Maybe Asbestos in old flat?

BIGDENNIS10UK

I wonder if anyone can help me?

I'm a first time buyer, so all this I'd new to me and quite confusing, I'm buying an old purpose built flat, It's 1 of 4 in a block, we've had the survey done Snd there is some minor issues, but nothing (I hope!) too bad, but the thing that's bothering me is a couple of the level 2 notices are that it may have as Astros in it, it says

"The textured ceiling finishes in a property of this age, may contain small amounts of asbestos fibres. The Institute for Environment and Health, state that this is not normally a cause for worry unless the textured finish is sanded, drilled or damaged without taking proper safety precautions. Notwithstanding this view, there is great public concern about asbestos and future saleability could be affected if this material does contain asbestos and remains in place. obtain further advice from your local environmental health officer."

It says this for a couple of the rooms and also says the same sort of warning, but maybe traces of lead paint, I have no experience in the building trade and I'm just looking for some general, practical advice please?

Is it hard/expensive to get rid if asbestos , if it is there?

How much is a check for it?

Thanks

retepetsir

Asbestos is not dangerous unless disturbed, and the type used in older textured materials is also the lower risk version. Unless you want to remove the textured work (at a guess its older style Artex?) then it's perfectly fine to keep and to paint when required. It can also be skimmed or boarded over without any issues.

Lead paint isn't so good but again not a problem if you're decorating anyway.

I really wouldn't be worried about those things. We live in a late 1960's flat and the presence of asbestos hasn't been an issue, just take precautions if it could possibly be present.

BIGDENNIS10UK

It was an old ladies before we bought it, so it more or less has to be gutted, I won't be doing the work, as I know nothing about it, but I'd like to be able to warn the builders or whoever does the work.

Or will they just know what to do?

I have no clue what has to be done, if there is asbestos in there lol.

Hate knowing nothing about it, but not sure what I can do about it?

BIGDENNIS10UK

This is what it says about lead paint, they survey doesn't seem so concerned.

"Finishes
The external decorations will need attention when external repairs are undertaken. In a property of this age and type, it is possible that the paintwork may contain lead which could be a substantial health risk. Whilst we do not consider there is a need for urgent action, after purchase you may wish to make further enquiries."

Gra76

The people writting the report are covering their backsides, that's all.

As previously mentioned, the asbestos in artex issue is nothing to worry about as long as you don't damage it. Even then it's very hard to release the fibres from the artex short of sanding it (which you'd be mental to do anyway). The only way to know is to have a sample taken to a UKAS lab who will be able to check it for chrysotile (white asbestos).

If the builders are 'gutting' it as you say then they should be carrying out a refurbishment and demolition survey to cover themselves anyway.

If there is asbestos present and it needs to be removed rather than encapsulated or left alone then it can be quite expensive, as every asbestos removal firm I've ever dealt with has charged a significant amount of money for removal.

BIGDENNIS10UK

Ok thanks, can you just kinda board it and plaster over it?

In other words, can builders get round it without it being a major issue?

I appreciate you haven't seen it, so if someone could just answer in general, it would be very much appreciated.

Thanks

Gra76

If it's artex on the walls and the pattern isn't too thick the builders could bond and skim over it. So yes, builders should be able to get around it unless it's a very thick pattern.

propertyman

Gra76 wrote: »

If it's artex on the walls and the pattern isn't too thick the builders could bond and skim over it. So yes, builders should be able to get around it unless it's a very thick pattern.

Erm no any proper builder will say that its asbestos and not touch it. Why would a plasterer want to risk a lung full of asbestos?

Depending on the depth of the stipple, there are many paint on treatments which cover uneven surfaces and that reduces the risk of disturbing the artex.

lead paint is significant as risk and advice is contained here.
http://www.coatings.org.uk/faq/Removing_old_lead_paint-15.aspx

peterhain

If you want to stay with the present asbestos,you have to be adopt some measures to avoid the asbestos from decaying.Make sure about the asbestos inspection and air quality testing from the service providers like healthy environmental before deciding with your current situation.