FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral made up of tiny, fibrous crystals. There are six types, all of which form long, thin fibres that can break into even smaller strands, called “fibrils.” These fibrils can be released into the air when the material is disturbed. Asbestos is harmful and can cause cancer, and other asbestos related illnesses.

Where will I find asbestos?

Asbestos can be found in many older buildings, materials, and products, especially if they were made before the 1980s.

Common places to find asbestos include:

1. Buildings:
– Insulation in walls, attics and around pipes or boilers.
– Floor tiles, ceiling tiles, and the adhesives used to attach them.
– Roofing shingles, siding, and cement sheets.
– Decorative finishes like textured paints or plasters (e.g., Artex).

2. Appliances and Machinery:
– Old electrical equipment, such as wire insulation.
– Heat-resistant pads, oven mitts, and gaskets in stoves or heaters.

3. Vehicles:
Brake pads, clutches, and other heat-resistant parts in older cars.

4. Soil and Natural Areas:
Some regions naturally contain asbestos deposits in the ground.

Asbestos is often safe if left undisturbed, but if broken, cut, or damaged, its fibres can become airborne, which is dangerous when inhaled.

Always consult a professional if you suspect asbestos is present.

How will I know if it is asbestos?

Identifying asbestos isn’t easy, as it often looks like other building materials. The only way to know for sure is to have the material tested by an asbestos surveyor.
Do not try to remove or test for asbestos yourself without proper training and equipment. Always consult a specialist (us!) if you’re uncertain.

What type of demolition do you offer?

We provide a comprehensive range of demolition services, including hand demolition, mechanical demolition, soft strip, and strip-out and more, tailored to meet your specific needs.
You can read more about our demolition service, on our services page.

What is soft strip?

Soft strip refers to the process of carefully removing non-structural elements from a building’s interior or exterior before full demolition, renovation, or refurbishment. It focuses on dismantling items that do not impact the building’s structural integrity.
This method is often used to prepare a building for structural work or recycling valuable materials, ensuring minimal damage to elements that may be reused or repurposed. Soft strip is precise, environmentally conscious, and an important step in sustainable construction and demolition projects.
You can read more about our services HERE.

Is there a difference between soft strip and strip-out?

Key Difference:

• Soft strip is usually part of a pre-demolition or recycling-focused process.
• Strip-out is geared more towards renovation or repurposing projects.

In practice, the terms are often used interchangeably, but their application may vary depending on the context.

What areas do you cover?

We are based in Oxfordshire but offer our services throughout the South and the Midlands including Birmingham, Bristol and the Thames Valley.

How much does it cost to remove asbestos?

There is no set price, as this varies on the type, location and amount. We offer a free no obligation consultation to provide a quotation.