Discovered asbestos in your household fireplaces? Rest easy

Discovered asbestos in your household fireplaces? Rest easy - our guide offers assistance

In older properties, a hidden danger lurks that homeowners and renovators should be aware of - asbestos. This mineral, once widely used in construction due to its heat resistance and insulating properties, has since been linked to serious health risks.

Technology has advanced beyond the need for asbestos, but it may still be found in older properties built or refurbished before 2000. Works carried out on such properties should be assumed to have the potential to contain asbestos.

Asbestos was commonly used in various areas of a house, including roof tiles, Artex ceilings, pipe lagging, insulation, and some cement flooring. It was often mixed into concrete, plaster, for floors, walls, and ceilings. In fireplaces, asbestos is most likely to be found in the lining system of a chimney or any other nearby components manufactured to retain heat.

Asbestos in a fireplace can be extremely dangerous, causing lung disease, lung tissue scarring, and other respiratory illnesses. Older fireplaces, fireplace mortar, gas fires, and even old wood burning stoves could contain asbestos. In some cases, asbestos could be lurking in unexpected spots like within old wood burning stoves, in the stove rope that acts as a seal.

Stoves sold in the UK after 2000 will not have asbestos rope inside them. However, any kind of asbestos removal must be carried out by a qualified professional. If uncertain about the presence of asbestos in a property, contact a professional, licensed organization for help.

Renovating a house requires being aware of potential hazards, including harmful materials like asbestos, mould, and damp. Asbestos can be hard to identify due to its combination with other materials like cement. Therefore, it is crucial to exercise caution when dealing with older properties and always seek professional advice when in doubt.

In Germany, asbestos use in construction was fundamentally banned in 1993. However, asbestos is still present in many older buildings and requires strict handling regulations for removal and disposal.

In conclusion, asbestos is a serious health risk that can be found in older properties. Homeowners and renovators should be vigilant and seek professional help when dealing with potential asbestos-containing materials to ensure a safe and healthy living environment.

Discovered asbestos in your household fireplaces? Rest easy - our guide offers assistance