Asbestos

The importation, supply and use of all asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999. If your home was built before this time, then it is possible that asbestos was used in its construction.

Asbestos is only dangerous when the fibres are released into the air and inhaled. It will not be a risk to you or your family if you do not disturb it. You may come across it when doing some DIY, so therefore it is imperative that you do not cut, drill, sand, scrape or try to remove any asbestos-based materials. If you don’t know for certain if something contains asbestos, it’s safer to presume it does.

Where asbestos material has been identified within communal area annual inspections are undertaken to monitor the condition of the material and where the asbestos material has deteriorated remedial work is carried out.

However, if you plan to carry out any home improvements, or notice any deterioration in asbestos containing materials, you must inform us as soon as possible.

Asbestos containing materials are commonly found in places such as:

Panelling inside airing cupboards, lofts and to the rear of boiler cupboard doors
Gutters, water tanks, garage / shed roofs
Textured ceiling finishes (artex) applied to walls and ceilings
Floor tiles including adhesives
Pipe lagging

Remember, asbestos in good condition is not a hazard.