Found asbestos in your house? How to tell, and what to do
Asbestos was banned in 1999. A house built before 2000 could contain it, and one built after 2000 is unlikely to. You cannot tell by looking: a lab test on a sample confirms it. Until then, leave the material alone.
Call 07708 761540 or send a photo on WhatsApp. You do not need to know what the material is before you get in touch.
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How to know if your house has asbestos
These are the places it most often turns up in a home. Many of these materials look the same with or without asbestos, and only a test establishes which.
If it is intact
The risk arises when fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Undamaged material that is left undisturbed carries a very low risk.
- Leave it where it is until the result is known.
- Do not drill it, cut it, sand it or break off a piece to check.
- Have it tested before any work that would disturb it.
If it has been damaged
Drilled, sanded, broken, or brought down by a storm: the steps below come first. Our emergency callout page covers what happens next.
Worth knowing
If the material has already been disturbed
Already drilled, sanded or broken it? Stop work and keep everyone else out of the area. Do not sweep up the dust or debris, and do not try to repair or remove the damaged material.
Call 07708 761540 for advice on the next step.
What happens next
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01
A test
We take a sample on site and send it to a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results the same day or the next working day. Full details are under asbestos testing.
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02
Leave it in place
Material in good condition that is unlikely to be damaged is often best left in place, with its condition checked from time to time.
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03
Encapsulate it
Sealing material that is in sound condition, so it can stay where it is. See asbestos encapsulation.
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04
Remove it
Where it is damaged or in the way of planned work. See all our asbestos removal services, or collection for sheets that are already down.
Found asbestos at home: common questions
Can you live in a house with asbestos?
Yes, in most cases. When asbestos is in good condition and not disturbed, the risk of exposure is extremely low. The risk arises when it is damaged or disturbed and fibres are released into the air. Check its condition from time to time, and have it tested before any work that would disturb it.
How can I tell if it is asbestos?
It can be difficult to tell by looking, because asbestos is often mixed with other materials. A lab test on a sample confirms it. Until the result is known, the material should be left undisturbed.
Can I remove it myself?
Do not try to repair or remove asbestos material yourself if you have not had any training. We can test it and, where it needs to come out, remove it for you.
Who do I call?
Us, on 07708 761540, or send a photo on WhatsApp. We test, remove, encapsulate and collect, and every quote is free and without obligation.
Do I need to know what it is before I call?
No. A description of what is visible and, where possible, a photo are enough to start. Where a photo is not conclusive, we can test it.
I am buying a house that may contain asbestos. What should I do?
A property built before 2000 could contain it. Where you plan work on a particular material, such as an old textured ceiling or floor tiles, a test before the work starts tells you what you are dealing with.
Related pages
We are based in Grays and work across London, the South East and East Anglia.
Asbestos sampling: a customer review
Rated 5 out of 5
I can’t recommend Ross highly enough. I called him about asbestos sampling, and he explained the process clearly. I felt confident booking him, and he was available the very next day. From start to finish, he was professional, trustworthy, punctual, and incredibly efficient. He clearly knows his stuff, pays great attention to detail, and, most importantly, does exactly what he says he’ll do.
It’s refreshing to deal with someone who makes things so stress-free, no chasing him up and no hassle.
Excellent service all round! Thank you :)
Get a free quote
A short description of the material and where it is, with a photo if you can, is enough to start. Photos can be sent on WhatsApp.