asbestos soffit?

8 replies

Whitecoconut · 16/11/2015 15:59

I have a 1950s house and the soffit may contain asbestos? The homebuyer report from five years ago did not reveal any asbesto products but looking at photos online, the soffit looks like it. What are these soffits usually made of in a 1950s house?

OP posts:

JT05 · 16/11/2015 18:23

Asbestos was often used at that time. Specialist firms will come and take a sample. Some can be removed by licenced builders, the more dangerous sort needs a specialist firm.

specialsubject · 16/11/2015 18:46

..or if they are in solid condition,you may also be able to cover them with UPVC.

PolterGoose · 16/11/2015 18:53

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster

Whitecoconut · 16/11/2015 19:10

Can I just paint over it? How much does it cost to cover with UPVC?

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Original poster

Whitecoconut · 16/11/2015 19:12

If it was covered by UPVC, did you have to drill into the boards because I don't want to disturb the soffit.

OP posts:

Original poster

Whitecoconut · 16/11/2015 19:16

If it was covered by UPVC, did you have to drill into the boards because I don't want to disturb the soffit.

OP posts:

Original poster

Whitecoconut · 17/11/2015 12:43

So it is OK to paint over the boards? I'm going to get someone in but want to gather more info before the job starts.

OP posts:

specialsubject · 17/11/2015 13:28

it's a big 'it depends'. The only thing to do is get the usual 3 quotes. We did and they were massively different, went for the cheapest who were competent, reliable, professional, friendly, communicative and did an excellent job.

I am still reeling with surprise!

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