building valuations

 

Asbestos

Definition and Description

 

Independent Surveyors call us on free phone for help and advice

As experienced independent Surveyors we can provide Residential Building Surveys (also known as Structural Surveys) and Commercial Building Surveys. If you have a building problem with your house, i.e. cracking, movement, lateral dampness, condensation etc we can carry out a Specific Defects Report (also known as an Engineer's Report or Expert Witness Report).

If you have a property problem we may even already have written a surveying article on the property issue and we would refer you to the many property articles we have on our home page at 1stAssociated.co.uk. We are independent surveyors who are more than happy to chat about property issues. Please Free phone us on 0800 298 5424

Free phone 0800 298 5424

Compare our Building Structural Surveys but don't compare Apples with Thursdays

If you need a Building Survey or a Structural Survey on a home, house or commercial property we believe as Building Surveyors we have a wealth of experience and expertise that we can utilise to help you.

We are more than happy to send you examples of our surveys that we have carried out on similar properties to yours and pretty much have always carried out a survey on similar property to the one that you are looking at although we do understand that all properties are unique.

We truly believe that you should see what you are getting in the form of an example Survey before you purchase a property. What is more is that we are so confident with our higher than average standards that we believe that there is no other comparable survey available in the UK property and surveying market.

 

Our Executive Summaries make property matters simple to understand

Our Good, Bad & Ugly Structural Surveys!

Furthermore we would also like to introduce to you what we call our Good, Bad and Ugly structural survey which is a building survey, sometimes known as a structural survey, and is something that we have developed over numerous years, in fact several decades. We have listened to feedback from our clients and amended and altered our building surveys to make them easy to read and describe property issues clearly. The key factor we believe is that our surveys are easy to understand in plain English.

 

Circles and ovals in our building surveys make property issues easy to comprehend

In our building surveys and structural surveys the circles and ovals are a method that we used to draw attention to property problem areas so that you are not left wondering what the property problem is. In addition to this if the survey photographs do not, we believe, explain the property problem a sufficient amount together with our survey report we also add in one of our own hand drawn unique survey sketches.

Asbestos overclad roof

 

Asbestos Information

Products containing asbestos have, until recent years, been widely used in domestic building construction and the mere presence of asbestos does not, in itself, necessarily constitute a health hazard.   Removing undamaged material may release more dust than leaving it in place and it is only when asbestos materials are in a damaged or friable condition, or during installation, modification, removal or demolition, that there is likely to be a significant health risk.

Underside of asbestos sheet roof

Asbestos sheet roof underside

 

What is Asbestos in a building?

http://www.1stassociated.co.uk/article_images/definitions_external_asbestos_clip_image002_0000.gifAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre used as a binder to provide rigidity for other materials such as cement. Asbestos is also fire resistant and was therefore added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.

Asbestos comes in several different types, some of which are more dangerous than others. However, all types of asbestos are considered dangerous if the fibres are inhaled, as they can cause lung cancers. The risk of cancer increases with the number of fibres inhaled. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

 

Independent Surveyors give advice on asbestos matters

Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos, as we all are in our daily lives, do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos containing material may release asbestos fibres, which can be inhaled into the lungs.

Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled, or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard. Fibre release is therefore most likely if, for example, asbestos containing material is drilled into or sanded - inadvertently releasing the fibres into the atmosphere. 

Asbestos paint

 

How is the law going to change in relation to properties?

The law change largely concerns properties in commercial use. This does not mean owner-occupied homes but the law does cover common areas in flats and homes under housing association control. These more explicit laws regarding asbestos replace those which have been in force for some time.

The main change is the requirement for an inspection for the presence of asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM's) in all commercial properties. This is required so that any asbestos that is present can have its condition monitored. The inspection will also prevent work being carried out unknowingly on an ACM.

 

What should be done about asbestos in the home?

If you think asbestos may be in your home, don't panic! Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone. Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibres. There is no danger unless fibres are released and inhaled into the lungs.

Check building material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don't touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibres. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.

Asbestos shallow pitched roof

 

Independent Surveyors can send you examples of our surveys

If you truly do want an independent expert opinion from a surveyor with regard to building surveys, structural reports/engineers reports, specific defects report, structural surveys or any other property matters please free phone 0800 298 5424 for a friendly chat. We are happy to help and can send you examples of our surveys and reports as over the many years we have been surveying properties of all types, styles and ages we most certainly will be able to show you an example of a property or property problem similar to the one you are calling us about. We always tailor make our surveys to your specific property or property problem and use our knowledge and experience to provide a comprehensive property service.

 

Why it is important to have an independent building survey?

We always recommend having an independent building survey as this will highlight any property issues. Caveat emptor means buyer beware and is why you should have a building survey to find out if there are any problems within the property; the estate agent undoubtedly will not advise you of any.

Bear in mind the building Surveyor that you employ will be the only person working for you with your interests their primary concern.

 

Commercial Property

If you have a commercial property, whether it is freehold or leasehold then sooner or later you may get involved with dilapidation claims. You may wish to look at our Dilapidations Website at www.DilapsHelp.com and for Disputes go to our Disputes Help site www.DisputesHelp.com.

 

Surveying articles

We hope you found the surveying article on asbestos of use and if you have any experiences that you feel should be added to this article that would benefit others, or you feel that some of the information that we have put is wrong then please do not hesitate to contact us (we are only human).

The contents of the 1stAssociated.co.uk website are for general information only and are not intended to be relied upon for specific or general decisions. Appropriate independent professional advice should be paid for before making such a decision.

 

1stAssociated.co.uk rights

All rights are reserved, the contents of the web site are not to be reproduced or transmitted in any form in whole or part without the express written permission of www.1stAssociated.co.uk  

 

building engineers
Home Buyers Reports Property Surveys - why we're the best. Engineers Reports
© Copyright 1stassociated.co.uk
Site Map

1stassociated-logo-for-footer IVSA-badge IVSA-putting-client-first call-us-for-footer

We have thousands of free property articles to help you - or call us freephone on 0800 298 5424

We have been working in the property industry for many years and have been
providing free property articles for over ten years. All for free and to help you with buying your next property.

House and Home Surveys and Useful Information

All you need to know about Building Surveys

Building Control, what do they do?

Designers and Architects will they save me money or will they cost me money

Enviroment, Your Building and Garden Gnomes

Estate Agents help sell houses and work for the vendors

Have a Structural Survey to protect you against structural problems

Home improvements, builder problems and ideas for you on how to solve them

How a Surveyor values a property, Chartered Surveyors and Regulated Valuers

How Chartered Engineers and Building Engineers can help you

Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas

NHBC National House Building Council

Structural Surveys and How We Can Help You

Traditional and Non-Traditional Houses and Mortgage Problems

Valuations and how much is the building worth?

Whats the difference between a Chartered Building Surveyor, Chartered Surveyor and an Independent Surveyor

Useful property problem articles by Chartered Surveyors explaining building issues to avoid

External - Helpful information on building problems on the outside of the property

Chimney issues and problems

Cracking and Movement Problems and Surveying Solutions

Flat Roof Problems, how we can solve them

Foundations and Structures and Settlement and Subsidence and Underpinning

Pitched Roofs Problems and Solutions

Roof Problems

Wall Problems

Windows and Doors and Fascias and Soffits and Wet Rot and Dry Rot and other problems

Internal - House problems we have investigated inside

All you ever need to know about floors

Asbestos in your home, what you need to know

Ceiling Cracks and Structural Problems

Condensation, Damp and Black Mould Problems

Cracking and Movement Problems and Surveying Solutions

Windows and Doors and Fascias and Soffits and Wet Rot and Dry Rot and other problems

Woodworm is it a problem or not? Is it active or not?

Services - Building help and advice on costly services

Drainage, what's underground can affect what's above ground

Heating; I just can't get my house warm enough or alternatively I just can't get my house cool enough

You can't mess around with the electric, you need an expert

 

Commercial Property Services

Building Terms Explained and Directories

Commercial Property Surveys

Commercial Structural Surveys

Leisure Facilites

Offices Large and Small

Shops and Retail

Warehouse and Industrial Buildings

Dilapidations Help and Advice What is a Dilapidations Notice?

A Beginner's Guide to Dilaps

Damp Mould and Condensation

Dampness Rising Damp Mould Black Mould Condensation

Dilapidations and Negotiations

Dilapidations Claim by a Landlord

Energy Saving what can I do?

Finance what is a Financial Adviser (We are not Financial Advisors)

Fire Risk and Help

Health and Safety Risks

Insurance how do I get the correct property insurance?

Landlords Surveying Advice

Property Investment how can I invest in property?

Property TV Reviews by an Independent Surveyor

Schedules of Condition Leasing a Commercial Property

Scotts Schedule and Section 18 Valuation

Tenants Surveying Advice

Weather how does weather affect my property?

Flooding

Rain

Snow and Ice

Strong Winds

Reviews from clients on Commercial Building Surveys

Churches and Charities, helpful reviews from our clients

Industrial Buildings and Warehouses and what our clients say about us

Offices Large and Small, reviews and feedback from our clients

Pubs, Restaurants, Hotels and other Leisure facilities we have surveyed over the years

Shops and Retail, helpful reviews from our clients

 

First Time Buyers

Buying a Leasehold or Shared Freehold Home

Buying and Selling Houses for the experienced house and home purchaser

First Time Buyers how do I go about buying my first house and home?

Improve your property knowledge with our presentations on house, homes and commercial property

Building Surveys

Building Surveying Useful Information

Dilapidations

Dilapidations Presentations in Detail

Final Year Building Surveying Exams for University Students or those that would like to know more

How old is your Building? Which era was it built in?

Party Walls

Surveyors and Design Tools

Disputes and Party Walls

Boundary Disputes

Building and Property Disputes

Party Wall Book Reviews

Party Walls Your Rights and Responsibilities

1stAssociated Surveyors Review for Structural Surveys and Building Surveys

Building Surveys, reviews and feedback from satisfied customers

Buy to let property clients, what they say about our structural surveys

Buying at auction, review of the survey

Buying bungalows and retirement properties and how our surveyors can help

Both at work / busy couples, how we can help and some 1stAssociated client reviews

Families with a young person flying the nest, reviews and feedback

First Time Buyers, what they say about us

Listed buildings, structural surveys

Older buildings, a review of buying an older house

Families with children looking for a new home, feedback and reviews

Buying a Non-Traditional Property

Residential Surveys

House and Home Surveys

Commercial Building Surveys

Commercial Surveys

1st Associated Surveyors Are Also Available in the Following Areas:

East Anglia and East

South and South East

West Country and South West

Midlands

North and North East

 

London

London Markets

London Parks

 

Wales

Areas of Britain

1stAssociated Independent Expert Property Surveyors

Specialists in Home Buyers Reports, Building Surveys and Structural Surveys and Schedules of Condition

All Surveyors are Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors qualified and RICS regulated

and are Members of the Independent Surveyors and Valuers Association

Putting the Client First

We do not accept service of documents by email or fax