Asbestos risk?

moneysaver1978

In our 1930s semi-detached house in Kent, there's a small archway between the dining room and kitchen. We are looking to remove the arch (or rather square it off):


But now I am wondering there's a risk of asbestos. It seems unlikely but I am not an expert! Have you used an asbestos testing kit?

stuart45

You'll probably find that a metal arch former has been used. They normally tack it in the opening and plaster it. It's unlikely that asbestos was used, but if you've got any doubts get it tested. Don't rely on someone telling you from a photo.

Belenus

We are looking to remove the arch (or rather square it off):

Is there a reason for doing that?

Appearance, to install a door or something else?

I think it looks fine as it is but that is my personal opinion and we are all different.

moneysaver1978

Thank you both! We wanted to square it off as the arch isn’t to our taste (and it’s not a perfectly smooth arch anyway).

Sounds like it’s worth ordering an asbestos test kit and send away a sample

moneysaver1978

Looking to order something like this - but what should a sample look like? Could I drill or would sawing a piece out be better? Obviously will be fully masked and then taped afterwards!

I am sure there is no asbestos but better to err to be on the safe side.

Niv

No-one can tell if the arch material contains asbestos from those photos.
If you do decide to take a sample you must get full depth to ensure you capture all materials used (i.e. AIB may have been plastered over so just taking the surface layer could give you a false result.
Wet the area first and during.
Do NOT drill it. You must avoid emitting any dust if you believe it may be asbestos.

If it is asbestos the sample will likely look fibrous (white curly and/or brown rod like). If its a plasterboard type material with a paper surround (like modern plasterboard) it is less likely to be AIB as that typically didn't have a paper surround.


(former asbestos surveyor / bulk analyst and air tester)

moneysaver1978

Not asbestos and a friendly builder also confirmed it is not asbestos so all good! Thank you all for helpful posts.