How Much Will Asbestos Removal Cost?
Asbestos was once widely used as a building and construction material. Unfortunately, the harmful effects of this material were not realised and many thousands of people suffered incurable diseases as a result and continue to do so until this day.
Up until 1999 many buildings were constructed using asbestos as a construction material. It was used for roofing, insulation, walls, flooring and guttering to name but a few of the applications.
In good condition there is nothing to worry about but the potential health risks when the material is damaged or begins to deteriorate can be very serious. Asbestos has been directly linked with causing fatal respiratory diseases and each year over 3000 people die in the UK from asbestos-related diseases.
It is a legal requirement for Duty Holders (Owners, Managers) of buildings constructed before 1999 to determine if asbestos is present in the building they are responsible for and, if it does exist, have a Plan in place for its safe management.
Different Types of Asbestos
- Blue Asbestos (Crocidolite) – Blue Asbestos is quite rare and usually used in high temperature applications. It is considered to be the most hazardous of all the asbestos types
- Brown Asbestos (Amosite) – Amosite asbestos was typically used in insulation.
- White Asbestos (Chrysotile) – Chrysotile is the most common type of Asbestos, used between 1930 & 1999 as a construction material for buildings, homes, garages and many other applications.
Does my Building contain Asbestos?
There is a possibility that your building may contain asbestos if it was constructed before 1999. If you don’t know for sure then the best way to find out is to have a survey undertaken by an organisation accredited and qualified to do so.
There are 3 main types of asbestos surveys:
Management Surveys
These are undertaken to determine if asbestos is present within a building and this, subsequently, allows the dutyholder to manage the asbestos in compliance with Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations, (Duty to Manage).
Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys
These surveys are undertaken prior to any proposed refurbishment or demolition work. They are more intrusive than management surveys and are designed to detect asbestos within the building that might possibly be disturbed as a result of the proposed works.
Re-inspection Surveys
Re-inspection or condition surveys are undertaken on a regular basis to known asbestos containing materials within a building to check and report upon their condition.
This ensures that if the materials have deteriorated and present a greater hazard remedial action can be taken to mitigate the change in circumstances
Should I Remove the Asbestos Myself?
There is no situation where you should attempt to remove asbestos yourself. Damaging the material is exactly what triggers the release of harmful fibres into the air which can result in life threatening and irreversible damage to your respiratory system.
Removal of asbestos should only be carried out by fully trained professionals with the correct safety equipment.
How Much Will It Cost to Remove Asbestos?
This is a very difficult question to answer due to the fact that each case is different. The price will vary depending on a number of different factors such as asbestos type, quantity, whether the material is licensed or un licenced etc. The figures below are averages and should be intended as a guide only.
Basic Survey
A basic asbestos survey will usually cost between £150 – £500, but for larger areas this can be substantially more.
Encapsulation
Encapsulation of asbestos is undertaken when the material is to be left in situ and is covered with an encapsulant to prevent fibres being readily released as a result of mechanical damage.
This typically can cost between £10.00 to £20.00 per square metre as a rough guide.
Removal
Removal costs can vary enormously depending upon a number of different factors such as quantity, complexity of the works and measures required to mitigate fibre release during the removal process. A very rough guide for removal would be £50.00 to £100.00 per square metre.
Asbestos Removal with Rightway Environmental
The size and nature of your building as well as the type of work needing to be carried out will affect the final price to remove asbestos from the property. We are able to provide you with a competitive cost for removal or encapsulation works and you may have confidence that the works will be undertaken by a licensed, qualified and experienced Company.
For a prompt and efficient service we advise getting in touch with our removal experts today at Rightway. Environmental. We will take into consideration all aspects of your project and provide you with a no obligation quotation. We have been in the industry for many years and are passionate about giving our clients the best and most reliable advice and assistance.
The process of removing asbestos can be extremely dangerous if not undertaken properly and should only be undertaken by qualified professionals. Removal and disposal of asbestos by unqualified and untrained personnel is a criminal offence.
Find out more about our competent asbestos removal service >