Do I need an asbestos survey?

DespotDespondency

Hi,

I have recently purchased an house built in the 1850's.

There are some polystyrene tiles on the ceiling of two of the bedrooms and I wish to remove them ASAP.

There is also some artex on the walls of some of the bedrooms and the hallway, which I would like to remove at some point further down the line.

I'm not sure when these were put up, and I've heard that these products can contain asbestos if they are pre-1980's.

I had a building survey report done prior to the purchase and there is no mention of asbestos in the house.

However, they do mention that they are not qualified asbestos surveyors and that no tests have been carried out. I'm not sure if this is the surveyor covering themselves or not.

As it's an old property I was wondering whether I should get an asbestos survey done? Or is this overly cautious? How much should I expect to pay for such a survey?

Thanks

Leif

You can take samples from areas of concern, and send them to a lab. It does not cost all that much. Here is I think the place I used:

http://www.asbestostesting.co.uk/

DespotDespondency

That looks perfect, thanks.

Any rough estimates for removing the tiles if they do turn out to have asbestos in them?

I seen people recommending just to cover them up, but I would prefer to remove them completely.

Thanks again.

Hintza

Please read up on the great asbestos scam before deciding what to do.

System

DespotDespondency wrote: »

Any rough estimates for removing the tiles if they do turn out to have asbestos in them?

I thought you said the tiles were polysterene? Unless they have been artexed over then they are not going to contain asbestos

BlueC

DespotDespondency wrote: »

That looks perfect, thanks.

Any rough estimates for removing the tiles if they do turn out to have asbestos in them?

I seen people recommending just to cover them up, but I would prefer to remove them completely.

Thanks again.

Get a report done (it is most likely CHRYSOTILE type asbestos which is pretty harmless) then just remove them yourself with the correct protective clothing/mask etc, double bag it and take it to your local council asbestos disposal centre. The removal companies are a total rip-off... they're only humans too.