At ABS Home Improvements, we take safety seriously. When working on home improvements, we always check for potential hazards before starting any project. This was especially important in a recent job in Diss, where we upgraded the roofline of a property. During our routine survey, we tested the soffit boards for asbestos. The results showed the presence of Amosite-based asbestos, which required specialist removal before we could continue with the installation.
The homeowner in Diss wanted to replace their old fascias, bargeboards, soffits and gutters. Over time, these parts of a home’s roofline can wear down due to weather exposure. By upgrading them with durable uPVC, the homeowner would benefit from a more modern, low-maintenance solution that looks great and lasts for years.
Before starting any work, we carried out a full assessment of the existing materials. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials in the past, so we always check for its presence in soffit boards before removing them. This is a crucial safety step to protect homeowners, workers and the surrounding environment.
Each of these features was carefully chosen to improve the home’s appearance and functionality. Here’s how these upgrades benefit homeowners:
Better insulation – The new windows help to keep the house warmer in winter and cooler in summer, reducing energy bills.
Improved durability – The high-quality materials used in the barge boards, soffits and windows ensure longevity, reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
Increased privacy – Satin glass allows natural light to enter while keeping interiors shielded from outside view.
Enhanced kerb appeal – The upgrades give the home a more polished and well-maintained appearance, which can also add to its market value.
Asbestos can be present in different forms. Our team is trained to safely handle and remove chrysotile-based asbestos cement boards, which is a more common and lower-risk type. However, when we tested the soffits on this property, the results confirmed the presence of Amosite-based asbestos. This is a more hazardous form of asbestos that requires specialist removal to ensure complete safety.
At this point, we took extra precautions and arranged for a professional asbestos removal company to handle the soffit removal. This decision was made to comply with health and safety regulations and to ensure the job was carried out properly, without risk to the homeowner or our team.
The specialist asbestos removal company arrived on site fully equipped to handle the job safely. They followed strict procedures, including:
Sealing off the work area to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading.
Wearing protective gear, including masks and full-body suits.
Carefully removing the soffit boards without breaking them.
Using approved disposal methods to ensure the asbestos was safely removed from the property.
Once the hazardous materials were completely removed, the site was cleaned and checked to ensure it was safe to continue with the roofline replacement.
With the asbestos safely removed, we could get back to work. Our team installed brand-new uPVC fascias, bargeboards, soffits and gutters. These materials are popular with homeowners because they are:
Durable – uPVC does not rot or warp like wood.
Low-maintenance – No need for repainting or frequent repairs.
Weather-resistant – Designed to withstand the UK climate.
Neat and modern-looking – Giving homes a fresh and tidy appearance.
The installation went smoothly and the homeowner was pleased with the result. Not only does the house now look better, but the new roofline will also help protect the structure for many years to come.
Many older homes in the UK may still have asbestos in their construction. While asbestos is not dangerous if left undisturbed, it can become a serious health risk when damaged or removed without proper care. That’s why we always carry out asbestos testing before starting work on soffits. If asbestos is found, we follow the correct procedures to remove it safely and legally.
If you own a home with older soffits and are considering a roofline upgrade, it’s important to check for asbestos first. At ABS Home Improvements, we make safety our top priority and ensure all work is done to the highest standard.
If your home needs new fascias, soffits or gutters, we’re here to help. Our team provides expert roofline replacements using high-quality uPVC products. Contact ABS Home Improvements today for a free quote and advice on upgrading your home safely and efficiently.
Very happy customers
From the initial contact to the after completion visit I can’t recommend this company enough. Highly competitive prices, lots of choice and good advice, excellent professional and respectful fitters and if we needed to call the office we were always treated with the upmost courtesy. Wouldn’t hesitate to use this company again.
I’ll be continuing to use ABS
This is the third time I have used ABS. This time it was for 3 more windows and a new front door. I am so very pleased with the final product, just what I wanted. From initial visit to installation everyone is so very helpful. Now I’m saving again for the next set of windows and I’ll be continuing to use ABS.
