Asbestos is a dangerous substance that was widely used in construction until the 90s. If you are planning to do work on your home, it is important to know whether your walls contain asbestos. This determines how you can proceed safely during activities such as drilling, sawing, or demolition.

In this guide, we answer the most frequently asked questions about asbestos in walls. You will learn how to recognize asbestos, when you need a professional test, and what to do before you proceed. boren in suspicious walls.

What is asbestos and why is it found in old walls?

Asbestos is a natural mineral that was widely used in building materials until 1993 due to its fire-resistant and insulating properties. It was added to cement, plaster, glue, and paint to improve the strength and durability of walls.

In homes built before 1980, asbestos is primarily found in the form of sprayed asbestos on walls and ceilings, asbestos cement wallboards, and asbestos-containing adhesive behind tiles. Homes from the period 1980–1993 may still contain asbestos, but to a lesser extent. The problem arises when asbestos fibers are released due to wear, damage, or work performed on the wall.

The dangerous fibers are so small that they can penetrate deep into your lungs. Prolonged exposure can lead to serious diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma, often only decades after exposure.

How do you recognize asbestos in walls without a professional test?

You cannot identify asbestos in walls with certainty without laboratory testing, but there are signs that may indicate the presence of asbestos. Look out for grey, rough spray coatings on walls and ceilings, especially in basements, garages, and technical rooms of homes built before 1980.

Other suspicious materials are:

Flat grey or white wall panels with a rough surface
Thick, grainy layers of paint that are peeling off
Old glue residue behind tiles or wallpaper
Corrugated sheets or eternit sheets on walls

The year your home was built is the best indicator. Homes built before 1980 have a high chance of containing asbestos, while homes built after 1993 are almost certainly asbestos-free. If in doubt, it is always wise to have a professional test performed before starting any work.

When should you have a professional asbestos test performed?

A professional asbestos test is mandatory before drilling, sawing, or demolishing suspected materials. This applies to all homes built before 1994 where you intend to carry out work that could generate dust.

Specific situations in which you should always have a test done:

Drilling holes for pipes, brackets, or suspension points
Removing wall coverings, tiles, or wallpaper
Demolishing or breaking through walls
Renovation work involving the disturbance of materials

Even for small jobs, such as hanging a heavy painting or making a hole for a cable, a test is necessary if you have any doubts about asbestos. The law requires that, as an owner, you are certain that materials are asbestos-free before you start working with them.

How much does an asbestos survey cost and how long does it take?

A professional asbestos survey costs on average between 300 and 800 euros, depending on the size of your home and the number of materials to be inspected. A standard survey in a single-family home usually takes 2 to 4 hours.

The investigation consists of two parts: the on-site inspection and the laboratory analysis. The specialist takes samples of suspected materials and sends them to a certified laboratory. The total turnaround time is usually 5 to 10 working days, from sample collection to the final report.

Some companies offer an express service where you receive the results within 2 to 3 days, but this often costs extra. The report indicates for each material whether it contains asbestos and in what concentration, so you know exactly where you can and cannot work safely.

Are you allowed to drill into a wall that may contain asbestos yourself?

No, you may not drill into a wall that may contain asbestos yourself without first being certain about its composition. This is not only dangerous to your health, but also legally prohibited under the Working Conditions Act.

If an asbestos survey reveals that your wall contains asbestos, the drilling work must be carried out by a certified asbestos removal company or by professionals with the proper certification and protective equipment. They have specialized equipment to prevent dust formation and safely cordon off the workplace.

You can work on asbestos-free walls yourself, but always ensure you have the inspection report on hand as proof. If in doubt, it is wise to call in professional help to safely carry out your drilling job.

How do you find a certified asbestos specialist?

You can find a certified asbestos specialist via the website of the Dutch Association of Asbestos Surveyors (NVvA) or by searching for companies with SIKB certification. This certification guarantees that the company meets all legal requirements for asbestos surveys.

Pay attention to the following points when choosing a specialist:

Valid SIKB certification for asbestos survey
Experience with residential property research (not only non-residential buildings)
Clear pricing agreements and no hidden costs
Fast reporting and availability for questions

Always request multiple quotes and compare not only the price, but also the service and reliability. A cheap investigation can turn out to be expensive if it is not carried out thoroughly enough.

How De Betonboorder helps with safe drilling in asbestos-free walls

We are happy to assist you with professional drilling as soon as you are certain that your walls are asbestos-free. Our experienced professionals possess the right knowledge and equipment to safely and efficiently drill holes in various materials.

This is what we can do for you:

Professional drilling in concrete, stone, and other building materials
Dust-free work with high-quality diamond core drills
Holes with a diameter of 4 to 350 millimeters
Leave the workplace neat and tidy
Fast service throughout the Netherlands

Do you have an asbestos-free report and do you want to have professional drilling done? Then contact us for a no-obligation quote. We ensure that your drilling job is carried out professionally and safely.

How do I know if my wall contains asbestos?