Mould is a common problem for many properties across the UK with around 2 million people living in homes with significant damp or mould in England alone, and can often be effectively removed using common household products. However, the presence of asbestos can complicate the removal of mould infestations. While the use of asbestos as a building material was banned in the UK in 1999, its mainstream use before this date means it can be found in any building built or refurbished before the year 2000.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, mould can often be found growing on asbestos in areas such as ceilings or walls in the form of decorative finishes known as Artex. When mould is found on surfaces like decorative finishes, insulating boards, or even sprayed coatings, it should be handled with the utmost care in order to avoid exposure to asbestos, which can be far more hazardous than mould.
Effectively dealing with mould on asbestos materials involves a number of steps to both ensure that mould is no longer present and to prevent any further growth. This blog outlines how to safely and effectively remove mould from asbestos materials, providing you with the peace of mind that your property is fit for purpose both now and for the future.
How to deal with mould on ceilings and walls which could contain asbestos
When mould is present on asbestos the hazardous potential of this material takes priority over the problems causing mould growth.
Where asbestos is present and in good condition, it generally poses no health risk when left untouched. However, when in poor condition or likely to be damaged or disturbed, it can release dust and fibres which can be a cause of Mesothelioma, lung cancer, Asbestosis, and pleural thickening. As such, the removal of asbestos falls under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, which is under the enforcement of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Under the HSE’s guidance, if you are planning to make any DIY home improvements, repairs, or maintenance this work must be conducted by workers who are competent and trained in either non-licensed or licensed asbestos work.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Home
In domestic properties, the most common materials containing asbestos are decorative finishes using textured coating, primarily used in bathrooms or on ceilings and walls. Depending on the particular finish, such as peaks and patterns, the finishes are often hard and white in colour. In the past, these decorative finishes have been known under a number of trade names including ‘Artex’. In bathrooms, these often include bath panels, pipe boxing, and insulation in lofts or under floorboards. In walls and ceilings, it is primarily present in wall panelling and asbestos insulation board panelling in cupboards.
Dealing with mould on textured coating
Most frequently, people may find mould on textured coating which needs removing. In this instance, it is important to follow similar precautions to those involved in asbestos removal.
The discovery of mould-infested asbestos materials should mean that any unlicensed work stops immediately. This should be followed by a risk assessment which can be used to determine whether such works require a licensed contractor.
If a risk assessment deems the situation to be severe enough then a competent organisation should be employed to remove such materials appropriately. Using competent persons ensures that work is conducted in accordance with industry guidance and legislation. It also safeguards both the workers and the building occupants whilst providing evidence that the works have been conducted effectively. This is imperative, as these professionals will use the correct methods and safety precautions to remove the hazardous material safely, stopping harmful dust and fibres from asbestos spreading throughout your property.
Dealing with the problems causing mould
Whilst removing asbestos infested by mould is a positive step to improving the health and safety of your property, simply removing the affected material is not enough to ensure this problem does not arise again, and it is important to also address the root cause of mould within your property.
Black mould on walls is a common problem that often occurs due to excess moisture from condensation forming on cold surfaces. There are a number of causes of condensation; including poor ventilation, flood damage, water ingress or a combination of these problems. With this being said, no two instances of mould growth will look exactly alike, so you should remain vigilant to a number of tell-tale signs such as a damp musty smell, black specks on walls, window sills and the ceiling as well as signs of water vapour on windows and walls.
Mould can easily develop on any surface with the right moisture content and exposure to black mould spores, especially on ceilings with cold spots where insulation is missing in the void above. So taking preventative steps to remove excess condensation, ventilating your premises, and allowing air to circulate freely can help tackle the problem before mould becomes visible.
Should these preventative measures fail, a trained and qualified surveyor will be able to identify, diagnose and provide recommendations to stop the problem.
