How To Test Asbestos Ceiling In Devon

Are you considering purchasing a property in Devon, South West England and concerned about the possibility of asbestos in the ceiling? Or have you already moved into a house in Devon and are unsure if the ceiling coating contains asbestos or not? Asbestos, though banned from use since the year 2000, is still present in many old properties in the UK, and mismanagement or exposure to asbestos can lead to lung diseases like mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you are worried about asbestos in your ceiling, it is essential to have it inspected and tested professionally.

About Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a reputable and reliable asbestos testing company in Devon. With years of experience and expertise, we provide a comprehensive range of asbestos services, including testing, surveys, and removal. Our team of qualified surveyors and technicians are equipped with the latest tools and techniques to detect and analyze the presence of asbestos in your ceiling coating. We offer competitive pricing, quality service, and guarantee your safety.

Understanding Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral fiber that was widely used in construction and manufacturing until the late 1990s. Asbestos has exceptional insulating properties, and it was used in various building materials like ceiling coatings, insulation, flooring, and pipes. However, prolonged exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma highly fatal diseases.

The use and manufacture of asbestos were banned in the UK in 2000, and since 2006, it is necessary for any building constructed before 1999 to be tested for the presence of asbestos. If a building has asbestos-containing ceilings, it poses a risk to occupants, and therefore, it is necessary to take appropriate measures as per the regulations.

Asbestos in Ceiling Coating

Ceiling coatings, also known as Artex, were popular in the UK from the 1950s until the 1980s. Artex is a decorative coating that was used to give a textured finish to ceilings, with a range of patterns like swirls or stippling. However, many Artex coatings contain asbestos. Therefore, if you live in an older property built before 1990 and aren't sure if your ceiling has asbestos coating as Artex, you must have it tested urgently.

How to Test Your Ceiling for Asbestos

If you suspect that your ceiling contains asbestos, you can take a few steps to confirm your suspicion. However, it is essential to engage the services of a professional asbestos testing company in Devon to minimize the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers.

Here are a few steps to check for asbestos in your ceiling:

1. Look for signs of asbestos-containing coatings by checking the ceiling texture, color, and pattern. If your ceiling has a textured or stippled finish, it might contain asbestos.
2. Check the age of your property. If your property was built before 1990, it is highly likely that your ceiling contains asbestos. If you don't know the construction date of the building, you can check the planning application with the local council.
3. Take a small sample of the ceiling material using a scraper or a knife. Make sure to wet the surface of the ceiling material to minimize the risk of asbestos fiber release into the air.
4. Put the sample in a sealable plastic bag and label it with the date and location where the sample was taken.
5. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon to arrange for safe collection, transportation and analysis of the sample to confirm if it contains asbestos or not.

What Not to Do

Do not attempt to remove or disturb the ceiling coating yourself as it might release asbestos fibres into the air, which can be harmful to you, your family and your pets. You can only manage the asbestos by leaving it undisturbed or by engaging the services of a licensed asbestos removal company.

Dispose of the sample materials properly as hazardous waste, and don't forget to wear protective clothing, gloves, and masks when taking samples to prevent asbestos exposure.

Conclusion

If you live in Devon and suspect that your ceiling contains asbestos, don't ignore it. The sooner you test for and manage the asbestos, the easier and safer it will be for you and your family to live in the house. Engage Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for safe and affordable asbestos testing, survey, and removal services. Contact us today at 01962 458066 or email [email protected]. We would be delighted to work with you and offer our expertise and experience to protect you, your home, and business. We are available 24/7 to answer all your asbestos-related queries.