Asbestos soffit boards, fascia panels and roofing materials are among the most common ACMs found on the exteriors of UK properties built before 2000. Often overlooked in internal surveys, external asbestos carries real risks — particularly when deteriorating, damaged, or about to be disturbed by roofing or renovation work.
What Are Asbestos Soffit and Fascia Boards?
Soffits run horizontally under the roof eave overhang; fascia boards run vertically at the eave edge. In properties built between approximately 1950 and 1985, these were commonly manufactured from either asbestos cement (bonded, 10–15% chrysotile, lower risk in good condition) or Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB) (semi-friable, 15–40% amosite, significantly higher risk). Visual distinction is unreliable without sampling — samples are collected and sent to a UKAS-accredited laboratory before any removal work begins.
Asbestos Roofing and Corrugated Sheets
Asbestos cement corrugated roofing sheets were widely used on garages, outbuildings, agricultural buildings, factory units and industrial sheds from the 1930s to the 1990s. These bonded materials are classified as NNLW when in good condition but require careful handling and correct disposal to prevent fibre release. See our roofing and soffit removal service and our asbestos cement page.
When Are External ACMs At Risk of Disturbance?
- Guttering replacement — drilling or cutting soffits to accept new brackets and fixings
- External redecoration — sanding, wire brushing or power washing asbestos surfaces (illegal)
- Roofing works — felt replacement or re-roofing without ACM identification
- Storm damage or impact — cracking and breaking releases fibres immediately
- Full fascia and soffit replacement programmes — without prior asbestos assessment
What Does Asbestos Soffit Removal Involve?
For asbestos cement soffits (NNLW): notification to the enforcing authority, RPE and PPE for operatives, careful controlled removal with no power tools, double-wrapping and labelling of all waste, decontamination of the work area, and disposal at an EA-licensed facility with consignment notes. Where AIB soffit boards are identified, the full licensed removal programme applies including enclosures, NPUs and four-stage clearance.
All waste is disposed of as hazardous waste — it cannot enter a general skip or standard waste site. See our waste collection service. For domestic clients, also see our domestic removal service.