Asbestos removal

Asbestos has been used in the construction of buildings for many years. However, it can pose major health risks. On this page, you will find more information about asbestos, its dangers, the cost of asbestos removal, and inventory.

What does asbestos removal cost?

The removal of asbestos is dangerous to your health. Asbestos specialists make sure it is done safely. They look at where the asbestos is, remove it and ensure its safe disposal. Check the table below for the average cost of asbestos removal.

Why is it wise to have asbestos removed?

Asbestos was widely used in construction from the 1940s to the 1980s. It can be found in ceilings, roofs, floors and window sills, among other things, in buildings built before 1 January 1994. Asbestos has been banned since 1993. As long as you do not process or damage asbestos-containing materials, depending on the type of asbestos, it does not have to be dangerous.

Though many people come into contact with asbestos both unknowingly and knowingly. Breaking, sawing, drilling or sanding roofs containing asbestos releases asbestos fibres. These fibres are not detectable to the naked eye and can cause diseases such as cancer when inhaled.

Do you suspect your home, barn, stable or other property contains asbestos? Then hire an asbestos inventory company. They will inspect the rooms for asbestos and report whether it is present. Asbestos can remain if there are no immediate health risks. In this case, draw up an asbestos management plan. Is the asbestos harmful, though? Then engage an asbestos removal company to clean up the asbestos.

Cognise asbestos

Cognising asbestos is tricky. This is because asbestos fibres cannot be detected with the naked eye. Asbestos specialists, therefore, carry out asbestos inventories. After such an inventory, you will know exactly where asbestos is present in your house. If your house was built after 1994, you could assume it does not contain asbestos.

Where is asbestos in it?

Asbestos can be divided into two groups. There is bonded asbestos and loose asbestos.

Bonded asbestos

Bonded asbestos can be found in cement, glue or plastic. The chances of asbestos fibres getting loose in these are low because the asbestos is stuck in the material. See the table for examples of products that contain bonded asbestos.

Loose-bound asbestos

Loose-bound asbestos is very dangerous because asbestos fibres are easily released in it. This form of asbestos is soft and crumbles easily. Check the table below for an idea of the products in which loose-bound asbestos is found.

It is important to note that a total ban on asbestos came into force in 1993. This means the products in the tables above have not been available since then.

Do you want to know where asbestos can be found in your home? Then have an asbestos inventory carried out. Below you can read how such an inventory works.

Asbestos inventory

Would you like to partially or completely rebuild or demolish a building? And was that building built before 1 January 1994? If so, have an asbestos inventory carried out. Certified companies will carry out this inventory for you.

Based on the research, you will receive an asbestos inventory report. You will need this report for any necessary permits or demolition reports. In addition, it is nice to know where in your house asbestos is. That way, you know for sure where you absolutely must not drill, nail or sand.

The inventory report is valid for 3 years, after which the inventory must be done again.

Asbestos inventory survey

There are two possible asbestos inventories:

• Inventory of visible material (formerly type A)
• Full inventory (formerly type B)

In both cases, the asbestos inventor starts with a historical survey. This involves looking at the building history and building documents to determine where asbestos might be.

During the inspection, rooms are systematically examined, and samples are taken. In an inventory, visible material is limited to visible places. In a full inventory, the DIA goes a step further and breaks away things to look behind them.

Afterwards, the samples taken are examined in a laboratory. All findings are reported in an asbestos inventory report. In it, you will find not only the results of the inventory but also recommendations for follow-up steps.

When am I required to remove asbestos?

The asbestos inventory shows whether the asbestos in your home is harmful to your health or not. This is the case, for example, if it is loosely bound asbestos or asbestos-containing material that is corroded or damaged. In this case, you should have asbestos removed. Always have a certified asbestos removal company do this. This way, you can ensure it will be done safely and carefully.

Does it turn out that the asbestos is firmly stuck in another material, and you do not plan to damage that material, for example, through a renovation or (partial) demolition? Then it can usually be left in place. However, an asbestos management plan is then recommended. This plan describes how the building can be used safely.

Asbestos removers

Asbestos removal is a dangerous job. Asbestos removers, therefore, take many measures to ensure that both themselves, local residents and the environment remain safe. Certified asbestos specialists have the right experience and tools which allow them to safely remove asbestos-containing material. Asbestos removal by private individuals is not recommended.

Are you sure you are dealing with a certified asbestos removal company? Choose a specialist with Ascert certification. Remediation companies possessing this certificate work according to the legally required regulations.

Asbestos tips

Choose an asbestos removal company nearby.

From the moment the specialist drives away, they charge call-out fees. However, most specialists do not charge a call-out fee if you are within a radius of 25 km.

Prepare in advance

Before the specialist arrives, it would be nice if you emptied the room. The specialist can then start straight away. In addition, you do not run the risk of asbestos fibres falling on your belongings. Do consult your asbestos specialist first. In the event of an incident where asbestos has already come loose, for example, it is not desirable to enter the room.

Asbestos removal companies

Certain that you are not paying too much? Get several asbestos quotes from various asbestos remediation companies. In addition to the price, compare, for example, the number of call-out charges, quality marks, guarantees and the date of execution.