Asbestos
Safety
Learn about asbestos and what it means if
it is discovered in your home
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous material that was regularly used in buildings until the late 1990s. It is still found today in many buildings, including homes, schools, offices and hospitals. If disturbed, it can be hazardous.
You will have received relevant information about asbestos when you moved into your home. If you need another copy, please call us on 01344 382 800.
Why is asbestos dangerous?
When materials that contain asbestos are disturbed or damaged, fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are inhaled they can penetrate deep into the lungs. They can stay there a long time and can’t be coughed out. This may over time cause serious diseases.
These diseases often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is usually too late to do anything. These diseases include Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and Pleural thickening.
Where might asbestos-containing materials be in my home?
Building materials known to have asbestos-containing materials include:
- Floor materials – vinyl sheet flooring and floor tiles
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Ceiling tiles
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Boiler system insulation
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Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system insulation
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Drywall joint compound
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Texture coatings
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Asbestos-containing vermiculite (granular-type insulation found in attics and wall cavities)
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Cement materials, such as siding, roof sheets, underground sewage piping, and tiles
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Fire-stop and fire-shield materials.
How does Silva Homes deal with asbestos-containing materials?
We have hired an experienced and competent contractor to conduct inspections.
This will result in an up to date asbestos register across all of our housing stock covering our communal areas and relevant residential properties. In addition, we have a certified asbestos removal contractor in place to handle any subsequent removal or encapsulation works.
Will I have to move?
No, we manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in accordance with legislation. If ACMs are present and in poor condition in one of our homes, they will be repaired or removed.
If ACMs are present in mass quantities and found to be in poor condition, such that repair or removal of ACMs means temporarily displacing someone from their residence, appropriate accommodation will be made available.
Displacement would only occur when high hazards or high-risk situations exist, and these are rare occurrences.
Making alterations to your home
If you are considering carrying out work on your property that may disturb the fabric of the building, you must contact us for advice. Do not disturb any part of your property’s building fabric.
In the event that building materials are disturbed, please do not clean up any debris or disturb further. Our contractors will be able to offer advice and if necessary conduct any removal of suspected asbestos debris.
Removing asbestos-containing materials
Legislation does not require that all ACMs have to be removed. Based on the condition of the material and its potential for disturbance, repair or removal of the ACMs may be required. If the material is in good condition, in most cases it will be left in position as it poses no hazard.
This will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
More information
If you have any questions about asbestos in your home, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Call our customer hub: 01344 382 800.