Asbestos Refurbishment Survey – Domestic Property, Tiptree, Essex

We were recently appointed to carry out an asbestos refurbishment survey at a domestic property in Tiptree, Essex. The property is a single-storey bungalow constructed during the mid-20th century, a period when asbestos-containing materials were widely used in residential construction.

The homeowner was planning internal refurbishment works, including the removal and replacement of existing flooring within the property. Before renovation could begin, it was important to identify whether any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were present within the floor finishes.

Refurbishment surveys are essential before structural alterations or upgrades, as materials hidden beneath finishes may contain asbestos and could be disturbed during works.

Survey Findings

Our qualified asbestos surveyor visited the property to carry out a refurbishment survey, focusing specifically on the flooring materials in the affected area.

The refurbishment survey consisted of:

• Checking the existing floor tiles made of vinyl
• Controlled sampling of the floor tiles made of vinyl
• Checking the existing adhesive used to fix the floor tiles, which is made of bitumen-based materials
• Checking other materials in the area that may have been damaged during refurbishment, which may have asbestos in them

The flooring materials used in the area consisted of older floor tiles made of vinyl. Vinyl floor tiles are commonly used in buildings that were constructed in the period between the 1950s and 1980s. Adhesives used to fix floor tiles may contain asbestos.

Laboratory testing was carried out to determine whether asbestos fibres existed in the floor tiles or in the adhesive used to fix the tiles.

Recommendations

Once the survey and laboratory tests are completed, the client is issued a detailed refurbishment survey report, which includes:

• Laboratory results for floor tile and adhesive samples
• Photographs
• Location plans for materials sampled
• Safe removal methods

In situations where asbestos is present in vinyl floor tiles or adhesive, safe removal methods must be employed to ensure that no asbestos fibers are released during the removal process. Safe disposal is also required in accordance with UK regulations on asbestos.

Contractors must also be informed about the results of the asbestos survey prior to commencement of any refurbishment works.

Outcome

By arranging for an asbestos refurbishment survey in Tiptree prior to the commencement of renovation works, the homeowner was able to safely undertake their refurbishment works.

This survey gave the homeowner:

• Confirmation on the presence or absence of asbestos
• Clear guidelines on how to safely remove asbestos if present
• Protection for those handling asbestos during removal
• Compliance with current regulations on asbestos handling

Early detection of asbestos-containing materials is important in order to avoid any hitches in refurbishment works.