ASBESTOS GUIDANCE FOR HOMEOWNERS IN MANSFIELD.

In homes built before the year 2000, asbestos was commonly used in many everyday materials. You might come across it during DIY, decorating, or home renovations — especially in the following areas:

• Textured coatings (like Artex ceilings)
• Floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them
• Cement garage roofs, shed panels, and soffits
• Pipe lagging or insulation in older heating systems
• Bathroom and kitchen wall panels
• Water tanks (especially in lofts)
• Electrical fuse boards and backing panels
• In many cases, asbestos has been painted over or hidden by newer materials, so it’s not always visible.

You can find more detail on this in our blog: Where Asbestos is Commonly Found in Homes.

WHEN IS ASBESTOS DANGEROUS? 

Asbestos doesn’t pose a risk unless it’s disturbed or damaged, releasing fibres into the air. That risk increases during DIY, drilling, sanding, ripping up old flooring, or structural work.

You may want to consider asbestos sample testing or a domestic asbestos survey if you’re:

• Starting renovations or home improvement
• Removing ceilings, walls, tiles, or pipework
• Having tradespeople in for rewiring, plumbing or heating work
• Unsure about older materials left in place

A survey or test can help you confirm if asbestos is present, and what condition it’s in — so you can make safe decisions.

WHAT HAPPENS IF ASBESTOS IS FOUND? 

If asbestos is identified in your home, it doesn’t always need to be removed.
In fact, materials in good condition are often safely left in place with the right management.

Depending on the results, you may:

• Simply avoid disturbing the area
• Label or monitor the material over time
• Arrange for removal (especially if it’s damaged or part of planned works)

Your survey report or test result will explain this clearly. You can learn more about the process on our Domestic Asbestos Surveys page.

ASBESTOS AND HOMEOWNERSHIP 

Asbestos is very common in UK homes — and it’s not something to panic about.
However, being informed can help you:

• Plan work safely
• Communicate better with tradespeople
• Reassure potential buyers or surveyors
• Avoid accidental exposure

If you’re buying or selling a property, a Homebuyer Asbestos Survey can help highlight any risks in advance, especially if your mortgage provider or building survey flags something up.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU'RE UNSURE? 

If you’ve found an unusual material and don’t know what it is, stop work and avoid disturbing it further. You can:

• Take a clear photo and seek advice
• Book a sample test to check specific materials
• Arrange a domestic survey for a fuller overview

It’s always better to check than to disturb something hazardous.

What Homeowners Often Ask

Do I need to remove asbestos if it’s found?

No, not always. If it’s in good condition and unlikely to be disturbed, it can usually stay in place. Removal is typically recommended if it’s damaged, friable, or in the way of planned work.

Can I test materials myself?

You shouldn’t break or disturb materials to take a sample yourself. A trained person should collect the sample safely and send it to a UKAS-accredited lab for analysis. Learn more on our Asbestos Testing page.

Does a normal house survey check for asbestos?

No — most building surveyors don’t include asbestos testing unless it’s specifically requested. If you want to be certain, ask for an asbestos-specific assessment like our Homebuyer Survey.

Summary: What You Should Know as a Homeowner

• Asbestos is common in homes built before 2000
• It’s usually only dangerous if disturbed
• A visual inspection or test can give you peace of mind
• Testing and surveys are affordable and often faster than expected
• You don’t need to panic — just take informed action