- Covering the South East: London, Essex and Kent
You might not think twice about what is behind your walls or under your floors. But if your home was built before the late 1990s, there is a chance asbestos is lurking in places you would never expect. Asbestos was widely used in UK homes for decades, and it remains a hidden danger for many homeowners today.
Let us look at what asbestos is, why it was used, and how it can still pose a threat. This article will also explain what to do if you think your home contains asbestos, so you can protect yourself and your family.
Asbestos is a natural mineral that was once praised for its strength, heat resistance, and insulating properties. It was added to all sorts of building materials to make them more durable and fireproof.
From the 1940s to the 1980s, asbestos use in homes was widespread across the UK. Builders used it in everything from roofing to pipe insulation. It seemed like the perfect material at the time, but the risks were not fully understood.
If your home was built before the year 2000, there is a chance it contains asbestos. It was used in a wide range of products and places, such as:
Roofing and guttering: Asbestos cement was a common choice for roofs, gutters, and downpipes.
Floor tiles: Many older homes have vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles that contain asbestos.
Ceilings: Decorative textured coatings like Artex often included asbestos to strengthen the material.
Wall panels: Asbestos was sometimes added to wall insulation and cladding.
Pipe and boiler insulation: Asbestos lagging was used to insulate water tanks and boilers, especially in older heating systems.
Fire doors and chimneys: Its fire-resistant properties made asbestos popular indoors and flues.
You might not even notice it. Asbestos is often mixed with other materials, making it hard to spot without professional help.
The real danger comes when asbestos is disturbed. If it is left alone, it might not cause any harm. But when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, tiny fibres can be released into the air. These fibres are so small that you cannot see or smell them.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious health problems. The main risks include:
Asbestosis: Scarring of the lungs that causes breathing difficulties.
Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer linked exclusively to asbestos exposure.
Lung cancer: Long-term exposure can significantly increase the risk of lung cancer.
These diseases often take years to develop, so the harm might not be apparent until decades later.
The tricky thing about asbestos is that it is not easy to detect. You cannot identify it just by looking at it. That is why testing by a qualified professional is so important.
Some warning signs could indicate asbestos in your home, such as:
Textured coatings on ceilings or walls that were applied before the 1990s.
Old roofing or cladding materials that are starting to crack or break.
Floor tiles or insulation that look brittle or worn.
If you suspect asbestos might be present, do not disturb it. The fibres can spread quickly, turning a potential issue into a real danger.
If you think your home contains asbestos, your first step should always be to consult an expert. Professionals like AJC Asbestos can carry out a survey to confirm whether asbestos is present and assess its condition.
In some cases, asbestos can be left undisturbed if it is in good condition. But if it is damaged or at risk of being disturbed, removal might be necessary. This is not a job you should try to handle yourself. Asbestos removal requires specialist equipment and expertise to do safely.
If you are planning renovations, it is crucial to know whether asbestos is present before any work begins. Drilling, sanding, or cutting into asbestos-containing materials can release fibres into the air. This puts not just you but also contractors and your family at risk.
An asbestos survey should be part of your planning process for any major home improvements. This will identify any potential risks and allow you to take the necessary precautions.
Asbestos use in homes might feel like an issue of the past, but it remains a real concern for many homeowners today. Awareness is your best defence. Knowing what to look for and when to call in experts can help you avoid unnecessary risks.
It is easy to overlook what you cannot see. But with something as serious as asbestos, it is always better to be cautious. Whether you are buying an older property, renovating your home, or just curious about what might be behind the walls, understanding the risks can make all the difference.
AJC Environmental is a team of fully trained, experienced, and qualified asbestos management professionals. We specialise asbestos management and refurbishment and demolition surveys and asbestos removal. We have over a decade of experience dealing with asbestos in all types of buildings in the London, Kent, and Essex.
We have over 10 years’ experience which makes us one of the most competent asbestos companies in the UK.
We offer a one-stop comprehensive service for asbestos surveying, followed by safe asbestos removal and disposal when necessary. Our asbestos services cover residential, commercial, and industrial properties across the Southeast.
Understanding whether asbestos is present in your home helps you avoid disturbing it. This reduces the risk of releasing harmful fibres into the air, protecting you and your family from long-term health issues like asbestosis or mesothelioma.
If you plan to renovate, knowing about asbestos in advance allows you to take precautions. This helps prevent contractors or yourself from accidentally disturbing materials that could release asbestos fibres.
Identifying asbestos early can save you money in the long run. Removing asbestos safely is a specialised process. Knowing about it before starting any work allows you to budget for professional removal, avoiding costly surprises later.
In the UK, strict regulations govern how asbestos must be handled. Knowing whether your home contains asbestos helps you stay on the right side of the law, especially if you are renting or selling the property.
Contact AJC Environmental through this link. Tell us your issue, and we will arrange a time at your convenience to inspect your property for asbestos.
Once we have full details, we will schedule a survey. There are different types of asbestos surveys, including management surveys (for regular use of the building) or refurbishment/demolition surveys (for renovation or demolition projects).
Our qualified asbestos surveyors will visit your property. We’ll inspect areas where asbestos might be present, taking samples of suspected materials.
The samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. This tell us whether asbestos is present, what type it is, and the condition of the materials.
You’ll receive a detailed report outlining the location, type, and condition of any asbestos found. The report will include recommendations on what actions to take, such as monitoring the asbestos or removing it if it poses a risk.
