Could my soffits contain asbestos?

This page is general information from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), read on 29 October 2026. It does not tell you whether your own boards contain asbestos.

Which homes are affected?

HSE says asbestos may be part of any commercial or domestic building built or refurbished before the year 2000. Its diagrams of where asbestos can occur in buildings list asbestos insulating board and asbestos cement soffits and fascias.

If your house was built or refurbished before 2000, treat asbestos in the soffits and fascias as possible.

Can you tell by looking?

Appearance alone does not settle it. HSE’s advice to anyone doing the work is to stop, then confirm what the material is or assume it is asbestos, and carry out a risk assessment.

What should you not do?

HSE says not to try to repair or remove any asbestos materials yourself if you have not had training for non-licensed asbestos work. HSE lists work that physically disturbs asbestos materials, such as knocking, breaking or smashing them, among the jobs for a licensed contractor when the material is a type like insulating board.

If you are unsure what the boards are made of, leave them alone until someone has checked.

Who can do the work?

The rules depend on the material, which is why testing comes first.

• Most work on asbestos cement can be done without a licence, as long as the workers have had appropriate information, instruction and training (HSE).
• HSE says the removal of higher risk materials, including most work with asbestos insulating board, should only be done by a licensed contractor.
• All work with asbestos insulating board that is not short duration needs a licence (HSE).

What should you do before a quote?

If you think your soffits or fascias may be affected, say so when you ask for a price, before anyone starts work. Ask each firm what it will do if the boards turn out to contain asbestos, and ask for the answer in writing before you agree a price.

We have no sourced prices for asbestos testing or removal, so this page gives none. Ask for any testing or removal to be priced as a separate line, so you can compare it fairly.

Where can you get advice?

HSE says you can seek advice from an environmental health officer at your local council. GOV.UK’s page on asbestos in your home says you can get information about asbestos and its disposal from your local council. For a Chesterfield home, that is Chesterfield Borough Council.

For the wider picture on boards and prices, see the cost guide and the capping guide.