Asbestos Cement Ceiling Removal

What are asbestos cement ceilings?

Asbestos cement ceilings were once a popular choice in UK construction, valued for their durability, fire resistance, and low cost. They were widely installed from the early 1900s through the late 1990s in both domestic and commercial properties.

Where asbestos cement ceilings are commonly found?

You’ll often find asbestos cement ceiling panels in:

• Residential homes and flats (garages, kitchens, utility rooms)
• Schools, hospitals, and public buildings
• Commercial and industrial units
• Outbuildings, sheds, and garages

Why asbestos cement is dangerous when disturbed?

Although asbestos cement is considered lower risk than friable products like insulation board, it can still release hazardous fibres if cut, drilled, broken, or deteriorated. These microscopic fibres can cause lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis when inhaled. That’s why professional removal is essential.

Identification challenges: asbestos cement vs AIB

Asbestos cement products and asbestos insulation board (AIB) ceilings can sometimes be misidentified with the naked eye. Some cement-based products contain such a high proportion of asbestos that they may be mistaken for insulation board, and vice versa. The key difference lies in the percentage of asbestos content and the material’s strength.

Cement is much harder to break, meaning exposure risks are lower. Legally, if asbestos is bound within cement, it is recognised as a non-licensed product, but the similarities between different board types can make identification challenging without proper testing.

Our asbestos cement ceiling removal process

At Blue A Ltd, we follow a proven, step-by-step process to ensure safe, compliant, and efficient asbestos ceiling removal.

Initial asbestos survey and identification - responsibility for asbestos identification

While an asbestos survey is extremely recommended for accuracy and safety, the responsibility for declaring what material is being removed ultimately rests with the customer.

If incorrect information is provided and the material turns out to be different (for example, asbestos insulation board rather than asbestos cement), additional costs may apply to cover the change in risk, method, and disposal requirements.

Safety measures and PPE

Our operatives wear full PPE, including P3 respirators, disposable coveralls, gloves, and goggles. Work areas are sealed off with warning signage and barriers to prevent unauthorised access.

Controlled removal and containment

We minimise fibre release by:

• Thoroughly wetting down the ceiling panels
• Using hand tools only (never power tools)
• Carefully lowering intact panels where possible
• Creating temporary containment zones with polythene sheeting to isolate the area

Use of Negative Pressure Units (NPUs)

Unlike many companies, Blue A Ltd uses Negative Pressure Units (NPUs) as standard when carrying out asbestos cement removal inside the property. NPUs continuously ventilate the work area, drawing air through specialised HEPA filters to capture any fibres that may be released.

While not a legal requirement for asbestos cement works, we implement this additional safety measure because it provides a higher level of protection for both our operatives and our customers. This is one of the ways we stand out as a company committed to best practice.

Waste disposal and certification

All asbestos cement waste is double-bagged in UN-approved bags and transported by our licensed carriers to an Environment Agency-approved disposal site. You’ll receive a full Waste Consignment Note for your records and compliance.

Final inspection and clearance

Once removal is complete, our team carries out a detailed inspection of the site to ensure it is safe, clean, and ready for reoccupation. Where required, independent analysts can conduct air monitoring and clearance testing.

How much does asbestos cement ceiling removal cost?

The price of asbestos ceiling removal depends on factors such as:

• Size of the ceiling area
• Access requirements (scaffolding, towers)
• Condition of the asbestos cement panels
• Disposal volume and transport distance

As of 2025, small ceiling removals may start from £400+VAT, while larger projects can range into the thousands. The most common asbestos cement ceilings are found in garages, and the typical cost for a full asbestos cement garage ceiling removal usually ranges from £900 to £1,400. We provide fixed, transparent quotes with no hidden costs after a site survey.

Why choose Blue A Ltd for asbestos cement ceiling removal?

• HSE-licensed contractor with the maximum 3-year licence
• Over 11,000 asbestos projects completed across the UK
• Fully insured, accredited, and compliant with all regulations
• In-house team of highly trained operatives with specialist equipment
• Complete documentation for peace of mind and legal compliance

Book your asbestos ceiling removal today

Don’t risk exposure to harmful fibres. Contact Blue A Ltd today for safe, legal, and fully compliant asbestos cement ceiling removal. Our experts are ready to provide advice, surveys, and a free, no-obligation quotation.