How Do You Get Rid Of Asbestos Based Material In An Old House?
I am buying a century-old terraced home–well, perhaps not anymore after receiving this home buyer’s report–and have just found out that the house contains ‘asbestos based’ material. The survey does not state exactly what this material is, but my general question is how does one go about eliminating such material from an old house and how much does something like this cost? Should I just cut my losses and pull out of the purchase?
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Tags : Asbestos, Based, House, Material
Asbestos sheets were extensively used in the 40’s & 50’s as building material. Very rigid ,stable inert, covered a multitude of sins.Used in lieu of plasterboard for ceilings, walls , in bathrooms, etc took paint readily, and was very good., as it was also fire resistant.
September 12, 2009 9:43 am | #1The problem only starts when it is ground into, or cut, when it produces a fine powder containing microscopic fibers., it is otherwise stable, when not disturbed,.
I would have no hesitation in buying a house with this type of installation.
It could be expensive, however. If the asbestos is in floor tile you can go over it. Or if it is in the siding you can go over it. Asbestos that is not tampered with is not harmful. I would want a itemized list. Good Luck
September 12, 2009 10:07 am | #2Your local council will be able to recommend an approved firm. Get a full quote for the removal, and beat the seller down on the price.
September 12, 2009 10:26 am | #3As someone else says, most houses that are over 20 years old have asbestos in them. Its mainly asbestos cement sheeting and piping which is generally classed as low hazard. It needs to be taken out by an experienced contractor and wrapped in 2 layers of plastic before disposal. Asbestos insulation is much more tricky though. One problem is that home inspectors tend to list any material they are not sure of as suspected asbestos, just to cover themselves. If you really want the house, contact the inspector for more details.
September 12, 2009 10:47 am | #4Ask the surveyor where the asbestos based materials are located. Asbestos based does not necessarily mean it is dangerous asbestos. Blue asbestos is the killer, and probably brown asbestos as well. Brake pads for cars today are asbestos based because no other material can take the heat.
September 12, 2009 11:30 am | #5you have to have it professionally removed…and they whoever owns it..should have it removed before they sell it,I would find out if they will,,,because the whole house has to be wrapped in plastic to avoid fibers from blowing to neighbors and getting into air…and then people go in that are completely covered like aliens to clean it up …it cost a lot…my nephew use to do it…I thought it was the law to get rid of asbestoes before you sold it…and insurance won’t cover it,til you get it removed.
September 12, 2009 12:07 pm | #6By law you must get a professional in to look at it because there are about 6 different types of asbestos, some more dangerous than others. If you touch it and break it off in a dry form, you could seriously damage your health. You might not see the effects right now but in 10-15 years you might.
September 12, 2009 12:32 pm | #7You should get a free estimate (as they say) from most companies. Have a look in your yellow pages and check that they are registered and check their registration.
It will cost a fortune as it’s a specialist job, and has to be done by licenced contractors only. If you still have the chance, I’d pull out.
September 12, 2009 12:41 pm | #8Have a look at http://www.npda.co.uk
September 12, 2009 12:43 pm | #9Its a website for property developers. Join for free and ask for advice in the forum.
Hope this helps.
asbestos abaitment shoould be done by licensed contractor an assessment by an environmental consultant is needed to determine if the asbestos even needs to be removed remember asbestos is harmless unless it is floating in air from breaking of the fibers you need to know what it is to make an inmformed decision
September 12, 2009 12:51 pm | #10Pull out, or get a quote and say you want the cost off the offer price. It will obviously depend on your circumstances as you will not be able to live there whilst it is done.
September 12, 2009 1:23 pm | #11In so many words you don’t. Most homes older than 40 years have some asbestos in them.Wallboard,plaster,floor tiles,ceiling tiles,siding,roofing,heaters and there pipes etc.
September 12, 2009 1:34 pm | #12The best approach is to understand that if it is left alone it is harmless. Only when disturbed ex. pulling up an old floor,tearing into plaster and drywall that airborne fibers are released.Removal can be done however if done improperly can release fibers through-out the house creating more of a hazard than existed before.
Most home inspection reports will list asbestos it is a liability issue if they don’t.
The entire country and its housing stock contains asbestos, including every public building, Pub Church etc etc. I work for the council and we only remove it after a fire to the building, there are different types but if you remove wear not just dust masks but re breathing appartus. Then when you’re finished wrap your clothes up and bin them!
September 12, 2009 1:38 pm | #13get the specialists in it may cost a alot but at the end of the day what is money compaired to your life later on. dont take the risk
September 12, 2009 2:00 pm | #14Call in the services of your local public health officer. he will know the names of specialist contractors who will remove it for you. be ready to pull out your wallet. Last year I lost a friend to “monkey muck” – the asbestos lagging used on many commercial heating boilers.
September 12, 2009 2:53 pm | #15there are loads of companies out there to remove this item, just ask them for the quote for the remove and then you have bidding tool to get the house cheaper.
September 12, 2009 3:01 pm | #16Happy move.
This could be your way out if you are not construction minded. Or you could use the report to your advantage and get a quote so you can bargain on the purchase price. I personally wouldn’t do this if you have children though. Make sure that you have the time and money to be able to do it since you will not be able to live in the house at the same time. The report should have stated where the asbestos was, whether the siding or roofing..etc. Call the inspector and have them clarify where it was found. Siding can be covered over without having a specialist come out. Even tiling can be covered. As long as it is covered and not being taken out or removed (dust is the actual issue with asbestos) you do not have to have a specialist. BUT do make sure to check your local codes since it is different everywhere. Good Luck on your endeavor whatever you choose.
September 12, 2009 3:25 pm | #17