What are asbestos soffits?
Asbestos Soffits (sometimes called AIB soffits, asbestos cement soffits or Asbestos Insulation Board soffits) were fitted to many houses generally between the 1960s and 1980s. They were constructed from either Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) or Asbestos Cement. The most common type of Asbestos Soffit Removal is for asbestos cement, although many soffits were also constructed of the more hazardous AIB.
Generally, soffits constructed from asbestos cement are considered a lower risk as those Asbestos Insulating Board. However, both materials have the potential to release dangerous fibres into the atmosphere if disturbed. It may be difficult to identify wherever a soffit is constructed from an asbestos containing material as they are often paint black or white to blend in with the attached fascia, bargeboard or guttering.
Removal of asbestos soffit should not be carried out with proper precautions and regulations being observed. In the case of removal of AIB soffits, they must be removed under controlled conditions by a professional licensed asbestos contractor and notified to the Health and Safety Executive.
Can I paint asbestos soffits?
This depends on the type of asbestos present and the condition of it. You must not scrape or sand asbestos without taking proper safety precautions.
In the event of asbestos cement soffit boards the guidance of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) is that you should wear Type 5 overalls, a size too big and put the legs over footwear. You can download a free advice leaflet.
In the event of AIB soffit boards, there are very strict regulations on how long these can be worked on. The HSE say AIB has a “high asbestos risk“. Work on any asbestos insulating board (AIB) material lasting more than two hours, even if different tradespeople are sharing the work, needs a licensed asbestos contractor. No one tradesperson should work with asbestos insulating board (AIB) material for more than one hour a week. Our advice is to remove all risk and employ the services of a licensed contractor who will understand the safest methods to use.
How much does asbestos soffit removal cost?
Asbestos Soffit removal is usually necessary for home improvements, if a property has been damaged or for pre-demolition work to commence. It’s very difficult to give a price for the removal of asbestos soffits without a visual inspection as there are a number of factors which can make the price vary. These include:
- the type of asbestos that the soffit is constructed of
- the amount of asbestos to be removed
- the height of the premises (for example, will scaffolding be required)
- whether an asbestos enclosure is required (usually it will be)
- whether additional air monitoring is required
We provide a completely free-of-charge site visit to confirm exactly what is present, what needs to be removed and the most cost effective way to remove it and there’s no obligation to go ahead if you’re not 100% satisfied with our quotation.
