Loft insulation and...
 

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Loft insulation and asbestos

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 mrmo
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Been exploring new house, unsurprisingly there is a concrete water tank in the loft with a big sticker saying asbestos.

the loft in general doesn’t have a lot of insulation, is there likely to be any asbestos in what little insulation exists? I am assuming as long as I am careful around the tank there is no real issue there?

plan is to remove the rubbish left behind and put a descent amount of glasswool down. Just want to minimise risk to myself.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 6:14 pm
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Get on to the council. If the asbestos is in good condition it may be best to leave it in place.
It's dangerous though, my dad a joiner died of asbestosis early this year. Almost 30 years since he last knowingly worked with asbestos.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 6:54 pm
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Generally it's not a great risk until it is damaged in that solid form,  it's the fibres and dust that are hazardous. If it were me, I'd probably get the best mask I could with replaceable filters and just overlay whatever was existing in that area rather than removing it.

That's my opinion as a tight arse who would be reluctant to pay a high price for expert removal, and as such is worth what you paid for it.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 7:17 pm
 mrmo
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Generally it’s not a great risk until it is damaged in that solid form,  it’s the fibres and dust that are hazardous.

As the tank is bigger than the loft access, removal is going to mean destruction, which on the do not disturb line of thought. is about away as you get. Hence wondering if anything else is likely to be a risk.

As you say a decent mask, and probably overalls, make sense. Glass isn't the nicest of things to handle anyway.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 7:47 pm
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The tank could contain asbestos and is lower risk if undisturbed

Asbestos could also be loose above the ceiling and in wall insulation. Get everything tested rather than make assumptions that you regret in 30 years or so

https://www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/faq.htm


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 7:50 pm
 mrmo
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thanks timba, that was really my concern.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 8:24 pm
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Paint the tank with PVA to secure any loose fibres once you know the existing insulation is ok and not contaminated.

I hope that the existing insulation is ok as you may need to move out if it needs remediation.

Good luck.


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 8:28 pm
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<p>Leave the tank in place but sort out your plumbing so you are not having to store water. 👍👍</p>


 
Posted : 20/08/2023 8:55 pm
 mrmo
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<p>Leave the tank in place but sort out your plumbing so you are not having to store water. 👍👍</p>

it's not in use, merely abandoned as difficult to remove I assume.


 
Posted : 21/08/2023 11:57 am

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