Before you remove or renovate anything in a building that was built or renovated before the asbestos ban, it is worth finding out whether the materials contain asbestos. This applies to small home renovations as well as to larger conversions. But because a full survey is not always necessary, it is useful to know the difference between an asbestos survey and a single asbestos analysis.
Why check before renovating?
Asbestos has been banned throughout the EU since 2005, and in many countries much earlier, but materials from before the ban are still present in many buildings. An intact material is not dangerous, but fibres can be released when it is removed, drilled or sanded. That is why you should know what the materials contain before work begins. Work with asbestos is subject to occupational safety rules, and an asbestos-containing material must not be removed as ordinary demolition work.
Checking is worthwhile in practically every building whose materials could date from before the ban, and also in newer buildings if old layers were left in place during an earlier renovation.
When is a comprehensive asbestos survey needed?
A comprehensive asbestos survey is appropriate when the removal work affects several parts of the building or when you do not know which materials will be removed. Typical situations are a complete refurbishment, renewal of the plumbing, a larger repair of moisture damage or the demolition of part of a building. In a survey, a qualified person goes through the building's materials systematically and takes samples of all suspect materials.
The asbestos survey is carried out by someone who knows building materials and their history. The survey report forms the basis for planning the removal work. National rules on when a survey is required differ, so check with your country's authority.
When is a single asbestos analysis enough?
A single asbestos analysis is enough when you know exactly which material is to be removed and want to check whether it contains asbestos. In a bathroom renovation, for example, you can have the tile adhesive analysed, or before replacing a floor you can have the adhesive under the vinyl floor covering analysed with a single sample.
A single analysis is quick, inexpensive and often entirely sufficient for limited renovations. You can take the sample yourself and post it to the laboratory as a letter or small parcel with your national postal service, which keeps the process simple.
Planning the renovation with asbestos in mind
Have asbestos checked while you are planning the renovation, not only when removal begins. Any asbestos removal can then be scheduled and budgeted as part of the renovation. Surprises during removal lead to delays and extra costs.
In practice, a good time is when the scope of the renovation has been decided but removal has not yet begun. The result is then available when the contractor starts work.
The difference between a survey and an analysis
An asbestos survey is a comprehensive investigation in which a qualified person inspects the building and identifies all materials that may contain asbestos. An asbestos analysis, by contrast, is the laboratory examination of a single material sample. A survey usually includes analyses, but you can also order an analysis separately without a survey.
If only one or two materials are being removed, an analysis is enough. If the removal work is extensive or there are many different materials, a survey is the more sensible choice. Both have the same goal: a safe renovation.
How do I proceed?
If you are planning a renovation and suspect asbestos, you can start with a sample of the material to be removed. This tells you quickly whether asbestos removal is needed or whether you can carry on as usual. If needed, we can help you judge whether a more comprehensive survey is necessary in your case or whether a single analysis is enough.