What to Expect from an Asbestos Property Inspection

Suspecting or discovering the presence of asbestos in your home can be a deeply alarming experience. Though it was banned over a quarter of a century ago, asbestos continues to be found in properties today. Its presence in homes can pose serious health issues, and the one thing that’s sure to worsen its harmful effects is attempting to remove it yourself. You should always consult an asbestos removal company upon its discovery.

These professionals will be able to prevent harmful fibres from being loosened that could cause serious cancer-related health risks. It’s also important to emphasise that this process should be as non-invasive as possible and ensure the utmost care for both yourself and the affected property. Read on to understand what to expect from an asbestos property inspection after you’ve requested it.

Initial Assessment

A consultant will arrive at your property soon after contact is first made, to locate the area of the asbestos or asbestos containing material (ACM) that’s causing concern. Most often they’re hidden under or inside roofs, insulation, floors or pipes. Given that properties with asbestos tend to be older, this is a process that needs to be conducted delicately and considerately based on the age of your property.

Visual Inspection

Safe asbestos removal needs to be extremely comprehensive because its harmful fibres are microscopic and can pose health risks even in small amounts. The next stage of an asbestos house inspection may therefore involve the removal of floor or wall tiles to ensure your safety. Unfortunately, asbestos’s longstanding historical use means it can often hide in plain sight, and surveillance will need to factor this into its processes to be effective.

Sample Collection and Testing

The asbestos consultant will then collect the identified ACM using a specialist method that carefully extracts the minimal amount of suspect material to be tested in a UKAS-accredited lab, without releasing harmful fibres. Its type and concentration can then be determined accurately by a specialist team, before a decision for further and more invasive removal is taken.

Risk Assessment & Recommendations

A comprehensive report will be compiled recommending your next step in the safe asbestos removal process. In some cases, the suspected material may even be non-asbestos containing, which means that no further action is advised. It’s nonetheless essential for a professional to be certain of this rather than deciding for yourself.

Compilation of an Inspection Report

The risk assessment and recommendations will then be compressed into a more readable format in the inspection report. This informs you of the legal regulations concerning asbestos based on your property type, and details concerning where the asbestos is located and what harms it presents.

Removal Services that Inspect with Respect

The right asbestos removal service isn’t just considerate of your physical health. It respects and understands the stress of having your house inspected without undervaluing the need to get the job done by taking affirmative steps towards asbestos removal.

Our specialist team will test, remove and collect asbestos while observing your boundaries. Contact the experts here at MD Asbestos Solutions Ltd today so you can stay in your property safer in the knowledge that it will be cared for with respect.