Anyone who has a house built before the year 2000 has been issued a warning over a highly dangerous substance that could be lurking in your walls, ceiling or roof.
According to garage doors firm Garolla, asbestos can still be found in UK homes despite being banned in 1999 over its deadly impact on human life. This is because it was widely used in building materials from the 1930s onwards thanks to being fireproof, as well as strong and well insulating, making it a cheap and popular choice for wall linings, garage roofs and all sorts of other elements of a house.
The health risks were not known at the time, and it wasn’t until the late 90s that asbestos was linked to serious diseases, such as asbestosis. As a result, even today, many properties still have asbestos lurking within.
Alastair Mayne, CEO at Garolla, said: “Asbestos is dangerous because its tiny fibres, when disturbed, become airborne and can be inhaled. Once in the lungs, the fibres can cause serious health issues, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
So, if your home was built before 2000 and you’re thinking of performing even minor renovations, it’s important to keep an eye out for the warning signs”
First, check how old your garage is.
He added: “The most popular time for asbestos was between the 1950s and the 1980s, so if your garage was built then, you should definitely contact a professional to determine the safety of your property.
“If your garage is made of corrugated grey panels, especially ones that are weathered, there is a good chance that they were made with asbestos cement. Similarly, flat panels could be asbestos insulating board, which is even more hazardous. Keep an eye out for moss growing on your roof, as it can hide degradation – a broken panel can increase the risk of fibres being released.”
Asbestos insulation boards were often used in wall panels, especially around doors. They typically look like flat, grey boards, which is very easy to mistake for fibreboard.
Alastair adds: “If you suspect you have asbestos in your garage, it’s very important that you consult a professional rather than attempt to remove it yourself.
“Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can be released easily. Professionals are trained to identify asbestos safely, test under strict conditions, and remove it with specialised equipment. If in doubt, it is always best to consult proper expertise.”