Are you going to sell a home or building built before 2001? Then you are obliged to have an asbestos certificate drawn up. This attestation has been compulsory since 23 November 2022 when selling and provides clarity on the presence of asbestos in a property. During this process, the asbestos expert may need to take samples of suspicious materials. In this blog, you will read everything you need to know about taking asbestos samples, why this is sometimes necessary and how Vastgoedexperts can guide you through this process.

What is an asbestos certificate and why is it mandatory?

Flanders is aiming for an asbestos-safe living environment by 2040. After all, asbestos fibres are harmful to health and can cause serious diseases such as asbestosis or lung cancer if inhaled. Many buildings built before 2001 still contain asbestos-containing materials.

To protect buyers and residents, it asbestos certificate legally required when selling houses, flats, garages, barns and other buildings older than 2001. Without a valid attestation, a sale may not go ahead. The attestation is prepared by a certified asbestos expert who carries out a comprehensive asbestos survey.

Want to apply for an asbestos certificate? Then Vastgoedexperts will quickly and efficiently engage a recognised expert for you.

Asbestos survey: from visual inspection to sampling

During the asbestos survey, the expert carefully inspects the building. This involves looking at all visible and accessible materials that may contain asbestos. Examples include:

✔️ Corrugated iron or slate roofs
✔️ Vinyl flooring or old flooring
✔️ Wall and ceiling tiles
✔️ Insulation material around pipes and tubes
✔️ Old fireplaces or heating systems

Sometimes it is immediately obvious whether a material contains asbestos, for instance through type markings or brand names. But in many cases, it is not visible whether a particular material is asbestos-free. Then taking a asbestos steel necessary for further analysis.

When is an asbestos sample taken?

A sampling is done only when:

✔️ It cannot be determined with certainty visually whether a material contains asbestos
✔️ No clear markings are visible
✔️ The material is suspect and a sampling can take place without serious damage

The asbestos expert is not allowed to perform destructive testing at will. Everything is done according to strict safety regulations. Think, for example, of carefully loosening a small piece of vinyl flooring, a piece of insulation material or a sheet part.

How does a sampling proceed?

Sampling is done carefully and safely:

1. The expert identifies the suspect material.

2. A small, representative sample is taken with minimal damage.

3. The sample point is filled as well as possible so that hardly any traces are left behind.

4. The sample is packed and sealed airtight.

5. The sample is sent to an accredited laboratory.

6. The laboratory conducts an analysis to determine whether asbestos fibres are present.

The results of this analysis are incorporated into the asbestos certificate. This way, you as the owner and potential buyer know exactly which materials contain asbestos.

What if you don't allow sampling?

It is important to note that as an owner, you can refuse sampling, but then the material in question will be considered asbestos suspect anyway. This leads to an incomplete certificate, which can deter buyers and make the sale difficult.

A complete and reliable attestation, including sampling where necessary, increases transparency and prevents discussions afterwards. It gives potential buyers certainty and protects all parties.

Need an asbestos certificate? Count on Real Estate Experts

At Real Estate Experts, you can count on professional guidance and accurate, fast service. Our accredited asbestos experts provide:

✔️ A thorough and expert asbestos survey
✔️ Necessary sampling according to legal standards
✔️ Fast lab analysis and clear results
✔️ A complete and legally valid asbestos certificate

Want to apply for an asbestos certificate or have questions about sampling? Take today contact with Real Estate Experts. We will make sure you can sell your property safely, correctly and without worries.

👉 Apply now for your asbestos certificate through Real Estate Experts - your partner for an asbestos-safe sale.

More information on the asbestos certificate can be found on the website of the Flemish government.