I have started to break the wall between toilet and bathroom to make one bathroom.
I found light brown fibres in the cement.
Are they asbestos???
Should I stop breaking up the wall and seal the hole?
2007-03-13 13:07:17 · 8 answers · asked by truthofmatter 2 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
I am in agreement with some of the previous answers that what you have found is likey to be horsehair embedded in the plaster for strength.
Asbestos can be found in such a house but is not normally located in walls unless the walls are there for fire proofing (unlikely between toilet and bathroom). Asbestos was commonly found in Artex until the mid 80's so be wary of sanding down such surfaces.
If you are still concerned, speak to your local council as they often have departments that will assist in identifying such materials for little cost and advising you on disposal.
I think on the balance of probabilities that you re safe to continue demolishing, (check for the tinmber studs supporting rafters above though!)
2007-03-13 14:29:15 · answer #1 · answered by Tetanus Tim 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its possible. You should really ask someone from a registered Asbestos Removal company to come and take a sample, and test it to be sure before you remove anymore. There is a register of Asbestos Removal companies who can do this work. Better to pay £100 or so to be sure. On the other hand, you could ring a Building Surveyor and ask the question first.
2007-03-13 20:20:58 · answer #2 · answered by JENNIFER 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No its not asbestos. Asbestos was not brown. It was grey or blue.
I bet that there are thin strips of wood( lathes) that you have found as well as the fibres! The fibres were horse hair which they used to use between the lathes.
2007-03-13 20:28:44 · answer #3 · answered by ? 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you can still find asbestos in houses built in the 60`s
2007-03-13 20:10:53 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What you have seen is almost certain to be horse hair which was used extensively in the 30's (and before). The wall and ceiling plaster was nothing like what is in use today, and horse hair was used to 'bind' it.
2007-03-13 20:36:07 · answer #5 · answered by mal g 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no, they aren't. Asbestos was not mixed with structural concrete and wasn't used to build walls. Enjoy.
2007-03-13 20:13:07 · answer #6 · answered by Boomer 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Oh my gosh, your tearing down the wall of a possible lining with esbetos!!!!??? My gosh I had a friend who worked for "Todd Ship Yard" out in between Long Beach Ca. and San Pedro, many years ago, and he worked there for many years, wearing a jacket for his line of work, that was made with esbestos, this jacket was made before they knew about cancer-causing illnesses from esbestos! And he wore that thing to protect him!! Look at the "Irony" of his situation, and he indeed died from esbestos!! But, not without "Sueing" Todd Shipyard for Millions!!! Houses that old, you just "Never know", most all houses were built with it in them in during those years, hun.. If I were you, I'd take your whole family out of that house and get someone (A Specialist) in this sort of thing to go in, and see if it is indeed lined with esbestos, and not go back into the home until you know for sure or not.. If it is, I would sell it, or have someone who can "properly Uniform himself and his crew to do all of the work for you, and get all of the esbestos out of the whole house, in which this can end up costing a "FORTUNE" to do, so selling may be your best option, that is after you get a "Specialist" to patch-up what you've already done......and then I would get "Annual" check-ups, if it does have it!! Good Luck to you hun,, I hope for your sake it doesn't!!! Talk to some Carpenter's and see what you can do too get it checked, as soon as possible.. For us here at Yahoo, okay!! Be safe , not sorry!!! Smile!!!
2007-03-13 20:28:14 · answer #7 · answered by Hmg♥Brd 6 · 0⤊ 4⤋
you need to get a professional surveyor to tell you
2007-03-13 20:13:49 · answer #8 · answered by antagonist 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋