INSIGHT – ASBESTOS SOFFITS

 

WHAT IS A SOFFIT AND WHY COULD IT CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

A soffit is a term referring to a portion of a building's roof structure that extends outward, encircling the roof's perimeter.

In the context of asbestos, soffits typically contain one of two materials: asbestos insulation board (AIB) or asbestos cement. But why does the type of asbestos matter? It significantly impacts the associated risks and, consequently, the cost and duration of removal.

WHICH TYPE OF SOFFITS CONTAIN ASBESTOS AND HOW TO TELL IF THEY ARE PRESENT ON YOUR PROPERTY?

The only way to be sure if asbestos is present on your property is by sampling the suspected material or conducting an asbestos survey before any work is initiated. In any case, if a building predates 1999 there is a significant probability it contains asbestos.

This is often indicative that ACM (asbestos-containing materials) were used in the construction of your roofline and could warrant investigation as to whether you have asbestos in the roofline or elsewhere on your property.

WHAT IF YOUR SAMPLE RESULT COMES BACK ‘N.A.D.I.S.’ FOR ASBESTOS?

Happy days, you can continue work as planned assured there is no risk of asbestos.

N.A.D.I.S stands for ‘No Asbestos Detected In Sample’. This is an industry-wide acronym to indicate that the test has returned negative for asbestos

WHAT IF YOUR SAMPLE COMES BACK POSITIVE FOR ASBESTOS?

If and when you get a positive result on your asbestos sample, it is imperative that you commission an asbestos survey to be conducted.

An asbestos survey report will contain the necessary information about all the materials sampled during our visit, including helpful recommendations on managing asbestos materials present in your property.

To learn more about what an asbestos survey report includes click here

In case of asbestos soffits, the type of material you will come across in the UK is mainly asbestos cement or asbestos insulation board (AIB).


IN THE CASE OF ASBESTOS CEMENT SOFFITS

Asbestos cement soffits do not necessitate a licensed contractor meaning holding a HSE asbestos removal licence is not mandatory. This is because they fall under the lower risk category of asbestos-containing material.

Which is why the removal of asbestos cement soffits entails fewer control measures making it quicker and cost effective.

Nonetheless, it’s important to acknowledge that there is still significant risk, although it is comparatively lower.

To ensure safety and compliance with CAR 2012 asbestos regulations it is imperative that the removal work is carried out by trained asbestos professionals.

Removal of asbestos cement soffits varies between 30£+ VAT/m to 80£ +vat/m influenced by factors like access, height, and installation method etc.

 

IN THE CASE OF ASBESTOS INSULATION BOARD SOFFITS

Asbestos insulation board soffits constitute an HSE licensed asbestos removal contractor, as they are classified as a high-risk material.

The removal process of Asbestos Insulation Board soffits requires a significantly higher number of control measures, extends the duration of completion and consequently incurs a greater cost when compared to removal of asbestos cement soffits.

Removal expenses for asbestos insulation board soffits can range from 100£+/m VAT to 300£+VAT/m again depending on the location and condition of the material.

Not Sure What Asbestos Material You’re Dealing With?

Contact Our Experts Asbestos Consultants For Guidance Along With A No Obligation Quote To Sample, Survey And Remove Your Asbestos Soffits


If you do suspect that there is asbestos present, do not attempt to alter or remove this yourself.

If you're interested in learning more about Asbestos check out our blog posts here or if you're working somewhere where asbestos exposure might be a concern, contact us.

Our work is accredited to a UKAS - ISO - 17020 standard and our local offices located across the nation ensure you receive immediate service.  

OUR OFFICES CAN ASSIST WITH ANY OF THE FOLLOWING ASBESTOS-RELATED WORKS -

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infoAsad KhanAsbestos, Asbestos sample