Should We Be Concerned About Possible Asbestos

Ben1989

Hi guys and gals.

Had a HomeBuyers survey and it mentioned about possible asbestos in ceiling and walls. It sounded like it was merely a period comment but now concerned. Should I be? Here is the exact wording below:

“Ceilings
Ceilings are formed in lath and plaster with textured finishes.

There was evidence of general cracking. This is not considered to be indicative of a serious structural problem. The cracks should be filled prior to re-decoration as part of routine maintenance.
Lath and plaster ceilings are vulnerable to cracking and loosening as they age. Due to the relatively fragile nature of this type of ceiling, failings can occur without warning. The risk of unevenness and failure of the ceilings will increase with time and you should anticipate the need for future repair and replacement work.

The kitchen ceiling has been panelled and this has become detached. This is a fire hazard and should be removed. Some replastering may be required.

A textured coating that may contain small quantities of asbestos fibre had been applied to ceilings. The general use of asbestos ceased in the mid 1980s and it is possible that the age of this textured coating predates this. On the basis of the likely age of the textured finish it is therefore recommended that it is not worked or sanded in a way that could release fibres. Further advice from an appropriately qualified asbestos contractor, to confirm whether the material contains asbestos fibres, is advised.
Condition rating 2

Walls and partitions
Internal partitions are partly of masonry, partly of timber construction and are mainly finished with plasterboard and skim, as are the inner faces of outside walls. Whilst minor cracking at was noted, no evidence of significant defect was found.
Within the property areas of hollow sounding plaster were recorded. In practical terms there is a risk that plaster will fall away when stripping off old decorations. It should be accepted that the plaster is becoming fragile and patch repairs, or more substantial renewal of plaster, will be necessary in future.
Again an Artex finish has been applied and this should not be worked or sanded in any way that can release the fibres until testing has been undertaken.

The ground floor walls were checked for signs of rising damp using an electronic moisture meter. Readings were within an acceptable range indicating that, where accessible, the damp proof course is working effectively at present.
Condition rating 2”

Linton

Asbestos was commonly used in buildings in past years. It only becomes a problem when you breath in asbestos dust. So as long as you leave it alone it is normally very stable and there should be no problem. When and if you have it removed then the contractor will need to take appropriate precautions if indeed there is any asbestos, which at the moment is unknown.


Apart from the bit about the detached panelling the quote you provide is just stating general facts that would equally apply to many other houses of the same age. There are no problems being raised that apply to your house in particular, the report actually goes further to say that some checks were made and no particular problems were detected.

davidmcn

Also bear in mind that in many potentially asbestos-containing materials the proportion of asbestos content was very low - I think about 1% in Artex.

Ben1989

Thanks for your comments.

We’re first time buyers so it’s all very new. It’s an older property and I was planning to sand the walls and paint but then I thought about the survey comments

davidmcn

Ben1989 wrote: »

I was planning to sand the walls and paint but then I thought about the survey comments

Often easier to plaster over rather than remove the existing coating.

Ben1989

davidmcn wrote: »

Often easier to plaster over rather than remove the existing coating.

One big issue; an extremely lack of plastering experience

SusieT

Ben1989 wrote: »

One big issue; an extremely lack of plastering experience

One good way to learn is by doing it Could you find a friend who knows how to do it and have them teach you?

davidmcn

SusieT wrote: »

One good way to learn is by doing it Could you find a friend who knows how to do it and have them teach you?

To be fair, it's one of those things where it's easier to get someone in rather than spend months getting the knack for it.

Ben1989

I’m conflicted because the whole house probably needs doing but we have a child and the faffing around every night for days might not be worth it

SusieT

davidmcn wrote: »

To be fair, it's one of those things where it's easier to get someone in rather than spend months getting the knack for it.

It certainly looks easier than it really is, its just that I got the impression that the OP would be trying to do the work themself.

phill99

Just get the artex tested for asbestos. Then you will have a definitive answer and you can make decisions.

At the moment you are just guessing.