Dealing with asbestos
Asbestos is a strong fibrous mineral that has been used in a range of building materials before 2000. Often used as fireproofing, it is resistant to heat and chemicals.
If an asbestos-based product becomes damaged, it can release fibres into the air. Inhaling asbestos in the long term can cause asbestosis, which gradually damages your lungs.
DIY activities, such as sanding or drilling, may disturb and possibly damage products containing asbestos.
However, if maintained well there is little to no risk of this happening.
If you think you have asbestos in your home please let us know straight away – and do not disturb it in any way.
Places where asbestos can be found include:
- roof sheets and tiles
- fascia boards
- exterior cladding
- guttering and drain pipes
- insulation to boilers
- boiler flue pipes
- storage radiators
- textured wall and ceiling coatings (e.g. artex)
- duct panels (access to pipe work)
- infill panels (above, below or next to doorways/windows)
- panels behind radiators/heaters
- floor tiles
- suspended ceiling panels
- underside of stairs
Asbestos in communal areas
We fully comply with our legal duty to manage asbestos in communal areas and we have programmes in place for surveying, monitoring and removing it.
- We’ll look into the problem and confirm all details in writing.
- If asbestos is present and in good condition, it is highly unlikely to pose a risk to your health and will not qualify for removal work.
- If the asbestos is in poor condition we will manage it appropriately, either by protecting it or removing it with the help of an asbestos treatment specialist.
Please contact us on 0300 303 1010 to tell us about any suspected asbestos or if you would like any further information.