Old Soffits That May Contain Asbestos

Flat grey or cream sheet soffits on an older Irish house are often fibre cement, which can contain asbestos. In good condition it's often safer left in place. Don't drill, cut, sand or break it. If it has to come off, a contractor trained for asbestos removes it, and the waste goes only to someone with a waste collection permit.

How to tell, what not to do, and the choices.

Check my soffit and fascia

Free, no obligation. One local company prices it, not five.

Don't drillor cut or break it
Testbefore any work
Permitfor the waste

How to tell

A flat, hard, thin sheet, grey or painted cream, with no wood grain.
Joined by thin strips or screwed at the joints.
A house built before asbestos products were banned.
Only a lab test says for sure. Until then, treat it as asbestos.

What not to do

Don't drill or screw new boards through it.
Don't cut, sand or break it.
Don't pressure wash it.
Don't put it in your bin or a skip.

The choices

Leave it: sound and painted, it's often safest left alone.
Cover it: some companies fit new boards without disturbing it; ask how.
Remove it: a contractor trained for asbestos, with a method statement. Asbestos waste can only go to someone with a valid waste collection permit.

You can no longer buy, use or re-use asbestos products in Ireland. The Health and Safety Authority covers asbestos work; your council covers the waste.