asbestos attic ceiling panels

[svouts]

Hello,

I am in the process of buying an old house with a an attic converted to a bedroom and a bathroom. The survey found some materials that look like asbestos (see picture). They recommend having an asbestos survey done by a specialist company.

I have two young kids and I am very stressed with the prospect of asbestos in the house.

Will it be safe to live in the house after asbestos is removed and use the particular bedroom? There are also carpets on the upper floor bedrooms and staircase; would they be contaminated also?

Any idea of the cost of removing asbestos if it is used allover the attic ceiling for insulation?

Thanks
Steph

 

[Newboy]

The survey found some materials that look like asbestos (see picture). They recommend having an asbestos survey done by a specialist company.

Surely that's down to the seller - ask your solicitor.

I have two young kids and I am very stressed with the prospect of asbestos in the house.

No need to stressed. As long as any asbestos is in good condition and not disturbed it isn't an issue.

Will it be safe to live in the house after asbestos is removed and use the particular bedroom?

Provided that the asbestos removal is done correctly (and the relevant documents provided to confirm the removal and possible air-test)

There are also carpets on the upper floor bedrooms and staircase; would they be contaminated also?

Not if the removal is done properly

ny idea of the cost of removing asbestos if it is used allover the attic ceiling for insulation?

No idea, but if the ceiling needs to be removed then it's not only the removal but putting up a new ceiling and redecorating etc.

 

[endecotp]

attic converted to a bedroom and a bathroom.

Has this conversion been done in compliance with fire safety (i.e. escape) building regulations?
That would worry me more than the possibility of asbestos.

Any asbestos can be dealt with. The question is cost. You could use that when negotiating the cost of the house, but beware that the seller may instead sell to someone who doesn’t know / doesn’t care about the issue.

If you’re a “worrier” about this sort of thing in general, you may prefer to look for a modern property.

 

[footprints]

If it is just the two panels with the slot in not a major problem to get removed, but if the asbestos is extensive I would walk away as endecotp says.
On no account trust the seller to "have it removed safely" fair chance it will end up smashed to bits on site, the remains put in a supermarket bag and dumped somewhere!

 

[^woody^]

On no account trust the seller to "have it removed safely" fair chance it will end up smashed to bits on site,

Not if they need it removed by a licensed company, with reassurance tests afterwards and a clearance certificate.

Because that looks like AIB and will need it.

 

[Notch7]

AIB = asbestos insulation board

only banned in 1985!

Why then do we always express concern to our clients over asbestos insulating board (AIB)?
Firstly, it almost always contains amosite. Amosite is part of the amphibole group, of which all were banned in 1985 in the UK. It is considered significantly more dangerous than chrysotile which remained in use until 1999. Secondly, AIB is also a highly friable product, when damaged there is great potential for it to release respirable fibres into the air. This friability is a leading factor in why the Health & Safety Executive categorise it as a licensed product. Though this doesn’t tell us why we believe it to be especially dangerous.

AIB is the most frequently discovered licensable asbestos product by our surveyors. Not only is it frequently found but it’s often found in large quantities, for example covering entire ceilings. This quantity and prevalence is compounded by the fact that it’s often unrecognisable to many civilians who mistake it as fibreboard, gypsum or plasterboard. Furthermore, it’s often found in dry and inaccessible areas, it’s very easily damaged and it was often fixed in rooms with high populations.

http://www.orrion.co.uk/aib-danger/