At Asbestos SOS, customers frequently ask us questions about this hazardous material all the time. While some of these questions are about the nature of asbestos and whether it's something to be concerned about (it is, by the way!), most of them are, predictably, about the cost of asbestos removal.
Thousands of properties built before 1999 could contain asbestos in many different forms, including roof tiles. Because of their age, these might be in bad condition, presenting serious health risks to anyone close enough to inhale the asbestos fibres.
But we'll come to that later - you're here to find out about the cost of removing asbestos roof tiles first and foremost, so let's tackle that right away.
Finding an exact price is tricky; most asbestos removal specialists charge per square metre and set their own rates. Other factors can affect the price, such as your location, the size of the job, ease of access to the site, and the type and condition of asbestos involved.
At Asbestos SOS, we understand the concerns surrounding asbestos-containing materials, especially those looming over your head – like asbestos roof tiles. We know the cost of removal can be a major factor in your decision, so we're here to shed some light on the factors that influence them.
Find out more: Asbestos Garage Roof Removal Cost
Removing asbestos roof tiles can be a difficult and challenging process, and the cost can vary significantly depending on several key factors. That means there's not a 'one-size-fits-all' pricing system. While the average asbestos removal job averages between £60 and £170 per square metre, roof tile removal can be significantly more than this, for several reasons.
For example, the cost of removing an asbestos garage roof will be less than removing asbestos roof tiles from your house. While that might seem an obvious comparison, it's never usually that straightforward!
Now, let's examine the specifics that can make your removal project cost more or less:
Remember, the cost you're quoted should be a comprehensive package. A reputable asbestos removal company like Asbestos SOS will include:
Most asbestos management specialists will have an asbestos removal cost calculator of some kind. At the very least, they will be able to break down the individual processes with an asbestos removal checklist and let you know how much each one will cost.
While the cost of removing asbestos can seem high, it reflects the amount of work involved as well as the challenges of each project.
To help you understand where and how your money is spent, here's a detailed overview of a typical roof removal project.
Before a single tile is touched, a qualified asbestos surveyor assesses the roof, mapping the extent of the asbestos, identifying its type (amosite, chrysotile, or crocidolite - see below for more details), and gauging its friability (how easily it crumbles). This helps the contractor to tailor the removal strategy and anticipate potential cost factors like the disposal method for different asbestos types.
A robust containment enclosure is erected around the work area, sealing all gaps and cracks with specialist sheeting. This creates a negative pressure zone, ensuring airborne fibres and asbestos dust stay trapped inside, protecting you, your neighbours, and the local environment. This meticulous containment, however, can add to the cost, especially for complex roof shapes or larger areas.
Check out: How Long Does Asbestos Stay Airborne
Professional safety gear is a must: no self-respecting asbestos specialist would ever proceed without full PPE. Although some pieces are thoroughly washed and decontaminated after use, others must be disposed of, which adds to the cost.
Each tile is removed gently and efficiently to avoid damage or disturbance – it's not a job that can be hurried! This meticulous approach takes time and specialised skills, potentially impacting the cost, especially for heavily weathered or fragile asbestos tiles.
The tiles are double-bagged, and sealed in hazardous waste containers, ensuring safe transportation to a licenced disposal facility. The type of asbestos and the volume of tiles dictate the disposal method, with friable asbestos requiring stricter protocols and potentially higher disposal costs.
The containment zone is carefully dismantled, and the entire area is vacuumed with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Responsible companies, like Asbestos SOS, leave your property sparkling clean and free from any hint of asbestos. This thorough cleaning process is essential, but it adds to the overall cost, especially for larger or heavily contaminated areas.
Once the dust settles (literally!), the contractors should conduct thorough air monitoring to ensure that asbestos fibre levels are below the legal threshold. This final step allows you to breathe easily, knowing your home is virtually asbestos-free. Air monitoring is mandatory and adds to the overall cost, but it's a small price to pay for guaranteed peace of mind.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is available in six types, although only three were ever widely used in the construction industry in the UK:
This was the most commonly used type of asbestos due to its flexibility, heat resistance, and fireproofing properties. It was commonly found in ceiling and floor tiles, thermal insulation, roofing materials, and asbestos cement sheets. If you have asbestos roof tiles, this is most likely the type of asbestos present, usually constituting between 10-15% of each tile.
Less flexible than chrysotile but stronger and cheaper, the amosite was found in similar applications like pipe insulation, roofing materials, and building boards.
Considered the most dangerous due to its needle-like shape and resistance to breaking, crocidolite was used in steam engine insulation, fireproofing materials, and electrical insulation. However, its use was less widespread compared to chrysotile and amosite.
All of these materials were eventually banned sometime between 1976 and 1999, so any properties built after this time are considered entirely asbestos-free.
However, those constructed before this time aren't so lucky, and those containing blue or brown asbestos potentially face higher removal costs due to the risks involved.
This is why identifying asbestos is very important, not only to confirm its presence but also to determine which type we are dealing with.
Asbestos removal is not a DIY project. Aside from the dangers of working on your roof, it's a delicate operation requiring expertise, meticulous procedures, and top-notch equipment. While these factors contribute to the cost, they're an investment in your health and safety. At Asbestos SOS, we have made it our mission to target asbestos-containing materials wherever they are, and we're here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your asbestos roof is dealt with safely.
Besides this, you'll need a hazardous waste carriers licence to dispose of the tiles once they are removed, and these are only generally available for business use.
Encapsulation is an alternative to asbestos removal, although it isn't always a viable option. It should only be undertaken if the asbestos materials are in good condition and should never be used on friable asbestos.
In this process, a protective adhesive is applied to the surface, effectively sealing the harmful material to eliminate the risk of dangerous fibres being released.
Understandably, this is a popular choice for many customers, as the average cost is between £8 and £25 per square metre, a significant saving on the cost of asbestos removal.
However, no respectable asbestos removal company will offer this option if they don't believe that it is the best or safest one. At Asbestos SOS, we rarely recommend this, especially as there are rumours of a major policy change in the air: MPs are proposing the complete removal of asbestos materials from all buildings within the next couple of decades to reduce exposure to the harmful fibres.
By getting it done now, you will avoid the rush and get it at a cheaper rate, as asbestos removal companies will be in high demand, which will push up the removal cost.
Discover: Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Cost
Why should you go through the expense of hiring an asbestos removal company? After all, it's just a bit of asbestos, and it can't do any harm, right?
Sadly, this kind of thinking still persists today, ignoring the fact that asbestos-related illnesses claim more than five thousand lives in the UK each year. These health conditions include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, although there are others that have been linked to asbestos exposure.
When you weigh up asbestos removal costs against this, it's easy to see why it's the best option. Those hazardous fibres are silent killers that need to be dealt with.
While the cost of asbestos roof tile removal may seem daunting, it's an investment in your health and safety. Old, damaged asbestos poses a serious health risk, and removing it is the only way to eliminate the threat completely.
At Asbestos SOS, we're committed to providing transparent and accurate quotes. Contact us for a free consultation, and we'll tailor a solution that fits your needs and budget. Remember, a healthy home is priceless, and with Asbestos SOS, you can rest assured knowing your roof is safe from the hidden dangers of asbestos.
