Asbestos Garage Ceiling Removal

Asbestos Garage Ceiling Removal will usually be carried out by a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor as it often contains asbestos insulation board (AIB). This type of contractor is licensed by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) to carry out certain types of asbestos removal which are otherwise restricted. This is because the asbestos insulation board used to line a garage ceiling contains a very hazardous form of asbestos fibre, generally in the form of 25-40% amosite. It is often referred to as ‘Asbestolux’.

Why Was Asbestos Used In Garages?

Although hazardous to humans, asbestos is an excellent insulator. Because of this, asbestos was chosen as a method to prevent the spread of fire. It was also useful as a sound insulator. Add this to the fact that asbestos insulation board was repetitively cheap, and it became the first choice for use by building companies; especially in integral garages.

Asbestos insulation board was most commonly used from the 1930s until the late 1980s.

Asbestos Insulation Board Removal for a Garage Conversion

Nowadays, homeowners are often looking for ways to utilise the space in their homes more efficiently. As a result, a garage conversion is often chosen, either to create a new bedroom, a games room or a larger kitchen.

Before work can commence on the area, removal of any asbestos insulation board will usually need to take place. This will often be a requirement for building regulations and by any builder carrying out the works. Asbestos cannot be drilled or cut and therefore causes an obstacle when walls need to be removed or ceilings converted into modern insulated areas.

Where Is Asbestos Insulation Board Usually Found in A Garage?

Asbestos Insulation board in a garage is usually located around floor joists, on the ceiling between the garage and the floor of the room above, infill panels (door headers), above the up-and-over door covering the upper timber frame soffits. It is usually cut to size boarding, screwed into timber or affixed using clout nails.

Asbestos Insulation Board was used in garages throughout the 1930s until the 1980s.

The Law Surrounding Asbestos Insulation Board Removal

There are strict regulations regarding the removal of asbestos insulation board and this activity will almost always need to be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor. Such contractors hold a specific licensed to work with asbestos which is issued by the Health & Safety Executive.

Before removal of AIB can take place, a notification must be submitted to the HSE by a licensed asbestos removal contract in the form of an ASB5, a minimum of 14 days prior to works commencing.

More information about the regulations surrounding licensed asbestos removal can be found in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 document (opens a PDF document) .