Do I Need an Asbestos Survey When Buying a House in Hampshire?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials in the UK between the 1950s and 1990s. Its strong, durable and fire-resistant, making it perfect for insulation, roofing and flooring. However, it is also highly hazardous to human health, particularly when fibres are inhaled. Exposure to asbestos can lead to a range of serious illnesses, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

As a result, asbestos has been banned from use in construction in the UK since 1999. However, it is still present in many older buildings, particularly those built before the 1980s, which is why its crucial to know whether a property contains asbestos before you buy. In this article, well look at why you might need an asbestos survey when buying a house in Hampshire, and what to expect from the process.

Who are Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are a specialist asbestos survey and removal company based in Hampshire. We provide a range of services to help identify and manage the risk of asbestos in all types of properties, from residential homes to commercial buildings. Our team of experienced professionals are fully trained and qualified to carry out asbestos surveys, testing and removals, ensuring that your property is safe and compliant with all relevant regulations.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a detailed inspection of a property to identify any materials that contain asbestos. This includes insulation, roofing, flooring, pipes, walls and ceilings. The survey is carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor, who will take samples of any suspected materials and send them off for testing in a UKAS-accredited laboratory. The surveyor will also assess the condition of the materials and the level of risk they pose to human health.

Why Might You Need an Asbestos Survey When Buying a House in Hampshire?

If youre buying a house in Hampshire, its essential to have an asbestos survey carried out before you finalise the sale. This is because asbestos can be present in a wide range of building materials, and without an inspection, it can be difficult to know whether the property is contaminated. You may also need an asbestos survey if youre planning to carry out any renovations or repairs on the property, as disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibres into the air.

An asbestos survey will give you peace of mind that the property youre buying is free from asbestos, or that any contaminated materials have been identified and can be safely removed. It will also help you to plan any renovation or repair work, minimising the risk of disturbance and exposure to harmful fibres.

What Are the Most Common Asbestos Materials in Properties?

The most common materials to contain asbestos in residential properties are:

• Asbestos cement used in roofing, wall cladding, guttering and downpipes, and in some cases, garage roofs or sheds.
• Textured coatings used as decorative coatings on walls and ceilings, also known as Artex.
• Floor tiles and adhesive used for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms and corridors.
• Insulation used to insulate pipes, boilers and hot water tanks.

Its worth noting that not all properties contain asbestos, and not all asbestos-containing materials are dangerous. Asbestos is only a risk when it is disturbed, releasing fibres into the air. If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and not likely to be disturbed, they may not pose a risk to human health. However, its always best to err on the side of caution and have an asbestos survey carried out.

What Happens After the Survey is Completed?

Once the asbestos survey has been completed, you will receive a report detailing the results. If no asbestos is found, the report will state that the property is asbestos-free, and you can proceed with the sale or any renovation work as planned.

If asbestos is present, the report will provide recommendations on how to manage or remove it safely. In some cases, it may be possible to leave the asbestos in place and manage it through regular inspections and monitoring. However, if the asbestos is in poor condition or likely to be disturbed, it will need to be removed by a qualified asbestos removal company.

Asbestos Awareness in the UK

The UK has some of the highest rates of asbestos-related disease in the world, with around 5,000 deaths each year attributed to exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used extensively in the construction industry between the 1950s and 1990s, meaning that millions of UK homes are likely to contain asbestos-containing materials.

Its essential to be aware of the risk of asbestos when buying or living in a property, particularly if it was built before the 1980s. An asbestos survey will help you to identify any potential risks and take steps to manage or remove the asbestos safely.

Conclusion

In summary, if youre buying a house in Hampshire, an asbestos survey is strongly advised to ensure that the property is free from asbestos or any contaminated materials can be safely managed or removed. Asbestos can be extremely hazardous to human health, so its vital to know whether it is present in a property before you buy. Affordable Asbestos Removal Hampshire are experienced asbestos survey and removal specialists who can help to keep your property safe and compliant with all relevant regulations. Get in touch with us today on 01962 458066 or [email protected] to find out more.