Asbestos, once celebrated for its resistance to heat and electricity, is now known as a lurking menace that poses significant health risks. If you suspect the presence of this hazardous material in your UK property, no doubt your first queries are about asbestos removal cost.
The price can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the type of asbestos, extent of infestation, and location within your property. Considering exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to severe health conditions including lung cancer and mesothelioma, if you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or property, it is crucial to get an asbestos removal quote as soon as possible.
Before that quote arrives, let’s fill in a few gaps for you; here’s a brief guide to the cost of asbestos removal from your property.
Understanding Asbestos
Asbestos is a group of minerals consisting of microscopic fibres. Once inhaled, these fibres can damage your lungs and lead to health issues such as lung disease and cancer. Asbestos was widely used in the UK in the past century for a variety of construction applications, including insulation, and fireproofing. However, the UK banned its use in 1999 due to the associated health risks.
Identifying Asbestos In Your Property
If your property was built or refurbished before the year 2000, there could potentially be asbestos present. Asbestos hides in various parts of homes, including pipe insulation, ceiling tiles, partition walls, gutters, soffits, floor tiles, and even fuse boxes.
It’s crucial to hire a professional to carry out an asbestos survey to correctly identify and manage asbestos within your property. Typically, this survey costs between £100 to £250, depending on the size of your property and the survey’s complexity.
The Cost of Asbestos Removal In The UK
Asbestos removal costs can range significantly and will be influenced by various factors. Key factors include the type of asbestos, the amount to be removed, and the property’s location.
- Type of Asbestos
Different types of asbestos require different handling and disposal methods, which directly impacts the cost. For instance, removing chrysotile (white asbestos) is less complicated than dealing with crocidolite (blue asbestos) or amosite (brown asbestos). Some types of asbestos, such as friable asbestos (easily crumbled), require more extensive safety measures and specialised equipment for removal, making the process more expensive. Similarly, larger quantities of asbestos will require more time and effort, affecting the overall cost.
- Extent of Infestation
The quantity of asbestos considerably determines the removal cost. These costs can start from around £50 for small items, rise to £1,000 for water tanks, up to £2,500 for removing from an average size house, and could even reach around £20,000 for larger commercial properties.
- Location Within the Property
The position of asbestos in your property also affects the removal cost. Asbestos located in hard-to-reach places can increase the price due to the additional time, specialised equipment and expertise needed for its safe removal.
- The Complexity of the Removal Process
The complexity of the removal process can vary based on the specific circumstances of your property. Factors such as other hazardous materials, the need for structural modifications, or the involvement of intricate architectural features can add complexity to the removal process, affecting the cost.
- Required Safety Measures
Asbestos removal involves strict safety measures to minimise the risk of fibre release and protect the health of workers and occupants. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), containment barriers, air filtration systems, and proper disposal methods. The cost of implementing these safety measures will contribute to the overall price of the removal process.
Hiring A Professional Asbestos Removal Company
Given the dangers associated with asbestos exposure, it’s best to hire a licensed professional for its removal. It’s also a legal requirement for certain types of asbestos. The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provides a list of licensed contractors specialising in asbestos removal.
While it can be tempting to opt for the lowest quote, it’s paramount to ensure the company complies with all the safety guidelines outlined by the HSE. The price should be secondary to the safety precautions the company takes during the removal process.
All that said, you came here for a ballpark figure, right? Well, according to the ever useful Checkatrade, the average cost of asbestos removal from a domestic roof is £1’650. So there you have it…
The Bottom Line
Removing asbestos is a delicate process that requires professional handling to ensure it doesn’t pose a health risk. While the cost of asbestos removal can sometimes seem daunting, it’s a necessary expense in maintaining the safety of your property and, more importantly, your health. Always remember to factor in the costs of an asbestos survey and disposal alongside the removal process to get a rounded understanding of the full costs you might expect to encounter.
Regulation and safety standards surrounding asbestos change frequently, so it’s paramount to consult with a professional. Stay safe and ensure that your property is a healthy place to live or work.