Your home is much more than just a structure, its a place of comfort, security and happiness. However, hidden beneath the walls and ceilings of your property, might be a concealed danger; asbestos. Its a harmful building material that used to be widely used in construction up until the late 80s in the UK, and exposure to it can lead to serious health issues that can be deadly.

Its crucial to be able to spot the silent threat of asbestos in your home, and remove it as soon as possible if its present. Many homeowners might not know if their home contains asbestos or even what the signs are to look for which can make the process even harder. Asbestos can be hard to spot, and is often undetectable to the naked eye but has the potential to be harmful to your health.

In this post we address the silent threat in your home, and help you recognise some of the common signs of asbestos. For further information, be sure to keep reading.

Consider the Age of Your Home

It’s important to consider the age of your home. Homes built before the mid 1980s are much more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials, as they were very commonly used before being banned and the health risks becoming recognised. Whilst it isn’t a guarantee, older homes are more likely to contain asbestos in some building materials as it was used for its insulating and fire-resistant properties. However if you’re unsure on the age of your home and its asbestos status, we recommend you get this checked.

Inspect your Ceilings

Inspecting your ceilings is one of the most obvious ways to see if you might have asbestos in your home. Popcorn ceilings or textured ceilings were very popular from the 1950s to the 1980s, and they very often contained asbestos for added texture to the ceiling as well as for additional fire resistance. If your home was built within this time, and has a textured or popcorn ceiling, it could potentially contain asbestos. 

Examine your Flooring

Original vinyl or tile flooring, especially in areas like the bathroom, kitchen, or basement, may potentially contain asbestos if your home was built before the mid-1980s. Asbestos was commonly used as a strengthening agent in floor tiles and vinyl flooring during this period. It’s essential to consider asbestos testing for homes with original flooring or tiles, as these materials can release asbestos fibres if damaged.

Assess your Insulation

Asbestos was frequently used for insulating homes, particularly around pipes, ducts, and in lofts due to its heat-resistant properties. Consequently, your home’s insulation may consist of asbestos, posing potential life-threatening risks. If your home uses older insulation materials, especially if they are damaged or deteriorated, there is a possibility that they contain asbestos. It is crucial to inspect your insulation materials, and if you are unsure regarding asbestos content, it is advisable to conduct a test for confirmation.

Check for Crumbling Walls and Ceilings

In older properties, asbestos was used in the plaster or drywall joint compound to enhance both the durability of the structure and its fire resistance. If you see any indications of cracking, crumbling, or deterioration in your home’s walls or ceilings, this could be a sign of asbestos. These materials may contain asbestos, and when disturbed or broken down, they can release asbestos fibres, posing a substantial risk to your health. It is imperative to conduct an asbestos check to prevent the disturbance of such materials, ensuring they remain intact and do not expose you to asbestos.

Unmasking Asbestos in your Home

Although these methods can help you to be able to assess the likelihood of asbestos in your home, they are not definitive proof. The only way to confirm the presence of asbestos in your home is through professional testing. Here at SafeZone Asbestos Solutions, our dedicated team offers comprehensive, professional asbestos services, including testing and removal.  

We have many years of experience providing both our residential and commercial customers with asbestos testing and removal, and we are qualified to remove all types of asbestos safely, efficiently and affordably too. Our team aims to turn around asbestos testing and removals within 24-48 hours, giving you the peace of mind you need, that your home is safe. 

To learn more about our asbestos removal services for your home in Basingstoke, get in touch with our team today. You can contact us by giving us a call on 07936 653 423, or by filling out our online contact form and a member of our team will be in touch with you shortly.