The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Banbury Buildings
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR 2012), building owners and managers in Banbury have a legal duty to assess and manage the risks from asbestos-containing materials. This includes identifying asbestos in your property, assessing its condition, and taking action to minimise exposure risk. Asbestos cement roofs, commonly found on older commercial, industrial and agricultural buildings across Banbury, are one material that requires careful assessment and management. Failure to comply with CAR 2012 can result in enforcement action and fines.
Where Asbestos Cement Roofs Sit Around Banbury
Asbestos cement roofs are prevalent across Banbury, particularly on buildings dating from the 1930s to the 1980s. They are commonly found on industrial estates like Banbury Cross Industrial Estate and Wildmere Industrial Estate, on farms and agricultural buildings in the surrounding countryside, and on older commercial properties throughout the town centre. Schools, hospitals and other public buildings constructed during this era may also have asbestos cement roofs that require specialist assessment and management.
What Asbestos Roof Encapsulation Involves
Encapsulation is a process of sealing asbestos-containing materials behind a protective barrier to prevent fibres releasing into the air. For asbestos cement roofs, this usually involves applying a specialist coating over the roof surface that binds any loose fibres and physically encapsulates the material. The coating creates a watertight seal that protects the underlying asbestos from weathering and mechanical damage that could disturb fibres. When properly encapsulated, asbestos cement roofs can be made safe for many years without the higher risk and cost of removal.
When Removal is the Right Answer
In some cases, encapsulation may not be the safest or most cost-effective option. Complete removal may be recommended if the roof is in poor condition with significant damage or deterioration, if major refurbishment work is planned that will disturb the material, or if the roof is scheduled for replacement due to age or structural issues. Removal is also preferred where ease of access makes it practical, such as with smaller roofs on garages or outbuildings. Only a specialist asbestos contractor can determine whether encapsulation or removal is the right solution for a particular roof after thorough inspection and risk assessment.
Our Survey-Led Process
At National Coating Specialists, we take a survey-led approach to every project. Our expert team will visit your Banbury property to carry out a detailed inspection and assessment of your asbestos cement roof. We’ll determine the roof’s current condition, assess any damage or deterioration, and evaluate safe access and working methods. The survey findings allow us to recommend the most appropriate solution – whether encapsulation, removal, or a combination approach. Only after completing this initial survey and consultation can we advise on the safest, most effective and most economical approach for managing your asbestos roof.
Why a Survey Comes First
Every asbestos cement roof is unique in its construction, condition, and the risks it poses. There is no one-size-fits-all solution or predetermined approach that can be decided without first inspecting the roof and understanding the specific factors at play. A professional survey allows us to identify the most appropriate management strategy for your individual situation, ensuring safety and peace of mind while avoiding unnecessary cost and disruption. Attempting to decide on encapsulation or removal without a thorough survey risks making an unsafe or uneconomical decision that could expose occupants to asbestos fibres or saddle you with avoidable expense.
- Legally compliant asbestos management
- Survey-led approach for every project
- Independently verified asbestos expertise
- Specialist asbestos removal & encapsulation
- Safe, effective, economical solutions
To find out more about our asbestos roof encapsulation services or to request a free survey and quote, please visit our asbestos encapsulation page or our free quote page today.
