How Does Asbestos Testing Work?

A naturally occurring yet toxic material, asbestos was once widely used in the construction industry. Today, however, much more is known about its carcinogenic properties, with its use in property building banned since 1999 in the UK.  

Here in our How Does Asbestos Testing Work? guide, we cover what you need to know if you believe you might have asbestos present on your property and want it investigated further. 

What is Asbestos Testing?

If purchasing a property built before 2000, you will often be advised to undertake an asbestos survey. 

So, what is asbestos testing?

Sometimes known as an asbestos survey, asbestos testing is the process of identifying the toxic fibres, whether in materials or the air. While it is possible to undertake asbestos testing yourself, hiring a professional is highly recommended due to the risks involved. 

What Does an Asbestos Test Involve? 

There are three standard types of asbestos testing – Management, Demolition and Refurbishment. Each test typically involves three key stages: Inspection, sample collection and laboratory analysis.

• Inspection: This involves an in-depth inspection to identify any potential asbestos-containing materials in the area. 
• Sample collection: This involves material samples, such as those from insulation and tiles, being collected. 
• Laboratory analysis: The collected samples are tested using a variety of techniques, including polarized light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy to check for asbestos.

What Can an Asbestos Test Find? 

Once an asbestos test has been undertaken, you can typically expect to wait 48 to 72 hours for the results. 

The test will highlight whether asbestos has been detected in the property or not. If asbestos is present, you should evacuate the area and ensure it is sealed off before contacting an experienced asbestos removal professional to safely dispose of the hazardous material.

However, should the test find no evidence of asbestos, no further steps need to be taken. 

How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost? 

The average cost of an asbestos test is typically around £250 for a standard, 2-3 bedroom home, with prices varying depending on property size and age. 

How Does Asbestos Testing Work: Final Thoughts

If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your property, we strongly advise you contact an expert to investigate further to ensure the safety of your family.

If you need a local firm of professional asbestos experts in Wednesbury, Darlaston or the wider West Midlands region, get in touch with All Clear Services today. Our team of specialists can identify, analyse, contain and remove asbestos from domestic properties throughout the county.

Call our team today on 0121 526 4839 or 07944 438 409 to see what we can do for you.