Asbestos Removal - License in Berkshire (4)

Asbestos is a name given to naturally occurring minerals and fibres that were once widely used in building materials in the UK due to their strength, fire resistance, and insulating properties.

However, asbestos is now known to be a serious health hazard. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious lung diseases, including:

• Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres

• Lung cancer – Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer

• Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer that primarily affects the lining of the lungs, chest, or abdomen

Even though the use of asbestos in most applications was banned in the UK in 1999, it is still present in many older buildings.

Therefore, it's crucial to handle any potential asbestos-containing materials with extreme care and always seek professional advice if you suspect asbestos in your property.

Worried you might have asbestos in your home? Speak to asbestos survey specialists in Berkshire as soon as possible.

You can also find out more in our homeowner’s guide to asbestos in the home.

While it's best to hire an experienced local asbestos surveyor in Berkshire to assess your property, here are some common materials that often contain asbestos:

• Textured ceilings and decorative coatings, such as Artex

• Vinyl floor tiles, especially those installed before the 1990s

• Insulation materials, e.g. lagging on pipes boilers

• Roof tiles and slates, particularly those with a textured or fibrous surface

• Textured paint used on walls and ceilings, especially older ones

Note – Never attempt to disturb or remove any suspected asbestos-containing materials yourself. Doing so can release harmful asbestos fibres into the air.

Always consult an experienced asbestos expert for safe removal or encapsulation of the asbestos.

You might find it useful to read our complete guide on everything you need to know about asbestos removal.

Yes! It’s both illegal and extremely dangerous to attempt DIY asbestos removal in the UK.

Disturbing asbestos can release asbestos fibres into the air, which poses a serious health risk.

Only a licensed asbestos specialist should attempt to remove asbestos. They will have the expertise and equipment to remove asbestos safely and keep you and your home safe.

Ready to hire a professional? Scroll up and browse our list of approved asbestos removal experts in Berkshire who can help.

Here’s a quick overview of the legal requirements for asbestos removal in the UK:

• Licensing – Only asbestos removal companies licensed by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) can attempt to remove asbestos in the UK

• Waste disposal – Asbestos waste must be disposed of at licensed disposal sites

• Risk assessments – A thorough asbestos survey risk assessment must be conducted before any removal work begins

• Legislation – You can see full details of the legal duties for those who work with asbestos under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012) legislation

As a homeowner, never attempt DIY asbestos removal. If you think your property might contain asbestos, contact a licensed asbestos removal expert immediately.

Here are some of the best ways to find a reputable asbestos removal company in Berkshire:

• Check online reviews to determine their reputation and quality of work

• Ask about their experience of dealing with asbestos removal

• Verify their public liability insurance so you know they’re covered against any potential accidents or damages while they carry out their work

• Get multiple quotes from different asbestos removal experts so you can compare prices and services

• Check for certifications and accreditations, such as being a member of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) or the Asbestos Training Agency (ATA)

• Use Checkatrade and hire one of our approved members that have undergone up to 12 rigorous checks, so that you can hire with confidence

For more helpful advice, check out our top tips for hiring a good tradesperson.

The exact cost of asbestos removal by a licensed expert in Berkshire will depend on various factors, including the amount and location of asbestos to be removed.

As a rough guide, here are some estimated asbestos removal costs – actual prices may vary:

• Asbestos roof removal – £2,100

• Asbestos encapsulation – £33 per m2

• Domestic asbestos removal – £225 per m2

Factors affecting the asbestos removal costs

To help you plan your budget, here are some of the factors to consider that will affect the cost of removing asbestos from your home:

• The amount of asbestos-containing material present

• How easily the asbestos can be reached and removed

• The type of asbestos

• Disposal costs

• Labour costs

• Any additional work needed, such as repairing or replacing damaged structures

For accurate quotes, use our request a quote tool and we’ll get several licensed asbestos specialists in Berkshire to contact you directly.

You can also learn more about pricing in our guide to asbestos removal costs.

If you suspect that there’s asbestos in your property, here are the three steps to take:

• Don’t disturb it – Avoid any activities that could disturb the asbestos, e.g. drilling, sanding, or removing it yourself

• Contact an asbestos surveyor – Hire a professional asbestos survey to determine if asbestos is present and its condition

• Hire a licensed asbestos removal specialist – If asbestos is present, only a licensed expert should remove and dispose of the asbestos

Need help from an expert? Scroll up and browse our list of approved asbestos removal services in Berkshire.