Asbestos soffits

[amos81]

Hi there

Looking at replacing soffits but think it might be asbestos.

Need vents and cameras installing so want to remove the old boards and replace with timber/pvc rather than drill into that.

Can someone tell are these asbestos cement boards or AIB?

I believe AIBs are more complicated to remove and more dangerous to deal with, hence the question.

Budget is tight as always so it's a diy job without any contractors involved unless crucial.

Will be using all PPE, respirator and so on.

It's a wimpey no fines 1954 ex council house in Warwickshire.

Any help appreciated

 

[noseall]

Hi there

Looking at replacing soffits but think it might be asbestos.

Need vents and cameras installing so want to remove the old boards and replace with timber/pvc rather than drill into that.

Can someone tell are these asbestos cement boards or AIB?

I believe AIBs are more complicated to remove and more dangerous to deal with, hence the question.

Budget is tight as always so it's a diy job without any contractors involved unless crucial.

Will be using all PPE, respirator and so on.

It's a wimpey no fines 1954 ex council house in Warwickshire.

Any help appreciated

View attachment 424401
View attachment 424402

Highly likely to be azzy.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

They definitely look like asbestos. You should pull off that or a similar chunk that's already detached and send it off for testing. Then decide how to proceed. Google asbestos testing, there are loads of companies. Avoid anyone offering free testing, they'll be a scammy sales pitch for a removal company, who'll say it definitely is then hound you into paying them extortionate amounts to remove it.

Nobody responsible is going to suggest that if you cover up you'll be reet. Take it seriously. There will be dust on top of them that will definitely contain loose asbestos fibres that will be released into the air and surroundings when you remove them. It may or may not need spacesuits and a big tent, hopefully unlikely but you won't know until you know what it is.

 

[thomp1983]

I wouldn't bother with testing, treat it as if it is asbestos, double bag it and ask your local council about disposing of it, most tips take it but it needs to be double bagged.

Removing it is just a case of being sensible and careful, don't break it up or chuck it about, definitely get a spare pair of hands for lifting it down.

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

There's a big "No Asbestos" sign at all our council tips.

Treat it seriously. No need to run in panic screaming from it but be sensible.

I do get the impression that some removal companies pump up the dramatics as a means of charging you more...

There should be a sensible level of care, but you need to ID the material first.

 

[Brigadier]

Looks like asbestos cement to me but, as I always say, get it tested to be certain.

If cement, look up Asbestos Essentials on HSE website for removal methods, should you wish to tackle this yourself.

I will advise though, work off a tower or scaffold, as the fall will kill you quicker than the fibres......

 

[Highway Man]

Would it not be easier to leave it in situ and clad over it with PVC ?

 

[fillyboy]

Could it not be easier to leave it in situ and clad over it with PVC ?

I thought that's what most people did.

 

[Highway Man]

I thought that's what most people did.

Certainly what I would do.

 

[SPLINE]

There's plenty of asbestos around safely encapsulated, it doesn't always have to be removed. Time for a song...

 

[SPLINE]

Readers might be interested in reading about the derelict Turner's factory in Rochdale, once the biggest asbestos factory in the world. Now known as Rochdale's Cherynobyl....

The deadly winter wonderland trespassers are dying to explore

The site has been abandoned for decades and poses serious risk - but that hasn't stopped poeple breaking in

www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk

 

[Dec27]

Highly likely to be azzy.

Looks like asbestos cement to me but, as I always say, get it tested to be certain.

If cement, look up Asbestos Essentials on HSE website for removal methods, should you wish to tackle this yourself.

I will advise though, work off a tower or scaffold, as the fall will kill you quicker than the fibres......

Do you two disagree at work ?

 

[Ivor Windybottom]

Would it not be easier to leave it in situ and clad over it with PVC ?

The reason why they can't be left is in the first post - soffit vents are needed, like the next door neighbour's house shown in the photos.

Although over-fascia vents could be an alternative option...

https://www.screwfix.com/p/over-fascia-vents-10-pack/65515

Drilling or cutting holes in them is definitely not an option, at all, ever!

Removal is probably the best way. It shouldn't be a big deal, just find out what level of safety is needed and do it.