Found asbestos in fireplaces in your home? Don't panic – our guide is here to help

open fire burning in case iron fireplace
(Image credit: Getty Images)

While finding asbestos in fireplaces might not be what you were hoping for when renovating an older property, there is no need to abandon your dream fireplace ideas just yet – there is always a solution.

Asbestos was commonly used in all kinds of areas of the home right up until the late 1980s, so even renovators working on relatively 'new' properties could find themselves faced with this issue.

headshot of Calvin May a heating expert wearing a HETAS jacket
Calvin May

Calvin May is head of technical service at HETAS, an independent not-for-profit organisation promoting cleaner and safer choices for the use of biomass and other solid fuels, appliances and associated technologies.

photo of reece Toscani a man with a beard
Reece Toscani

Reece is owner of Redefining Woodburners, who offer some of the most luxurious wood burning stoves and gas fires. To help expose more people to these products. they act as agents for these brands and have a network of showrooms around the country.

Natasha Brinsmead

Natasha was Homebuilding & Renovating’s Associate Content Editor and was a member of the Homebuilding team for over two decades. In her role on Homebuilding & Renovating she imparted her knowledge on a wide range of renovation topics, from window condensation to renovating bathrooms, to removing walls and adding an extension. She continues to write for Homebuilding on these topics, and more. An experienced journalist and renovation expert, she also writes for a number of other homes titles, including Homes & Gardens and Ideal Homes. Over the years Natasha has renovated and carried out a side extension to a Victorian terrace. She is currently living in the rural Edwardian cottage she renovated and extended on a largely DIY basis, living on site for the duration of the project.