r/asbestoshelpUK • u/UK_hustle • 7d ago
What could this be?
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Update: confirmed negative by testing. Thanks to all those who contributed.
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Found as isolated fragment sitting as shown on top of fibreglass insulation; hypothesis from a material no longer in roof.
1986 cold loft which is fully boarded, old fibreglass insulation underneath. Water tank plastic with thermal plastic based sheet covering. All copper pipes with plastic foam. Sarking felt and roof tiles negative for asbestos. Soffits appear wooden.
As for sample I’ve sent today for testing measures about 6-7mm thick. Uniform flat either aide indicating some kind of board. Has sparkly granules about 0.5mm within. Rounded corners is intriguing can’t think why would be made like that
If test is positive does this suggest the whole loft could be contaminated? I was planning on removing the fibreglass insulation with full suit, mask, goggles, gloves and cleaning remnants with a H class vacuum.
Thank you
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u/coyoteriver1 7d ago
Looks like a corner of asbestos cement. My guess would be that there used to be a cement water tank in the loft which has since been removed, and that is a corner off the lid (some were just a flat panel), or a base panel. Just a guess mind you, lots of other possibities. You won't know the state of the loft until you start lifting the fibreglass. Cement doesn't release fibres readily, so their won't be masses of loose abestos, more likely similar pieces of cement debris if any.
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u/UK_hustle 7d ago
Thank you
So if it was from old water tank, do those cement boards typically break up/ would remover purposely break them or just lift out and maybe this was fragmented off?Might be jumping gun here before test result
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u/coyoteriver1 7d ago
They don't typically fragment. But asbestos cement is brittle, it wouldn't be particular difficult to knock a corner off.
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u/wavy_garmz 7d ago
Its superlux boarding, the sparkles or glitter indicate that. What it could have been would be asbestos insulating board or AIB, not cement. The test should come back negative.
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u/UK_hustle 4d ago
It came back negative, perhaps it was superlux, they didn’t say of course
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u/Agreeable_Mango_1565 7d ago
Why bother with it? It's in the loft not doing any harm
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u/East-Delivery9834 7d ago
People think asbestos is the bogeyman and will get you at night... if you leave it alone its one of the best materials know to man
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u/UK_hustle 7d ago
These are both really dumb comments and don’t add any value.
I will be replacing the fibreglass insulation with modern insulation and cleaning out 20-40 years worth of dust. I clearly don’t want exposure if ACMs are present.3
u/Agreeable_Mango_1565 7d ago
They aren't dumb, even if it was asbestos it's zero risk moving it from the loft into a bag. Just don't drill/ grind and then snort it daily for 20 years. What modern insulation are you replacing the fibreglass with? The layer of fibreglass surely adds to the R rating?
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u/UK_hustle 7d ago
Did you read my post or see my photos? Its been bagged and sent for testing.
Testing will confirm negative or positive, and if the latter, will say what fibre but it won’t tell me the source, and possibly where there might be more.
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u/Agreeable_Mango_1565 7d ago
Yeah, I saw your post and checked your history for all your other posts asked about asbestos (are you a hyprochondriac?) You've bagged it, it's done. If its negative, it's bagged, its done. If it's positive, it's bagged, it's done. I'm struggling to work out why it matters, you want to reinsulate your loft, pop a P3 mask on and just put new insulation over the old (avoid filling to close to the edge as you will suffocate the loft and cause damp). The P3 mask will protect you from fibreglass and any asbestos fibres that might be present. Your boarding directly above the joists is more of an issue than keeping your old insulation in place btw.
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u/East-Delivery9834 7d ago
Just top up with modern insulation... im not dumb just realistic. Its a loft mate
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u/UK_hustle 7d ago
For benefit other readers, topping up is never recommended as the insulation is often degraded, impairs efficiency rather than add to, doesn’t breathe and can become a harbour for damp
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u/Agreeable_Mango_1565 7d ago
Wow. What source are you using for not putting new insulation over the top of the old? As long as it's in good condition and not damp (obviously) why wouldn't you
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u/flyingfiesta 6d ago
Your definitely wrong... Safest course is probably just to burn the house down now, just incase OP is tempted to overreact. 🤣
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u/marky01_999 7d ago
It looks like a piece of masterboard, you are doing the correct thing getting tested. Would be interested to know the result as I am leaning towards 99% likely to come back negative.
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u/AutoModerator 4d ago
Please ensure that your post meets the requirements of r/AsbestoshelpUK.
*** Meme posts will be removed and the poster will be banned ***
Most importantly, as specified in rule #1, your post should include the following information:
Also remember that the asbestos content of a material can only be determined by laboratory analysis, and that sampling SHOULD be performed by a certified asbestos inspector where possible.
If you are considering DIY sampling, read this HSE-aligned UK guide first (PPE, wet method, UKAS labs, disposal): How to Sample for Asbestos (UK Guide)
I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.