Asbestos
Understanding Asbestos: What Homeowners Need to Know
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once celebrated for its heat resistance, durability, and insulating qualities. These properties made it a common ingredient in construction materials throughout much of the 20th century. However, we now know that asbestos fibres can cause serious and sometimes fatal health issues when disturbed and inhaled.
This article explains what asbestos is, where it’s commonly found, and what you should do if your property may contain it.
What Is Asbestos?
“Asbestos” refers to a group of six fibrous minerals that were used extensively in building materials. Any product that contains one or more of these minerals is classed as an asbestos-containing material (ACM).
The most common types found in UK buildings are:
- Chrysotile (white asbestos) – used in roofs, ceilings, walls, and floors.
- Amosite (brown asbestos) – often found in insulation boards and ceiling tiles.
- Crocidolite (blue asbestos) – used in pipe insulation and spray coatings.
Although asbestos was banned in the UK in 1999, many buildings constructed before this date still contain it.
Where Asbestos Can Be Found
Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products during its peak, meaning it’s not unusual to come across it during home surveys or renovation projects.
Common locations include:
- Insulation boards and ceiling tiles
- Artex and decorative coatings
- Pipe lagging
- Roof sheets and soffits
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Cement panels or flues
If your property was built before 2000, there’s a possibility asbestos may still be present.
Why Asbestos Is Dangerous
Asbestos only becomes dangerous when it’s damaged or disturbed. When this happens, tiny fibres can become airborne and inhaled, where they can remain in the lungs for decades. Prolonged exposure increases the risk of several serious illnesses, including:
- Mesothelioma – a rare cancer affecting the lining of the lungs
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue
- Pleural thickening – swelling and hardening of the lung lining
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that asbestos-related diseases still claim around 5,000 lives every year in the UK.
Managing Asbestos in Your Property
If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left undisturbed, they often pose minimal risk. However, if you’re planning building work, renovations, or even maintenance that could disturb materials, professional assessment is essential.
There are two main management approaches:
- Leave and Manage – The asbestos is left in place but regularly monitored and recorded in an asbestos register.
- Removal – A licensed contractor safely removes the material to eliminate any future risk.
In all cases, asbestos should never be handled by untrained individuals.
How a Survey Can Help
Both Level 2 (HomeBuyer Reports) and Level 3 (Building Surveys) carried out by RICS-qualified surveyors will flag materials that may contain asbestos. If asbestos is suspected, we’ll recommend a specialist asbestos survey for testing and confirmation.
Knowing whether your home contains asbestos is crucial — not just for safety, but also for legal disclosure when selling your property.
Key Takeaway
Asbestos remains one of the most common hidden risks in older UK buildings. While it can often be safely managed, identifying its presence early is essential to protect both occupants and contractors.
At Greenvale Home Surveying, we provide detailed, professional home surveys that highlight potential asbestos risks and guide you on the next steps with clarity and confidence.
📞 Get in touch today for expert advice or to request a no-obligation survey quote.