Should House Survey Identify Asbestos In Sussex?

Are you planning to buy a home or property in Sussex, South East England? If so, it is important to know whether the property has any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. Asbestos is a dangerous substance that can cause serious health problems if inhaled. It was widely used in construction materials in the UK from the 1950s until 1999 when it was finally banned.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Sussex that can help you identify whether asbestos is present in a property. In this article, we will explain why an asbestos survey is important and what it involves.

Why an Asbestos Survey is Important

An asbestos survey is an important step to take when buying or renovating a home or building in Sussex. Asbestos is still present in many buildings constructed before the year 2000, and can be found in many common construction materials such as pipe insulation, wall and ceiling panels, floor tiles, and roofing materials.

It is important to identify the presence of asbestos in a building as it can be dangerous if disturbed, and can cause serious respiratory illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis when breathed in.

An asbestos survey is a comprehensive inspection that is used to identify any asbestos-containing materials in a building. The report will include details on where the asbestos is located, what type of asbestos is present, its condition, and recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos.

What an Asbestos Survey Involves

An asbestos survey in Sussex can take two forms: a management survey, or a refurbishment/demolition survey. The type of survey required will depend on the purpose of the inspection.

A management survey is a non-intrusive survey that is used to assess the presence and condition of any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during normal occupancy or maintenance of a building. This type of survey is often carried out as part of a property management plan and is typically required for commercial and industrial buildings.

A refurbishment/demolition survey is a more intrusive survey that is used to identify and locate any asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition work. This type of survey is required before any construction work is carried out on a building that was constructed before the year 2000.

During an asbestos survey, our team of experts at Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex will take samples of any suspected ACMs and send them to a UKAS-accredited laboratory for testing. The results of the survey will be compiled in a detailed report that will give recommendations for managing or removing the asbestos found in the building.

Reasons to Get an Asbestos Survey

There are many reasons why you should consider getting an asbestos survey in Sussex. Whether you are buying a new property or renovating an existing one, an asbestos survey will help you identify any potential hazards that may be present.

For homeowners, an asbestos survey can give peace of mind knowing that their homes are free from asbestos. For businesses, an asbestos survey is often a legal requirement and failure to comply with asbestos regulations can lead to prosecution and fines.

Some of the main reasons to get an asbestos survey include:

Meet Legal Requirements

If you are a property owner, landlord, or employer in Sussex, you may be required by law to have an asbestos management plan in place. Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is a legal requirement to manage any ACMs that are present in a building.

Protect the Health of Occupants

Asbestos is a serious health hazard and can cause respiratory illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. By identifying the presence of asbestos in a property, you can take steps to protect the health of occupants.

Identify and Manage Hazardous Materials

Identifying the presence of asbestos in a building is the first step to managing any hazardous materials. Asbestos-containing materials can be safely managed if they are left undisturbed, but if they are damaged or disturbed, they can become a serious hazard.

Save Money in the Long Term

By identifying the presence of asbestos in a property, you can take steps to manage or remove it before it becomes a hazard. This can save you money in the long term, as asbestos removal can be costly if carried out after a hazard has arisen.

Common Places for Asbestos in Residential Properties

Asbestos was widely used in construction materials in the UK from the 1950s until 1999, and can be found in many common materials in residential properties. Some of the most common places for asbestos in residential properties include:

Pipe Insulation

Asbestos was commonly used to insulate pipes in residential properties. This is because asbestos has excellent heat-resistant qualities that made it ideal for use in insulating materials.

Wall and Ceiling Panels

Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in wall and ceiling panels, particularly in older properties. Asbestos can be found in textured coatings, plaster, and paint.

Floor Tiles

Asbestos was also commonly used in floor tiles, particularly in older properties. Asbestos-containing floor tiles can be found in areas such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Roofing Materials

Asbestos was commonly used in roofing materials, particularly in older properties. Asbestos-containing roofing materials can be found in areas such as garages, sheds, and outbuildings.

Conclusion

Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was widely used in construction materials in the UK until the year 2000. Asbestos-containing materials can still be found in many common materials in older residential properties in Sussex.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are a trusted asbestos survey company in Sussex that can help you identify whether asbestos is present in a property. Whether you are buying a new property or renovating an existing one, an asbestos survey is an important step to take to protect the health and wellbeing of occupants.

To book an asbestos survey with Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, please call us on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. Alternatively, visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk for more information.