Does Asbestos Show in a House Survey in Devon?

If you're considering buying or selling a property in Devon or the South West of England, it's important to be aware of asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was commonly used in building materials until the 1980s. Asbestos can be hazardous if it's damaged or disturbed, and it's important to know if your property contains asbestos before you buy or sell it.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we are an asbestos survey company in Devon that can help you identify and manage asbestos in your home or property. Our surveys are reliable and affordable, and can help you make informed decisions about buying or selling a property.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials until the 1980s. It was valued for its heat resistance, strength and durability, and was commonly used in insulation, roofing, flooring, and other materials.

Asbestos is made up of tiny fibers that can become airborne when the material is damaged or disturbed. When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. It's important to know if your property contains asbestos, so you can take steps to manage or remove it if necessary.

What is an Asbestos Survey?

An asbestos survey is a process that identifies the presence, location and condition of asbestos in a property. There are two main types of asbestos surveys: Standard and Sampled.

A Standard Asbestos Survey is also known as a Management Survey. It is conducted to identify any asbestos-containing materials in a property that pose a potential risk to occupants or visitors of the building. The survey will involve collecting samples of any materials suspected of containing asbestos and sending these for laboratory analysis. The reports produced are detailed and will inform you of the location of asbestos material, its condition, and any action required to manage or remove the asbestos.

A Sampled Asbestos Survey, also known as a Refurbishment and Demolition Survey, is undertaken before any major refurbishment or demolition work is carried out to a property. This type of survey is more intrusive than the Standard Asbestos Survey as it involves destructive testing to gain access to potentially concealed areas that may contain asbestos. Samples of materials are collected and analyzed to determine whether asbestos is present.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we offer both Standard and Sampled Asbestos Surveys, and our reports are accurate and comprehensive. Our team consists of highly trained and experienced professionals who use the latest equipment and techniques to identify and manage asbestos in your property.

Why Do You Need an Asbestos Survey?

If you're buying a property in Devon, it's important to know if it contains asbestos. If asbestos is present, you'll need to factor the cost of managing or removing it into your budget. Likewise, if you're selling a property, you must disclose the presence of asbestos to potential buyers.

An asbestos survey will identify any asbestos-containing materials in your property and assess their condition. If the asbestos is in good condition and poses no immediate risk, it may be possible to leave it in place and manage it through a long-term management plan. If the asbestos is damaged or poses an immediate risk, it will need to be removed by a licensed contractor.

An asbestos survey will also give you peace of mind, knowing that you and your family are safe from the potential hazards of asbestos.

What Materials Contain Asbestos?

Asbestos was widely used in building materials until the 1980s, so any property built before this time is likely to contain asbestos. Common materials that may contain asbestos include:

• Artex and textured coatings on ceilings and walls
• Floor tiles and adhesives
• Insulation boards and pipe lagging
• Asbestos cement roofing and wall panels
• Spray coatings and insulation on structural steelwork
• Gaskets and seals in boilers and pipework

It's important to note that not all materials containing asbestos are immediately hazardous. The condition of the material, and whether the asbestos fibers are likely to become airborne, will determine the level of risk.

How Does an Asbestos Survey Work?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, our asbestos surveys are conducted by our experienced and qualified surveyors. The survey will typically involve the following steps:

1. Inspection: Our surveyors will inspect the property and identify any materials that may contain asbestos.

2. Sampling: Sample of suspected asbestos-containing material are taken and labeled, these are then analysed in a UKAS accredited laboratory.

3. Reporting: A detailed survey report is prepared, outlining the type and location of any asbestos-containing materials found, along with pictures of the areas tested.

4. Recommendations: Based on the findings of the survey, our surveyor will recommend the best course of action regarding the asbestos. This may include leaving the asbestos in place if it poses no immediate risk or removal by a licensed contractor if the asbestos constitutes an immediate risk to health.

Why Choose Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we pride ourselves on offering reliable and affordable asbestos surveys in Devon and the South West of England. Our team is highly trained and experienced in the latest asbestos survey techniques, and we use the most advanced equipment and tools to ensure accurate and comprehensive results.

Our reports are detailed and easy to understand, giving you the information you need to make informed decisions about your property. If asbestos is detected, we can provide you with a quote for its safe removal by a licensed contractor.

With Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, you can be confident that your property is in safe hands. Contact us today on 01962 458066 or email [email protected] to book an asbestos survey or to get a quote.