition. This might include encapsulation, minor repairs, or full removal and disposal in line with HSE guidance.
