How to deal with asbestos issues in properties – what to look out for.
We would like to thank Atlas Survey & Build for asking us to guest blog for them. One of the most common ways the presence of asbestos is established is during a renovation or refurbishment. As asbestos surveyors, IB Works are often asked for our input prior to building work and completing an asbestos survey is the most thorough and comprehensive way of confirming the existence of asbestos. It also establishes the extent of asbestos and the desired next course of action.
As asbestos specialists and a leading provider of asbestos management surveys, we offer compliance services to commercial and domestic customers on a nationwide basis. We work hard on your behalf to provide you with the necessary compliance documentation for your property.
So, what are the tell-tale signs asbestos may be present?
Firstly, the age of your property is important. If your property was built or renovated between the 1930s and 1950s, asbestos is more likely to have been used. During these years asbestos was used extensively by the construction industry, it was cheap, versatile and hardwearing. When it was discovered that prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres could cause serious and fatal illnesses including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis) in the 1960`s, a voluntary industry ban came into effect outlawing the most dangerous type of asbestos. It was finally completely banned from use in the UK in Nov 1999 five years ahead of the European deadline.
It is sensible to err on the side of caution regarding all properties built or extended/refurbished up to 1999 – remember if you are in any way unsure as to whether a material contains asbestos, contact us.
Secondly are you aware if your property contains any of the most common materials asbestos was typically used in?
Namely;
Asbestos fibro sheeting
Asbestos fibro sheeting was similar to modern day plasterboard or dry wall. It was popular with builders and the fibro sheets were simply nailed to a wooden framework. to use predominately to construct walls.
Asbestos cement
Asbestos cement was used in a large variety of walls, roofs and exterior linings in sheets. As well as an insulation and fireproofing aid, asbestos cement was used because it absorbed moisture and by not allowing water to pass through was effectively weatherproof. It can be typically found in eave linings, under exterior sections of roofs, in walls in garages, sheds toilets and laundries. It was also used to create corrugated sheets, mouldings and claddings.
It may also be present in textured paint and in patching compounds used on wall and ceiling joints.
How can we help?
We make our clients aware of any risks, and help to keep them safe, providing reports that are easy to read, full of information, and designed to address property compliance requirements. We provide a safe asbestos removal service with a fast, efficient service to ensure your project suffers any unnecessary delays.
If you are in any way unsure regarding the presence of asbestos we do not advise you actively go looking for it, remember we are just a phone call away. For more details on our reliable asbestos management surveys and removal service please don’t hesitate to contact us or call 0800 644 6588
We look forward to working with Atlas Survey and Build again in the future and wish them continued success. For more information about our services see our website http://www.ibworks.co.uk/