Asbestos safety

Asbestos in the housing industry

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material. Asbestos fibres are strong, flexible, and fireproof. Asbestos fibres have excellent insulating and fireproofing properties. Because of these qualities, they were often added to building materials.

Asbestos was used in many construction materials until 1999 when it was finally banned in the UK. Homes built after this date are unlikely to contain asbestos.

Where could asbestos be in my home?

Many properties in the UK contain asbestos materials. You may find asbestos materials in:
Textured paints and coatings applied to walls and ceilings – known as Artex.

Cement based products which include:

• Roof tiles and soffits
• Rainwater gutters
• Water tanks and pipes
• Fire stopping around boilers and heating appliances
• Lining under stairs cupboards.
• Insulation around pipes, on and between partition walls and in loft areas.
• Vinyl and linoleum floor coverings, asbestos resin toilet seats, cisterns, and putty around windows

Carrying out DIY in your home

Materials containing asbestos don’t pose a serious risk to health if undisturbed. If they become disturbed, harmful asbestos fibres could be released.

Building, decorating, and DIY activities can disturb or damage asbestos-containing materials. Drilling, sanding, and sawing could disturb asbestos fibres that could be inhaled. Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious health related issues.

If you are undertaking any work or improvements to your home, you should inform us before starting. This way, we can check our records to ensure your safety.

What should I do if I suspect there is asbestos in my home?

You can’t tell if a material contains asbestos with the naked eye. If you’re unsure if a material contains asbestos or if you find or suspect any damaged asbestos in your home:

• Do not remove it
• Do not attempt to repair any damage yourself
• Do not brush or vacuum the affected area, as this will spread asbestos fibres into the air

Contact us for advice.

If completing work yourself, you must identify any materials containing asbestos. Depending on the type of material found, you may need to seek the advice of a specialist. A specialist asbestos removal contractor will remove the asbestos containing materials for you.

Home Group asbestos management

We are dedicated to managing asbestos-containing materials in our homes. Before we start any work, we will conduct an asbestos survey. A survey will ensure that all customers and contractors remain safe during the work.

We maintain an asbestos register. We can tell you if your property has asbestos-containing materials if it has been surveyed.

Contact Us

If you suspect you may have asbestos containing materials in your home, do not panic.

If you want to learn more, please get in touch by calling 0345 141 4663.