Finding a material that you suspect may contain asbestos can be worrying, especially if you’re in the middle of renovating your home or managing a commercial property. The good news is that finding asbestos doesn’t necessarily mean you’re in immediate danger. The most important thing is to know what to do next.
At Atlas Asbestos, we regularly help homeowners, landlords, builders and businesses identify suspect materials and provide clear, professional advice on the safest course of action.
First Things First – Don’t Panic
If you think you’ve found asbestos, the first thing to remember is don’t disturb it.
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are generally considered low risk if they are in good condition and left undisturbed. The risk arises when materials are damaged, drilled, cut, sanded or broken, releasing microscopic asbestos fibres into the air.
If you’ve uncovered a suspicious material during renovation works:
- Stop work immediately.
- Prevent anyone else from disturbing the material.
- Keep children and pets away from the area.
- Avoid sweeping or using a standard vacuum cleaner, as this can spread fibres if asbestos is present.
Where Is Asbestos Commonly Found?
Asbestos was widely used in UK buildings until it was banned in 1999. If your property was built before 2000, asbestos could be present in a variety of materials, including:
- Textured coatings (Artex)
- Garage and shed roofs
- Soffits and fascias
- Floor tiles and bitumen adhesive
- Pipe insulation
- Cement flues
- Insulating board (AIB)
- Water tanks
- Ceiling tiles
- Roof panels
Many of these materials look similar to modern alternatives, so it is impossible to confirm the presence of asbestos by sight alone.
Can I Tell If It’s Asbestos Just by Looking?
No.
Even experienced asbestos surveyors cannot confirm whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. The only reliable way to identify asbestos is through laboratory analysis of a representative bulk sample.
At Atlas Asbestos, we take samples using controlled techniques designed to minimise disturbance before submitting them to an independent UKAS-accredited laboratory for analysis.
What If I’ve Already Disturbed It?
If you’ve accidentally drilled, broken or cut into a material that may contain asbestos:
- Stop work immediately.
- Leave the area if dust has been generated.
- Close doors where possible to prevent dust spreading.
- Avoid cleaning the area yourself.
- Contact a competent asbestos professional for advice.
In many cases, the risk from a single, short-term disturbance is relatively low. However, it’s important to assess the material before continuing with any work.
Do I Need an Asbestos Survey or Just Sampling?
This depends on your circumstances.
A bulk sample is suitable if you have identified a single suspect material and simply want to know whether it contains asbestos.
An asbestos refurbishment survey is recommended if you are planning renovation or demolition works. These surveys are designed to identify asbestos-containing materials that may be disturbed during the project, helping to keep contractors safe and ensuring legal compliance.
If you’re unsure which service you need, we’re happy to advise.
What Happens If the Sample Contains Asbestos?
Finding asbestos doesn’t automatically mean it needs to be removed.
Following laboratory analysis, we’ll explain your options, which may include:
- Leaving the material in place and managing it safely.
- Encapsulating or sealing the material.
- Arranging safe removal where necessary.
Our recommendations are always based on the condition of the material, its location and the work you intend to carry out.
Why Choose Atlas Asbestos?
At Atlas Asbestos, we pride ourselves on providing honest, practical advice without unnecessary alarm.
We offer:
- Domestic and commercial asbestos surveys
- Asbestos bulk sampling
- Refurbishment and management surveys
- Non-licensed asbestos removal
- Fast turnaround laboratory analysis
- Clear reports with practical recommendations
Our aim is simple: to help you understand the risks, comply with current regulations and make informed decisions about your property.
Contact Atlas Asbestos
If you’ve discovered a material that you think could contain asbestos, don’t take unnecessary risks.
Atlas Asbestos provides professional asbestos sampling, surveys and expert advice across the North West, helping homeowners and businesses identify asbestos safely and with confidence.
Whether you’re planning a renovation, purchasing a property or simply need peace of mind, we’re here to help.
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