How Do I Know If There’s Asbestos In My House

Asbestos is a well-known material and has been used in buildings for many years. However, it was later discovered to be very dangerous and even life-threatening. This blog will help you identify different types of asbestos, learn more about the material itself, and discuss what to do if you have asbestos in your house. 

No one wants to live in a house with asbestos, so take a read to learn more and help you prevent this from happening! In here, you will learn if you need a survey or removal for your property.

What types of asbestos can I find at home?

There are multiple types of asbestos. 

The first type is chrysotile; this is the most common form of asbestos. Manufacturers have used this type of asbestos in everything from boiler seals to insulation for pipes; it can be found in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors. 

The next type of asbestos is crocidolite, also known as blue asbestos. This is used to insulate steam engines, cement products and more. 

Another type of asbestos is amosite, also known as brown asbestos, which is found in insulating boards, ceiling tiles and thermal and insulation products. We also have anthophyllite, which has a dull green or white colour and is a contaminant in chrysotile asbestos. 

Finally, we have tremolite, which can be brown, grey, white, green or transparent and can be found in paints, sealants, insulation and plumbing materials.

What are the dangers of having asbestos at home?

Asbestos is hazardous when it is damaged and is released into the air. While it often takes a long time to develop and affect an individual, asbestos exposure can usually be diagnosed straight away. Once it develops, it can become life-threatening. 

Each year thousands of workers are affected by asbestos. More than 20 die each week from current or past exposure. Asbestos is typically found in older buildings; however, it can be present in newer buildings, so it’s essential to ensure your home is free from it.

How do I know if my garage has asbestos?

When moving into a home or building, it is essential to check if all parts of the building have any asbestos, and there are certain ways you can identify it in different areas of your home, starting with your garage. 

The first thing you can do is inspect the surface pattern; small dimples may be visible in the texture or design, signifying asbestos. You can also analyse the joint of your roof and inspect the adhesives that may have been used to join the asbestos sheets, if any were used.

How do I know if I have asbestos floor tiles?

Having asbestos in your floor tiles can sometimes be common, especially if your house is not a new build.

Discolouration such as oily tones to your tiles may indicate asbestos. Asphalt is one of the most common materials used to make asbestos floor tiles, and leaks of the oil can cause the tiles' colour to fade, leading to the spreading of asbestos. Another indication of asbestos is that some tiles may have come loose and reveal black mastic which likely contains asbestos, so it is vital to get this checked if you see it. 

How do I know if my home has asbestos?

Aside from the commonly affected areas like garages and floors, asbestos can be found anywhere! If you are concerned that your home may have asbestos, here are some signs to look out for.

As previously mentioned, older homes are most likely to contain asbestos. If your home was built before the ’70s or ’80s, it may contain asbestos. If this is your home, you should carefully read this part. 

• Test your water tank, as older homes often contain asbestos, so it is essential to get this tested for asbestos.

• Asbestos can also be found in older homes' cement sheets. The vent covers, lamp bases, and trap areas surrounding the sheets may contain asbestos. 

• Determine whether your property has millboard or paper-based vinyl flooring tiles. If the flooring was put in before the 70s, the risks of asbestos contamination are increased. 

When it comes to asbestos exposure, there are signs to look out for too. 

Physical symptoms include shortness of breath, wheezing, blood coughed up from the lungs, pain or tightening in the chest, difficulty swallowing, weight loss, or fatigue. 

If you are unsure whether your home contains asbestos, you must get this checked by a professional who will run a full survey to see if you have asbestos and advise you on the next steps.

Next steps

If you do detect asbestos in your home, you must minimise the risks by taking appropriate safety measures. 

If you want to take the following steps, do not hesitate to hire experts that will handle asbestos with all the safety measures and without risks to your health or your family. Contact Asbestos Gone today and hire an asbestos survey.