Asbestos: What you need to know

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural material that was used in many homes and buildings from the 1930s to the 1980s because it was strong, affordable, and resistant to heat and fire.

 

The UK banned the use of asbestos in construction in 1999. However, some homes built or improved before then may still contain asbestos materials. If your home was built before 1999, asbestos may be present.

 

Where can asbestos be found?

Asbestos can be found in a range of building materials, including:

• Cold water tanks
• Pipe lagging
• Insulation
• Textured wall and ceiling coatings, such as Artex
• Soffit boards
• WC cisterns
• Wall cladding
• Internal wall boards and partitions
• Central heating boilers
• Floor tiles and vinyl flooring
• Rainwater pipes and gutters

 

Why do we manage asbestos?

Many older homes contain asbestos materials. When these materials remain in good condition, we can often manage them safely without removing them. If the material becomes damaged or disturbed, it may need specialist attention. For this reason, please contact us before starting any home improvements or DIY projects that could affect your property.

 

How does Saxon Weald manage asbestos?

We monitor and manage asbestos in line with current safety requirements.

 

To help keep customers safe, we:

• Inspect asbestos in communal areas every year
• Check for asbestos before planned improvement or repair work starts
• Use specialist contractors when asbestos needs treatment or removal

 

In many cases, asbestos materials can stay in place safely if they remain in good condition.

 

What should customers do?

To help keep yourself and others safe, please:

 

• Get written permission before making changes or improvements to your home
• Contact your Housing Officer if you would like to alter your property
• Avoid DIY work in areas where asbestos may be present
• Do not drill, saw, sand, scrub, or cut materials that could contain asbestos

 

Concerned about asbestos in your home?

If you think a material in your home may contain asbestos and appears damaged, please contact us.

Telephone: 01403 226000
Email: [email protected]

 

You can also contact us through our online self-service portal at a time that suits you. We will review your concern and let you know what action we need to take.