The bathroom is one of the most common places to find asbestos in older buildings. Bathroom renovation is the most popular type of renovation in Finland, and that is why asbestos survey before bathroom renovation is particularly important.
Where is asbestos found in the bathroom?
Tile adhesives
Old tile adhesives are one of the most common sources of asbestos in the bathroom. Dark, bituminous adhesive materials from the 1960s to the 1980s in particular often contain asbestos. The glue is only visible when the tile is removed - you can't tell if the glue contains asbestos from the tile alone.
Wall and ceiling fillers
The fillers used to level the walls and ceilings before painting or tiling may contain asbestos. This applies in particular to fillers used between the 1960s and the 1980s.
Floor material
Old floor tile adhesives and floor levelling compounds may contain asbestos. Also vinyl flooring and its background felt may contain asbestos.
Waterproofing
An asbestos-containing bituminous paste or compound may have been used as waterproofing in old bathrooms.
Pipe insulation
The insulation of the water and heating pipes entering the bathroom may contain asbestos, especially in older apartment buildings.
Why is the survey important before bathroom renovation?
In a bathroom renovation, tiles, fillers and waterproofing are typically dismantled - the very materials where asbestos is most often found. Demolition creates dust and fibers that are hazardous to health.
A bathroom renovation may not be started without an asbestos survey in sites built before 1994. This is a legal requirement.
What should you do?
- Order an asbestos survey - an expert comes to the site and takes samples of tile adhesives, fillers and other suspect materials
- Wait for the results - laboratory results are ready quickly
- If asbestos is found - carry out asbestos demolition by an authorized removal company before renovation
- If no asbestos is found - the renovation can be started normally
How much does a bathroom asbestos survey cost?
The asbestos survey of the bathroom begins 119 € incl. VAT. The price includes an expert's visit to the site, sampling, laboratory analysis and survey report. Alternatively, you can take the sample yourself and send it to the laboratory for a fee 39,90 € + VAT per sample.