Asbestos
Definition and Description
Independent Surveyors call us on free phone for help and advice
As experienced independent Surveyors we can provide Residential Building Surveys (also known as Structural Surveys) and Commercial Building Surveys. If you have a building problem with your house, i.e. cracking, movement, lateral dampness, condensation etc we can carry out a Specific Defects Report (also known as an Engineer's Report or Expert Witness Report).
If you have a property problem we may even already have written a surveying article on the property issue and we would refer you to the many property articles we have on our free property articles page. We are independent surveyors who are more than happy to chat about property issues. Please Free Phone us on 0800 298 5424
Free phone 0800 298 5424
Compare our Building Structural Surveys but don't compare Apples with Thursdays
If you need a Building Survey or a Structural Survey on a home, house or commercial property we believe as Building Surveyors we have a wealth of experience and expertise that we can utilise to help you.
We are more than happy to send you examples of our surveys that we have carried out on similar properties to yours and pretty much have always carried out a survey on similar property to the one that you are looking at although we do understand that all properties are unique.
We truly believe that you should see what you are getting in the form of an example Survey before you purchase a property. What is more is that we are so confident with our higher than average standards that we believe that there is no other comparable survey available in the UK property and surveying market.
Our Executive Summaries make property matters simple to understand
Our Good, Bad & Ugly Structural Surveys!
Furthermore we would also like to introduce to you what we call our Good, Bad and Ugly structural survey, which is a building survey, sometimes known as a structural survey, and is something that we have developed over numerous years, in fact several decades. We have listened to feedback from our clients and amended and altered our building surveys to make them easy to read and describe property issues clearly. The key factor we believe is that our surveys are easy to understand in plain English.
Circles and ovals in our building surveys make property issues easy to comprehend
In our building surveys and structural surveys the circles and ovals are a method that we used to draw attention to property problem areas so that you are not left wondering what the property problem is. In addition to this if the survey photographs do not, we believe, explain the property problem a sufficient amount together with our survey report we also add in one of our own hand drawn unique survey sketches.
Asbestos Information
Products containing asbestos have, until recent years, been widely used in domestic building construction and the mere presence of asbestos does not, in itself, necessarily constitute a health hazard. Removing undamaged material may release more dust than leaving it in place and it is only when asbestos materials are in a damaged or friable condition, or during installation, modification, removal or demolition, that there is likely to be a significant health risk.
What is Asbestos in a building?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre used as a binder to provide rigidity for other materials such as cement. Asbestos is also fire resistant and was therefore added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
Asbestos comes in several different types, some of which are more dangerous than others. However, all types of asbestos are considered dangerous if the fibres are inhaled, as they can cause lung cancers. The risk of cancer increases with the number of fibres inhaled. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
Independent Surveyors give advice on asbestos matters
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos containing material may release asbestos fibres, which can be inhaled into the lungs.
Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Fibre release is therefore most likely if, for example, asbestos containing material is drilled into or sanded - inadvertently releasing the fibres into the atmosphere.
How is the law going to change in relation to properties?
The law change largely concerns properties in commercial use. This does not mean owner-occupied homes but the law does cover common areas in flats and homes under housing association control. These more explicit laws regarding asbestos replace those which have been in force for some time.
The main change is the requirement for an inspection for the presence of asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM's) in all commercial properties. This is required so that any asbestos that is present can have its condition monitored.
The inspection will also prevent work being carried out unknowingly on an ACM.
What should be done about asbestos in the home?
If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibres. There is no danger unless fibres are released and inhaled into the lungs.
Check building material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibres. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.
Independent Surveyors can send you examples of our surveys
If you truly do want an independent expert opinion from a surveyor with regard to building surveys, structural reports/engineers reports, specific defects report, structural surveys or any other property matters please free phone 0800 298 5424 for a friendly chat. We are happy to help and can send you examples of our surveys and reports as over the many years we have been surveying properties of all types, styles and ages we most certainly will be able to show you an example of a property or property problem similar to the one you are calling us about. We always tailor make our surveys to your specific property or property problem and use our knowledge and experience to provide a comprehensive property service.
Why it is important to have an independent building survey?
We always recommend having an independent building survey as this will highlight any property issues. Caveat emptor means buyer beware and is why you should have a building survey to find out if there are any problems within the property; the estate agent undoubtedly will not advise you of any.
Bear in mind the building Surveyor that you employ will be the only person working for you with your interests their primary concern.
Commercial Property
If you have a commercial property, whether it is freehold or leasehold then sooner or later you may get involved with dilapidation claims. You may wish to look at our Dilapidations Website at www.DilapsHelp.com and for Disputes go to our Disputes Help site www.DisputesHelp.com.
Surveying articles
We hope you found the surveying article on asbestos of use and if you have any experiences that you feel should be added to this article that would benefit others, or you feel that some of the information that we have put is wrong then please do not hesitate to contact us (we are only human).
The contents of the website are for general information only and are not intended to be relied upon for specific or general decisions. Appropriate independent professional advice should be paid for before making such a decision.
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