The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Thame Buildings
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), all non-domestic building owners in Thame have a legal duty to identify and manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on their premises. This includes commercial properties across the town centre, industrial units at Thame Business Park, agricultural buildings on surrounding farms like those along Towersey Road, and community buildings such as Thame Leisure Centre. With many Thame properties dating from the 1950s-1980s when asbestos cement was widely used in roofing, responsible management is crucial – whether through encapsulation, removal, or monitored containment. Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines and imprisonment.
Where Asbestos Cement Roofs Are Found in Thame
Thame’s asbestos cement roofs are predominantly found in three settings: industrial/commercial estates including Thame Business Park and Haddenham Business Centre; agricultural buildings on farms like Church Farm and Priory Farm; and older retail/office premises along High Street and Cornmarket. The material was commonly used for factory roofs, farm outbuildings, warehouse extensions, and garage blocks due to its durability and fire resistance. We regularly encounter it in the corrugated roofing of Thame Garden Centre’s older storage areas, the loading bays at Thame Industrial Estate, and the workshop roofs at local vehicle repair businesses.
What Asbestos Roof Encapsulation Involves
Encapsulation involves sealing asbestos cement roofs with a protective coating system that binds and contains the asbestos fibres permanently. Our process begins with a thorough survey to assess the roof’s condition, followed by surface preparation including moss/algae removal and pressure washing. We then apply a primer specifically formulated for asbestos substrates before coating with a reinforced membrane system. This creates a weatherproof, UV-stable barrier that prevents fibre release while extending the roof’s lifespan by 15-20 years. The coating remains flexible to accommodate thermal movement of the asbestos sheets.
When Removal Is the Necessary Alternative
While encapsulation is often the safest and most cost-effective solution, removal becomes necessary when asbestos cement sheets are severely damaged (multiple cracks, holes or significant weathering), when major structural work is planned, or when the roof’s underlying structure can’t support the coating system’s weight. In Thame, we’ve recommended removal for roofs at the old Thame Cattle Market buildings where sheets were broken by falling branches, and at a storage barn near Moreton where the purlins had rotted. Removal requires full HSE notification, licensed contractors, and air monitoring – we can manage this entire process for clients when needed.
Our Survey-Led Approach to Asbestos Roofs
Every project begins with a detailed site survey conducted by our qualified asbestos surveyors. In Thame, we examine the roof’s current condition, take core samples if required (under controlled conditions), assess the underlying structure’s integrity, and evaluate access constraints – important with Thame’s mix of historic town centre buildings and working farm environments. We document all findings in a comprehensive report that outlines recommended solutions, always prioritising safety and regulatory compliance. This survey forms the basis of any subsequent work, whether encapsulation or removal.
Why Survey Comes Before Any Decision
Jumping straight to solutions without proper survey is both illegal and dangerous. Only through professional assessment can we determine: the asbestos type and condition; the roof’s structural soundness; whether encapsulation is viable; what preparatory work is needed; and what safety measures must be implemented. We’ve surveyed over 30 asbestos roofs in the Thame area alone, finding each requires a slightly different approach based on factors like orientation, existing coatings, and proximity to public areas like the playgrounds at Southern Road Recreation Ground.
- Fully accredited asbestos surveyors with Thame area experience
- Detailed reports compliant with CAR 2012 regulations
- Clear recommendations for encapsulation or removal
- Local knowledge of Thame’s building types and planning considerations
- No obligation to proceed after the survey
For more details on our asbestos roof encapsulation process, visit our asbestos encapsulation service page. To arrange a no-obligation survey of your Thame property, book a free quote.
