COMMON PLACES ASBESTOS IS FOUND IN ESSEX HOMES AND BUILDINGS

Common Places Asbestos Is Found in Essex Homes and Buildings

Common Places Asbestos Is Found in Essex Homes and Buildings

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When it comes to maintaining safe and healthy properties, one of the most overlooked dangers is asbestos. Though banned in the UK in 1999, asbestos remains present in thousands of older homes and buildings across the region. If you are a homeowner, landlord, or property developer in Essex, understanding where asbestos is commonly found could help protect your family, tenants, or workers from serious health risks.


At Harts Waste, we specialise in asbestos removal Essex, and in this post, we will walk you through the most common places asbestos is hiding in domestic and commercial properties.






1. Artex Ceilings and Textured Coatings


Many properties built before the 1980s feature decorative ceiling coatings such as Artex. These textured finishes often contain white asbestos, especially in older applications. Disturbing or drilling into these surfaces without proper safety measures can release harmful fibres into the air.






2. Asbestos Insulation Boards


Asbestos insulation boards, or AIB, were widely used for their fire-resistant and insulating properties. You might find them in:





  • Wall partitions




  • Ceiling tiles




  • Fireproof panels around boilers or fuse boxes




  • Soffits under roof eaves




These boards are highly hazardous when damaged or disturbed, making professional asbestos removal in Essex essential if found.






3. Behind Old Fuse Boxes and Electrical Panels


Older electrical installations often used asbestos insulation to reduce fire risk. Panels and backing boards behind fuse boxes or consumer units may still contain asbestos, especially in buildings constructed or renovated before the late 1980s.






4. Garage and Shed Roofs


Corrugated roofing sheets made from asbestos cement are still present in many Essex outbuildings, garages, and sheds. While asbestos cement is less dangerous when intact, ageing and weathering can release fibres over time, particularly during removal or repairs.






5. Pipe Lagging and Loft Insulation


Older heating systems used asbestos-based lagging around pipes and water tanks to prevent heat loss. These materials are extremely friable and dangerous if handled improperly.






6. Floor Tiles and Adhesives


Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesive used to bond them, often bitumen-based, may contain asbestos. Sanding, grinding, or removing these tiles can release microscopic fibres, making professional assessment and removal crucial.






7. Flue Pipes and Chimney Linings


Asbestos was frequently used to insulate flue pipes and chimneys, especially in older central heating systems and boilers. These materials can become brittle over time, posing a risk during renovations or replacements.






Why Identifying Asbestos Matters


Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Since many forms of asbestos are not visually obvious, proper testing and removal by certified experts is vital.






Choose Harts Waste for Safe Asbestos Removal in Essex


At Harts Waste, we provide trusted, fully licensed asbestos removal services in Essex for both residential and commercial properties. Our team conducts safe inspections, testing, and removals in compliance with all UK regulations.


Whether you are planning a renovation, managing a property portfolio, or simply concerned about your home's safety, we are here to help.

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