Home Money Asbestos Removal Expert on How to Check YOUR Home for Deadly Dust

Asbestos Removal Expert on How to Check YOUR Home for Deadly Dust

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Deadly: Around 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, making it the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

According to Checkatrade, the number of homeowners who have had asbestos removed has increased over the past year.

The online directory said demand for asbestos removal services increased by 21 percent in 2024, compared to 2023.

Checkatrade’s data is based on almost nine million jobs completed in the last two years by its authorized traders.

It showed that through its website alone, more than 22,000 asbestos-related jobs were carried out in the UK last year, up from 18,000 the previous year.

Asbestos is a natural fiber that was commonly used in the construction industry between the 1930s and 1980s. If inhaled, it can cause serious damage to the lungs.

Although the purchase, sale, import or export of any asbestos-containing material was banned in the UK in 1999, it remains the leading cause of work-related deaths.

Deadly: Around 5,000 people die each year from asbestos-related diseases, making it the leading cause of work-related deaths in the UK.

Although it is often considered a problem relegated to the past, figures show that its presence remains a serious problem in homes and buildings in the UK.

According to one expert, it is also increasingly likely to be reflected in surveys of home buyers.

Jamie Gatley of JG Asbestos Services said: ‘My business has certainly seen a noticeable increase in inquiries and calls.

“I think this is mainly because surveys of homebuyers are becoming more aware of asbestos, which in turn advises potential homeowners to carry out independent checks, which ultimately leads to work being carried out.”

The average cost of an asbestos removal job ranges between £950 and £3,750, according to Checkatrade.

Why is asbestos so dangerous?

Asbestos-containing materials pose very little risk when left alone, but if disturbed or damaged they can be very dangerous.

The fibers are released into the air and, if inhaled, can cause serious health problems such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

These can take years or even decades to develop, but once diagnosed they can be fatal.

It was widely used in building materials from around 1930 to the mid-1980s, but according to the Health and Safety Executive, it could be found in any building built or renovated before the year 2000.

The British Lung Foundation estimates that around 14 million homes were built in the UK when asbestos was used in the construction industry.

According to the HSE, asbestos still kills around 5,000 workers each year in the UK, and 20 tradespeople die each week as a result of past exposure.

Risks: When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, fibers are released into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious illnesses.

Risks: When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, fibers are released into the air. When these fibers are inhaled, they can cause serious illnesses.

Where is asbestos found in the house?

Before the health implications of asbestos were known, products containing it were used for all kinds of things: as a fire retardant, for lining pipes, in wall and ceiling insulation, or sprayed on ceilings and walls as decorative coating.

It can be very difficult to identify, as it is often mixed with other materials and its appearance can be deceptive.

But despite these terrifying statistics, the health risk from short-term exposure to asbestos is very low in most cases.

An asbestos-related condition is much more likely to develop if a person has inhaled a considerable amount of asbestos fibers over a long period of time.

But even if the risks are low for the average homeowner, disturbing asbestos during renovation could lead to prolonged exposure if the dust fibers are not effectively removed after the work and remain airborne within the property.

It is advisable to be safe and arrange a professional asbestos study, not only to minimize health problems but also for your peace of mind.

For a standard two or three-bedroom property, a studio will typically cost between £200 and £350, according to Cheackatrade, but could cost up to £1,000 for larger homes.

Jamie Gatley says: ‘Any house built or renovated between the 1950s and 1990s is very likely to have an asbestos element.

‘Given that most homes will have had some work carried out over such a long period of time, it gives an indication of how common it still is.

‘It has been used quite a bit, but can be most commonly seen on textured coatings on ceilings and walls, floor coverings, external pipes, soffits, garages, etc.

‘When renovating floors, be especially careful when changing vinyl or linoleum-type tiles.

‘To anyone in an older home that may be affected, I would always recommend having an asbestos check or survey carried out by a well-reviewed and reliable company.

“When doing so, look for the correct asbestos inspection qualifications and check that samples are being tested at a UKAS accredited laboratory.”

Caution: Textured and decorative ceiling coverings may contain small amounts of asbestos

Caution: Textured and decorative ceiling coverings may contain small amounts of asbestos

Can you trust merchants to identify it?

While many tradespeople will be aware of the dangers of asbestos, there will be some who will not be.

“There may be a minority of contractors who don’t take it as seriously as they should,” Garley says. “But the dangers are well known, so I don’t think there is a major problem in the industry when it comes to traders ignoring the dangers.”

“Some less experienced contractors may simply not be considering asbestos, especially now that we have a new generation of tradesmen in their twenties who may not be as aware of it as they were too young to have seen it on the news in the moment it appeared.” was banned.

‘However, in my experience, most domestic traders are knowledgeable and carry out the correct procedures when it comes to asbestos.

‘What consumers can do to protect themselves is to ask specifically if dealers look for asbestos, if their home has the potential to have it. If they know they have asbestos, they should also hire asbestos specialists.’

How to find a new mortgage

Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed-rate agreement is ending or because they are buying a home should explore their options as soon as possible.

Quick mortgage search links with This is Money partner L&C

> Mortgage rate calculator

> Find the right mortgage for you

What happens if I need to remortgage?

Borrowers should compare rates, talk to a mortgage broker and be prepared to take action.

Homeowners can close a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to accept it.

Most mortgage agreements allow fees to be added to the loan and are only charged when requested. This means borrowers can get a rate without paying expensive processing fees.

Please note that by doing this and not paying off the fee upon completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount for the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone.

What happens if I am buying a house?

Those with agreed-upon home purchases should also try to lock in rates as early as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be.

Buyers should avoid overreaching and be aware that home prices may fall as higher mortgage rates limit people’s borrowing capacity and purchasing power.

How to compare mortgage costs

The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker.

This is Money has a long-standing partnership with free broker L&C, to provide you with free, expert mortgage advice.

Interested in seeing today’s best mortgage rates? Wear This is the best mortgage rate calculator from Money and L&C to show offers that match your home value, mortgage size, term, and fixed rate needs.

If you’re ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C’s Online Mortgage Finder? It will search thousands of offers from over 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you.

> Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C

However, please note that rates can change quickly, so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.

Mortgage service provided by London & Country Mortgages (L&C), which is authorized and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number: 143002). The FCA does not regulate most buy-to-let mortgages. Your home or property can be repossessed if you don’t keep up with your mortgage payments.

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