How Long Does it Take to Remove Asbestos?
Who is this article for?
- Residential and domestic owners and landlords
- Commercial property owners and landlords
- Building contractors
Have you identified the presence of asbestos? It’s important that, if it may be disturbed, you have it removed. There are many reasons why – and we’re often asked how long it takes.
Why do you need asbestos removed?
Asbestos removal is important because it is a toxic substance, widely present in homes and buildings across the UK. Literally millions of properties contain asbestos – and while when left undisturbed it causes no harm, it is important to schedule asbestos removal if development work is to be done or you need to comply with legal guidance.
Asbestos fibers can be extremely damaging to your health and is linked to a number of potentially fatal health conditions – from asbestosis and mesothelioma to lung cancer.
Asbestos removal may also be required by law – especially when renovating or demolishing a residential or commercial building. You may require an asbestos survey / inspection followed by asbestos removal.
How long can asbestos removal take?
The time it takes to remove asbestos from a building can vary significantly depending on several factors:
Type of asbestos to be removed
Different asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can take different amounts of time to remove. For example, asbestos insulation may be more time-consuming to remove than asbestos floor tiles. For small projects, such as the removal of asbestos cement roof sheets from a single garage, the removal could take a day. Larger projects, like the removal of asbestos insulating board ceilings from an entire school, could take several weeks or even months. The removal of asbestos insulation from a complex industrial site could take years. This of course affects cost.
The following have a bearing on the time we’d need to remove asbestos.
Condition of the asbestos-containing materials
If the asbestos-containing material is friable (easily crumbled), it may require more time and care to remove safely compared to non-friable asbestos, which is more stable and less likely to release fibres.
Size of the area
The larger the area or the more rooms that contain asbestos, the longer the removal process will typically take.
Location
If asbestos is located in hard-to-reach areas, removal can take longer.
Safety procedures
Strict safety protocols, including sealing off the area and using specialised filtration equipment, can add to the duration of the project.
Legal and disposal requirements
Time must be allocated for proper legal paperwork, notifications, and arranging for the safe transport and disposal of hazardous waste.
Organisations with professional asbestos removal teams such as G&L, can give a more accurate time estimate after assessing the specific conditions of the site. It is crucial that asbestos removal is done carefully and methodically to ensure the safety of everyone involved and the surrounding environment. Therefore, it’s not a process that should be rushed.
Contact G&L to find out more and arrange an inspection/estimate – with England and Wales covered from our South West office, and our Northern Ireland office.
