Is this asbestos?
Discussion
We are currently in the process of renovating a 1970s semi which has nasty artex type ceilings throughout. The previous owner was a bit of a DIY enthusiast, and has left this (one of many) holes in the ceiling which shows a cutaway into what I suspect to be asbestos. The brow fluffy material. Can any body confirm my suspicions?
I plan to repair these holes (using a mask) with plaster board discs from above braced and glued in place. Then get a plasterer to seal over everything.
Picture here, thanks. link due to size
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cal9000/5633500167/
edit - could a mod please add title 'Is this asbestos?' - thanks
I plan to repair these holes (using a mask) with plaster board discs from above braced and glued in place. Then get a plasterer to seal over everything.
Picture here, thanks. link due to size
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cal9000/5633500167/
edit - could a mod please add title 'Is this asbestos?' - thanks
Edited by Cal_GTA on Tuesday 19th April 09:49
Edited by Cal_GTA on Tuesday 19th April 11:55
I've updated the link. all though it works for me? maybe because its my account?
The reason i think it might be asbestos is because one similar house on the same estate found some in their property. They weren't there to ask them where exactly. This was 3rd hand information from somebody else who was passing as i was carrying out junk.
The reason i think it might be asbestos is because one similar house on the same estate found some in their property. They weren't there to ask them where exactly. This was 3rd hand information from somebody else who was passing as i was carrying out junk.
What I think you think might be asbestos just looks like mashed up fibres from the paper/card face of older style plaster board.
Not to say that there isn't asbestos in the cement/plaster core. And your Artex may have asbestos in it too.
You've probably worked out by now that most of the stuff with asbestos in won't look like asbestos - floor tiles, cement fibre soffit/facia/gutter, etc. but they are also mostly pretty harmless if left undisturbed.
If it worries you, the only sure way to tell is to send samples off for analysis.
I wouldn't be worried myself.
You really need to speak to the horse's mouth and find out where exactly they found asbestos and what type.
Not to say that there isn't asbestos in the cement/plaster core. And your Artex may have asbestos in it too.
You've probably worked out by now that most of the stuff with asbestos in won't look like asbestos - floor tiles, cement fibre soffit/facia/gutter, etc. but they are also mostly pretty harmless if left undisturbed.
If it worries you, the only sure way to tell is to send samples off for analysis.
I wouldn't be worried myself.
You really need to speak to the horse's mouth and find out where exactly they found asbestos and what type.
Thanks for the Tips, i'm not overly worried about it. Just wanted to make sure i'm using the right kind of mask while repairing all these various holes before the plasters come to skim over it all. I will try and find the person who apparently had an issue once.
i have spoken with an asbestos removal firm over the phone and they didn't think it was a very big deal even if it was asbestos, skim over it and leave it alone, basically.
i have spoken with an asbestos removal firm over the phone and they didn't think it was a very big deal even if it was asbestos, skim over it and leave it alone, basically.
spaceship said:
What sort of mask is suitable if there is a risk of asbestos being in the property you are working on?
http://www.screwfix.com/p/3m-p3-disposable-valved-mask/27480It needs a P3 filter as I understand it. Make sure to get disposable overalls too, as the fibres will stick to your clothes.
spaceship said:
What sort of mask is suitable if there is a risk of asbestos being in the property you are working on?
I'd say put your space suit on mate or a gasmask and NBC suit from the army surplus.I've often wondered about the ceiling in my integral garage (1970s house). This is white and boarded in sheets about 5mm thick. It can become flaky at the edges and when drilled gives off powdery talc. Looks to have been constructed in compressed fibres/flakes when you look at a cross section.
I suspect this to be asbestos but been told you wont know if you're affected for about 30-40yrs in which case I will probably be dead or should be by then.
I'd say yours is plasterboard
Zingari said:
I'd say put your space suit on mate or a gasmask and NBC suit from the army surplus.
I've often wondered about the ceiling in my integral garage (1970s house). This is white and boarded in sheets about 5mm thick. It can become flaky at the edges and when drilled gives off powdery talc. Looks to have been constructed in compressed fibres/flakes when you look at a cross section.
I suspect this to be asbestos but been told you wont know if you're affected for about 30-40yrs in which case I will probably be dead or should be by then.
I'd say yours is plasterboard
I've often wondered about the ceiling in my integral garage (1970s house). This is white and boarded in sheets about 5mm thick. It can become flaky at the edges and when drilled gives off powdery talc. Looks to have been constructed in compressed fibres/flakes when you look at a cross section.
I suspect this to be asbestos but been told you wont know if you're affected for about 30-40yrs in which case I will probably be dead or should be by then.
I'd say yours is plasterboard

grayr said:
dudleybloke said:
i'v milled, drilled and turned asbestos and i'm still here.
With the appropriate ppe I hope. It's bad stuff.at the end of the day you would have to go looking through the filter bag for your tools!
spanners, allen keys eat would almost be ripped out your hands it was that powerfull.
mybrainhurts said:
Why do you think asbestos would be in the ceiling...?
well we had the plasterer in today and he said properties of this vintage typically have around 1% asbestos mixed into these kind of finishes. There is no way to be sure without testing it, but he said it wasn't really any thing to worry about. as long as your not scraping, sanding and drilling it all the time then you'd be fine.Does highlight that you should always wear a proper mask when working on these houses though.
So, next question. £1k to ceiling plaster the whole house (3 bed semi) plus fill a few wall cracks and holes. decent quote? I thought this seemed ok.
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