Should You Always Do an Asbestos Survey for an Extension in Sussex?

Are you considering building an extension to your home or property in Sussex, South East England? If so, it's important to know whether you should always do an asbestos survey before beginning any construction work. Asbestos is a dangerous and toxic material that was once commonly used in buildings and construction projects. It's now known to be a major health risk and can cause serious illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are an asbestos survey company in Sussex that's committed to keeping you safe. We provide a range of asbestos-related services, including asbestos surveys, asbestos removal, and asbestos management plans. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the topic and provide you with all the information you need to know.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in the construction industry due to its high heat resistance, strength, and durability. It was used in a range of materials, including insulation, roofing, flooring, ceiling tiles, and cement.

Asbestos is a dangerous material because it releases tiny fibers into the air that can be breathed in by individuals. These fibers can lodge in the lungs, causing scarring and inflammation. Over time, this damage can lead to serious health problems such as lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.

What is an asbestos survey?

An asbestos survey is an inspection of a property or building that's carried out by a qualified professional. The surveyor will inspect the property and take samples of any materials that they suspect may contain asbestos. They will then send these samples to a laboratory for testing.

If asbestos is found in the building, the surveyor will create a report detailing the location, type, and condition of the asbestos. This report is essential for anyone planning construction work on the property.

Why is an asbestos survey necessary for an extension?

If you're planning to build an extension to your home or property in Sussex, it's essential to know whether there is asbestos present. Any construction work on a property that contains asbestos can be extremely dangerous and can release asbestos fibers into the air. This can put the health of anyone in the building at risk.

An asbestos survey before beginning any construction work is essential for your safety, as well as the safety of anyone else who may be in the building. An asbestos survey will ensure that any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified and removed safely before work begins.

What are asbestos-containing materials?

As asbestos was widely used in the construction industry for many years, there are a wide range of materials that may contain asbestos. Some common examples of asbestos-containing materials include:

• Ceiling tiles
• Insulation
• Pipes and boilers
• Roofing and siding
• Vinyl flooring
• Window putty

Asbestos-containing materials can be found in any property built before the year 2000. If you're unsure whether your property contains asbestos, an asbestos survey is the best way to find out.

What are the types of asbestos surveys?

There are two types of asbestos surveys that you may need:

1. Management survey - This survey is usually carried out in a residential or commercial property thats in use. It aims to locate any asbestos-containing materials that have the potential to be disturbed during normal occupancy.

2. Refurbishment or demolition survey - This survey is carried out before any refurbishment or demolition work takes place. Its more intrusive and aims to locate all asbestos-containing materials within the building.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, our team of qualified professionals can provide both types of survey to ensure that your building is safe to use.

If you find asbestos, what should you do?

If asbestos is found during an asbestos survey, it's essential to have it removed by a qualified professional. Asbestos removal should never be attempted by anyone who is not properly trained and equipped to handle the material.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we provide safe and affordable asbestos removal services for properties in Sussex and the surrounding areas. Our team of experts can safely remove any asbestos-containing materials from your property, ensuring that it's safe for you and your family to use.

In conclusion

An asbestos survey is a vital step in any construction project, especially if you're planning an extension to your property. Asbestos is a dangerous material that can cause serious health problems if not handled correctly.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we are committed to providing safe and affordable asbestos-related services to properties in Sussex and the surrounding areas. If you're concerned about asbestos in your property or need an asbestos survey, get in touch with us today on 01273 978238 or email us at [email protected]. We'll be happy to help you with any questions you may have.