A Homeowner’s Guide to Asbestos

For many homeowners, the word asbestos immediately raises concerns — and for good reason. Once widely used in construction, asbestos is now known to be hazardous to health. While it is banned in new building work, it can still be present in older homes, which means homeowners need to be aware of where it might be and how to deal with it safely.

This guide is designed to help domestic property owners understand asbestos, the risks, and what to do if they suspect it’s in their home.

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What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was commonly used in the UK building industry between the 1950s and 1990s because of its strength, fire resistance, and insulating properties. It was often mixed into building products such as cement, insulation, and textured coatings.

It was finally banned in the UK in 1999, but many homes built or refurbished before then may still contain asbestos.

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Why is Asbestos Dangerous?

Asbestos is safe if left undisturbed. The risk arises when materials containing asbestos are damaged or disturbed, releasing tiny fibres into the air.

These fibres can be inhaled and cause serious diseases such as: • Asbestosis (scarring of the lungs) • Mesothelioma (a type of cancer linked solely to asbestos exposure) • Lung cancer

These illnesses develop slowly, often many years after exposure, which is why asbestos is taken so seriously today.

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Where Might Asbestos Be Found in Homes?

In domestic properties, asbestos may be found in: • Artex and textured ceiling coatings (popular in the 70s and 80s) • Insulation boards (used around boilers, in airing cupboards, or as partition walls) • Old fuse boxes and electrical backing boards • Pipe lagging in older central heating systems • Roofing sheets and garage roofs (corrugated asbestos cement) • Floor tiles and adhesives • Guttering and downpipes

If your home was built or refurbished before 2000, there’s a chance asbestos could still be present in one of these forms.

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What Should Homeowners Do?

1. Don’t Panic

If asbestos is in good condition and not being disturbed, it may not pose an immediate risk.

1. Don’t DIY It

Never attempt to drill, sand, cut, or remove suspected asbestos materials yourself. This can release fibres and increase the danger.

1. Get a Professional Survey

If you’re planning renovation works, it’s wise to have an asbestos survey carried out. This identifies if asbestos is present and whether it needs to be removed or managed.

1. Use Licensed Contractors

Where removal is required, only licensed asbestos professionals should carry out the work. They have the correct equipment and safety procedures in place.

1. Keep Records

If asbestos is found and left in place, keep a record of its location and condition for future reference.

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Everyday Safety Tips for Homeowners • Treat any suspicious materials in older homes as though they may contain asbestos until proven otherwise. • Be especially cautious during DIY projects like drilling into ceilings, removing old floor tiles, or dismantling garage roofs. • Always seek professional advice before starting major refurbishments on pre-2000 homes.

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Conclusion

Asbestos is something every homeowner of an older property should be aware of, but it doesn’t need to cause panic. Managed safely, asbestos materials can often remain in place without risk. Problems only arise when they are damaged or disturbed.

The best approach is simple: be cautious, get professional advice, and never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. By taking the right steps, you can protect both your home and your family’s health.

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📞 Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services Ltd Company No: 0191 9052723 WhatsApp: 07388 439427 Email: switchtoday@mail.com

Helping homeowners stay safe and compliant in every part of their property.

Frequently Asked Questions (North East UK)

When should I upgrade my consumer unit (fuse box)? If your current fuse board has wooden backing, cast iron switches, or lacks RCD (Residual Current Device) protection, it is severely outdated and non-compliant with modern BS 7671 safety standards. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services highly recommends upgrading to a modern, metal-clad RCBO consumer unit to dramatically improve the safety of your home in Newcastle.

Do I need a full house rewire? If your home has old rubber-coated wiring, fabric cables, or if you regularly experience blown fuses, flickering lights, and inadequate sockets, it may be time for a rewire. Properties in the North East built before 1990 often require partial or full rewires to safely handle modern electrical loads. Contact us for a full diagnostic inspection.

Are EV chargers legally required to have Open PEN fault protection? Yes. For safety reasons, especially for properties with PME (Protective Multiple Earthing) supplies common in the UK, EV chargers installed outside must have Open PEN fault protection. Switch Electrical & Mechanical Services only installs premium, fully compliant EV charge points for homeowners across the North East.