The Duty to Manage Asbestos in Bicester
Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, building owners in Bicester have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in their properties. This is particularly critical for commercial properties and agricultural buildings with asbestos cement roofs, which remain common across Oxfordshire. The regulations require you to identify, assess, and properly manage any ACMs to prevent damage or deterioration that could release asbestos fibres into the air. For Bicester businesses and farms, this means ensuring safe maintenance of asbestos cement roofs through encapsulation or, where necessary, removal.
Where Asbestos Cement Roofs Sit Around Bicester
Asbestos cement roofs are still prevalent across Bicester and the surrounding Oxfordshire area. In the Kingsmere and Langford Village estates, many commercial units and industrial buildings constructed before 2000 still have asbestos cement roofing. Across the wider area, agricultural buildings like those at Middleton Stoney Farm and Whittlebury Farm often feature asbestos cement roofs in cow sheds and grain stores. Older commercial premises in the Bicester Industrial Estate also commonly have these roofs. The material was widely used for its durability and fire resistance, but it now requires careful management.
What Asbestos Roof Encapsulation Involves
Encapsulation involves applying a protective coating or membrane over an asbestos cement roof to seal it and prevent any asbestos fibres from releasing. This is often the safest and most cost-effective solution for roofs in good condition. Our encapsulation process at National Coating Specialists involves first sealing any cracks or damaged areas with a specialist resin, followed by the application of a high-performance coating system. This creates a weather-tight seal that protects the asbestos beneath while extending the roof’s lifespan. Encapsulation is not a temporary fix – when done correctly, it provides long-term protection and peace of mind.
When Removal Is the Right Answer Instead
While encapsulation is suitable for most asbestos cement roofs in reasonable condition, there are circumstances where removal is the better option. This is typically the case when roofs are severely damaged or disturbed, making encapsulation impractical or when building owners plan major renovations or demolition. In Bicester, we’ve encountered roofs where weathering has created extensive breakage of asbestos cement sheets, making removal the safer choice. Removals must always be carried out by licensed contractors under strict HSE guidelines to ensure safety, especially in built-up areas like Bicester’s industrial and commercial zones.
Our Survey-Led Encapsulation Process
At National Coating Specialists, every asbestos roof project begins with a thorough on-site survey. Our trained surveyors visit your Bicester property to assess the roof’s condition, taking into account factors like sheet integrity, extent of weathering, and location considerations. We’ll advise whether encapsulation is suitable and, if so, recommend the most appropriate coating system. Only after this assessment do we proceed with encapsulation work, carried out by fully trained operatives following strict safety protocols. This survey-led approach ensures you get the right solution for your specific roof.
Why a Survey Comes Before Any Decision
A professional survey is essential because asbestos cement roofs vary widely in condition and suitability for encapsulation. In Bicester’s mix of commercial, industrial, and agricultural buildings, we’ve seen everything from roofs in pristine condition to those needing urgent attention. Only a trained eye can assess whether encapsulation is appropriate, what preparation work is needed, and whether any areas require special attention. Our surveys also document the roof’s condition, which supports your legal duty to manage asbestos.
- HSE-compliant asbestos roof assessments
- Detailed condition reports with encapsulation recommendations
- Identification of any pre-coating repair needs
- Advice on maintenance after encapsulation
For professional asbestos roof encapsulation services in Bicester and Oxfordshire, visit our asbestos encapsulation page or request a free quote.
