Dangers of Asbestos

asbestos During the course of our everyday work- we often come across soffits that may look a little suspicious. What do we mean by suspicious? Well, asbestos has been used for many years in the construction industry and can often be found used in soffits.

There are two types mainly used. AIB (Asbestos Insulating Board) and AC- (Asbestos Cement).

It is absolutely vital that the first step if suspected – that a test is carried out to determine which of the two above is present. (If indeed asbestos is present at all as sometimes it can look suspicious but turn out to have no asbestos content). There is no way of knowing what type of asbestos is present without having them tested.

Samples should be taken- (you can get self- test kits- but we prefer to use a licenced contractor). These are then sent to a laboratory and the content determined.

If it turns out that you have AC soffits then these can usually be removed by a competent contractor with the correct certification for non-licenced removal. Correct removal procedures will then be used to remove the AC soffits and bag them correctly keeping any danger to a minimum. (Mac installers all have this qualification).

It still needs to be treated as hazardous waste and collected by a specialist disposal company- but the costs for this are fairly reasonable.

If the test results show that it is AIB then this is a completely different matter. This can ONLY be removed by a licenced HSE contractor. This type of soffit can release dangerous fibres when disturbed.

Any company that does not spot that soffits are potentially asbestos-containing materials- should probably be discounted. Asbestos can be dangerous and therefore should only be dealt with by the correct tradesman.

asbestos Covering over asbestos soffits is NOT an option. This would require fixing into suspect soffits and this will result in releasing potentially dangerous fibres into the air. Not only putting the tradesman at risk- but the home occupiers and neighbours.

If they are left undisturbed they will not harm you- however, if you suspect that your soffits are not wood and are unsure if they contain asbestos- make sure you use a company that will follow the legal procedures required correctly.

Reviews

We were very pleased with the upvc replacements for our weatherboards and guttering. Despite the delay caused by coronavirus MAC kept in touch regularly with updates on the situation and did the job as soon as possible. The work was done quickly and to an excellent standard with no mess. We would use MAC again.

When I was looking to replace my fascia, soffits and gutters on one side of my house becasue of rainwater leakage, I did not have any builder in mind. I looked up yell.com and read the reviews for MAC roofing. Following the scaffolders, they came, did the job in a day and I know I made the right choice. Their customer service is excellent, keeping us informed through all the pre work and after sales service, and they used top quality products. All in all a quick and efficient installation with a fair price and guarantees for certain materials used. I found them clean, friendly and professional workmen and they did tick all the boxes. I would certainly have them again.

We were very pleased with the upvc replacements for our weatherboards and guttering. Despite the delay caused by coronavirus MAC kept in touch regularly with updates on the situation and did the job as soon as possible. The work was done quickly and to an excellent standard with no mess. We would use MAC again.

MAC Roofline were very professional and kept us informed all the way through from from having a quote to finishing the work.

The work Mac do is to an excellent standard, keeping all things tidy and clearing up everything when finished.

Mac got the work done from quote to finish in no time they where reliable. All quotes are billed to you before work commencing so know exactly what you are going to pay on the day.

I would definitely recommend MAC Roofline to anyone, if want a job done quickly to a very professional standard then this is the company to phone.

Really pleased with the work MAC Roofline carried out. Turned up on time and carried out the work swiftly with no fuss,and cleaned up after themselves.They were really pleasant workers . Also office arranged for scaffolding to be taken down two days after completion.This is the second time I have used them and would not hesitate to recommend them to friends and family. I have already recommended them to my neighbour. Many thanks Mac Improvements.

MAC were excellent from start to finish. An appointment was made within 2 days of the request, when we met we were given some excellent advice and the quote was emailed across the same day. Once we decided to go ahead with MAC they swiftly organised an Asbestos test and within a few weeks were at our property professionally fitting new fascia's, soffit and guttering.
Their work was very clean and tidy leaving no mess and would also mention that the scaffold company were very helpful and efficient as well,
would highly recommend!

We recently had our soffits and gutters replaced by Mac Roofline. We contacted them after seeing some work of theirs that had been completed at a couple of neighbours properties, all of whom recommended their workmanship. They came to quote within hours of contacting them, with no hard sell or pushiness, providing a competitive quote and subsequently securing the job. The whole process was seamless with regular communication from their office via email and calls. The scaffolders and fitters arrived exactly when they said they would, with their work completed to a high standard. Very pleased with the service we received and delighted with the job in totality. Would happily recommend.

Fantastic service. Any time as a home owner you discover that there are those jobs that you just have to trust the professionals to do. Mac Roofline delivered from the very moment I picked up the phone to speak to them, to the quotation & inspection, right the way through to the completed job.
Plus total peace of mind with their 10 year guarantee.
From our experience you won’t find a better company, and staff to get the job done right. 10/10

Fantastic service. Any time as a home owner you discover that there are those jobs that you just have to trust the professionals to do. Mac Roofline delivered from the very moment I picked up the phone to speak to them, to the quotation & inspection, right the way through to the completed job.

Plus total peace of mind with their 10 year guarantee.

From our experience you won’t find a better company, and staff to get the job done right. 10/10

Mac Roofline were extremely professional and courteous from the first visit to the completion of the job. Providing sound and helpful advice during the scoping of the work. Tradesmen arrived and finished as planned including completing additional work I requested once the roof was accessible. Very satisfied with both the completed work and the tradesmen who attended the house. Would recommend.

From the initial consultation to the final result MAC Roofing have been exceptional. They were professional, true to their word and the quality of their work is just perfect. I would definitely recommend them to family and friends.

MAC Roofline replaced our roofline to the the highest standard.

The team was both quick and efficient, with little mess in the process.

We’ve had many positive comments from building professionals who’ve since visited the house for other work.

So pleased with the new guttering. This was an awkward job as the guttering extended over a conservatory. Philip from MAC Roofline were brilliant - arranging scaffolding to avoid any damage to the conservatory . On the day everything was completed exactly to the schedule, the old guttering taken away and the area left clean and tidy. Very impressed with this company and will be using them again to replace the soffits etc in the future.

Just had our gutters, fascia and soffits replaced by Mac. What a transformation, they look AMAZING!! Soooo pleased with them and would recommend to anyone. Best price from 3 quotes we had and certainly the best company for the job; they actually remove all old materials, and replace with new, not like other companies that just cover over existing fascias and soffits. Excellent company to deal with from start (Phil) to finish (Steve & Kyle)

Fascia,soffits and guttering replaced on 3 bed detatched. Completed in one day and site was left clean and tidy. Mac dealt with asbestos testing, scaffolders and asbestos collection. Excellent price, quick to respond to queries. Thank you for a great job we would highly recommend.

I wanted to replace my Fascia/Soffit/Downpipes and did the usual round of visits & quotes from local suppliers. You can usually tell if something "looks right", and MAC ticked all the boxes.

The surveyor was punctual and professional, and provided by return a full written quote. He advised on the benefits of "replacement" as against "covering", the use of gutter trays, colours - everything was discussed, and there was no hard-sell. The office kept in contact by 'phone and the installation date agreed & kept. MAC had to use fixed scaffolding in hard-to-access areas, and arranged for this as well.

The two installers were superb: clean, tidy, professional - they'd been doing this over 15 years - and nothing was too much trouble. The surveyor also called round during installation to check up on things. The largish-job took over 3 days, and they were always punctual.

The outcome is excellent, and they were a pleasure to deal with.

Replaced all my guttering and down pipe, old gutters asbestos' nasty stuff, fast installation, professional Job, asbestos disposed of safely through proper channels, would recommend this Firm at the highest level.

One of the best companies I have used:
We used Mac for our front and rear fascia and guttering. Pleasant and polite. Removed all old fascia boards. They look great. Communication was the best. Would definitely recommend.

Very professional company, excellent service and fitting with family friendliness.
Mac is head and shoulders above other companies fitting soffit fascia and guttering. I had tried to get competitive prices from several companies, most came back with a price only, no physical quote, others never bothered to come back, and I had to chase them. Only Mac came back with a paper quote and follow up email quotation, outlining what they would do. Phil who came out to quote for the job was excellent, and not at all pushy. All the office staff I spoke to were so friendly and professional, and this spread through to the men who installed the scaffolding, and the two men that installed and fitted the fascia, soffit, guttering and down pipes. Our 4 bedroom detached house was finished in 3 days, and they also replaced some ridge tiles. If you can find any company that can offer such service, with full replacement , not capped, at such a competitive price, and mess cleared as they went, I take my hat off to you.

MAC Roofline are a totally professional and reliable company. They say what they do (clearly in writing) and do what they say on time with outstanding workmanship.

MAC took down the part botched job of another contractor and replaced it with a crafted product that has greatly improved the roof water management and the aesthetic of our home.

They have been, without question, the most proficient contractor working on our project. The attention to detail is superb and the end result better than we could have hope for.

In our experience, getting this level of competence has been very hard to come by. I doubt you will find a better run company than MAC anywhere. Reliable 100%, something I would not say lightly. Based on our experience, MAC would be a very safe and wise choice.

I got a number of quotes before choosing who would get the work. I must say MAC were very professional from the start. Once I chose MAC everything went smoothly. They are extremely good at communicating with the customer. Everything went as planned. The workers turned up when they said they would. They were very tidy and completed the job, always checking that I was happy. The scaffolding was even left up for me to paint the hard to reach parts of the house. Once I'd finished painting the guys came straight away and took it down. I would recommend MAC they are professional and competitive with the price. In fact- I have already recommended them to my neighbours.

I chose Mac because they appeared very professional and were able to answer all of my questions. I would definitely recommend Mac. The guys were very professional and efficient. Thank you for making the experience so hassle free. I would recommend you to anybody

Amazing services, a job well done. Friendly and professional will use Mac home Improvements for any future jobs. Job was completed within given time scale and with no hidden costs. I rate them 10/10.

My guttering and my neighbour’s needed replacing and I found that MAC had the best price on offer. On the arranged day the work was being done the team arrived got on with job and were away by mid afternoon, considering that they had two houses that had Victorian guttering to replace says a lot for the team, was very impressed! The office was in contact throughout with emails and phone calls to keep us informed when the work would be done Both my neighbour and I are very pleased with the work that has been carried and I wouldn’t hesitate recommending MAC to anyone.

The replacement of the existing wooden cladding with upvc was carried out efficiently, promptly and above all professionally by the two fitters (Darren and Charlie). I would have no hesitation in using Mac again and would recommend them to others without reservation.

We were very pleased with the job done by Mac Roofline. We got two quotes but chose Mac because of their professionalism at their first visit. Staff were polite and helpful as well as doing a good, neat job.

I would have no hesitation in recommending MAC. A wonderful team effort! (But then they were highly recommended by a neighbour.) They had a “no pressure” sales technique and gave a realistic price (national companies please note, we don’t believe your pricing structures and discounts!) and explained how the job would be done. The ladies in the office were efficient and answered all our questions, nothing too much trouble. On the day scheduled for the work the team turned up on time, wasted no time in getting started, and discussed any small problems with me. The scaffold team appeared on time and the 2 scaffolders and 2 MAC workmen showed just how good team-work can be. When the job was finished there was no mess to clean up (tidy workmen, that’s impressive!) and the products installed look good and seem to be doing their job perfectly. I’m so pleased I decided to use a friendly family firm.

I had several quotations, some dearer and some cheaper. I am always a bit skeptical about the reviews posted online but thought they can’t all be made up. I contacted MAC, who came out when it suited me for the quotation. They explained the products, what was involved and what the costs would be. The team came when arranged and did a first class job, Glad I chose MAC. The fitters were helpful, very professional and courteous, a pleasure to have working for me. I would recommend MAC to anyone who is thinking of replacing their soffits and fascias.

Good clean professional team arrived when they said they would did a great job and left every thing clean and tidy

MAC contacted me a few years ago on spec but I was not ready at that time to have any work done. However, I kept their number! They came out and gave a quote-which was very competitive and they also gave some great advice. The use of EPS sleeves for instance. They replaced all fascia boards with PVC and all the rainwater guttering. They used the EPS sleeves -which slide under the slates and make a good seal between the roof and the guttering and gets over the issue of rotting felt. We needed a small amount of scaffolding over the front door. This was installed on the day and also removed the same day (exactly as they said it would). Everyone was friendly and professional. Its been great to deal with a local firm who is keen to give a quality product and customer satisfaction. From the back office to sales and to the installation team, it has been a real pleasure and I’m not sure why I waited so long!”

“Really impressed with the quality of service and workmanship by MAC. I wouldn’t have any hesitation in recommending them to family or friends. Keep up the great work!”

“We chose MAC after getting a few tradesmen to quote and we were impressed right from the start. Competitive quote from a knowledgeable guy who turned up on time and explained everything. When the job was arranged the team turned up on time and worked very hard, did an excellent job, discussed and resolved any problems as they went and cleared everything up after them. They also came back quickly to sort one very minor problem after the installation. I would have no hesitation in recommending MAC or in using them again, very pleased”

“MAC were recommended to us for the replacement of some guttering and fascia and I must say that I cannot fault any aspect of the arrangements and work. The workforce were some of the most pleasant that I have dealt with and the outcome more than satisfactory. The whole job ran very smoothly and quickly and I cannot recommend MAC too highly.”

“Excellent result. White UPVC cladding on to new timber to replace old timber and fascia & soffits. Would recommend. Work done promptly and at a reasonable price. Would use again.”

“I have recently had new Fascia Soffits and Gutters replaced by MAC. I initially had a quote from another company for cladding after further research I decided to have a complete replacement. That’s when I decided to give MAC a ring. They turned up on time to give a quote and I was quite surprised that the quote was less than I had been quoted for cladding. I placed the order and a date was arranged. The fitters turned up at the appointed time and wasted no time starting the work. The job was completed in two days. I must say that I was highly delighted with the work that was carried out. The quality of the workmanship and materials used was first class and the site was left clean and tidy. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

“We started looking at new soffits and fascia a couple of years ago. Finally decided to go ahead and had all changed, together with guttering and dry verges. Have to say we were very impressed with MAC throughout. From detailed quote, good office support, quality of product fitted and extremely professional fitters. Did exactly what they said they would, when they said they would. Really pleased with end result, should have done it years ago.

My husband & myself looked at lots of reviews on different company’s and liked the honesty of the reviews on Mac Roofline. A representative visited us and at no point was pushy with his sales talk but he seemed very informative. Helping us decide exactly what was best for our needs. A date was set, they turned up on time and in one day, all Fascia Soffits & Guttering was completed. All scaffolding was removed and the area was cleaned up leaving no mess & just for us to admire their work. The price was right for us also but the way they worked deserves very high praise indeed, leaving us to admire having the best on the street!! Mac Roofline come very highly recommended & deserves the 5 star rating given by us …Well done

“I recently used MAC to completely replace the fascia and soffits on my house and garage. They were very professional, always on time and did a great job. Minor details were changed without fuss and the finished result was just as I wanted it.”

I have never written a recommendation before but this time, I have to. I was dreading having to have such a big job done – all the disruption and chaos, but needn’t have worried. I am absolutely delighted with everything about this firm.

They gave a time and were here on the dot. This is an old house and there was a lot of work involved but they finished the job in a day and a half as they promised, cutting no corners, just working very hard. Even the scaffolders were excellent; they put up and took down in three days. All the men were pleasant and easy to have around and they cleared up afterwards.

I think this firm is unusually good; I thoroughly recommend them and thank them for making what could have been an ordeal – not one!

Having already had a national double glazing company to give a hugely unrealistic quotation I found MAC here on Yell and after reading the reviews arranged for a salesperson to visit. Due to a shortage of sales staff one of the maintenance guys turned up, measured up and gave us a very realistic price – no pressure or pointless sales techniques offering massive discounts, the bottom line price was good enough for us to go ahead with the job.

3 weeks later and the work was done – no fuss or hassle, the fitters were very friendly and professional, and were happy to work with me to do some tidying up around the chimney whilst they were up there. On the morning they finished, you’d never know that they’d even visited apart from the lovely shiny new guttering! There can be no higher recommendation than to recommend to someone who trusts your opinion – MAC can expect my parents to be giving them a call to do the guttering and boards on their new house near Cowbridge!!

We had our guttering and fascia replaced this summer by MAC. Our house has quite difficult access but MAC arranged scaffolding at a very reasonable price-which was cheaper than using a “cherry-picker”. The salesman who came to our house was very helpful and clear about what the quote would include. He outlined the options clearly and left us feeling confident that MAC offered value for money.

On the day of the work the scaffolders arrived promptly and set about their work with the minimum of fuss. MAC then did their work quicker than had been anticipated and what could have been quite a difficult job was completed efficiently and professionally. We had a slight query afterwards, but MAC came out again promptly and rectified it at no extra charge. All in all we were very satisfied with the service we received.

The work was done to a high standard and promptly. The insurance that comes with the work is extra peace of mind. We would be very happy to recommend MAC to anybody.

Would I recommend Mac? You bet I would, and judging by the reports I’m not the only one. From the start to finish I have been totally taken over with true professionalism Marlene and Cathy you’ve got it right it has been a total pleasure.

Nothing has been to much trouble your attitude to your customer has been first class matched by your team of fitters who went out of their way to cause as little upheaval as possible they left the place as tidy as the day they arrived. I feel as though I could go on praising for a lot longer, but I think you got the idea.

Thank you Mac, good luck for the future.

Just had all FACSIA AND SOFFITS replaced on our dormer bungalow. The workmanship is second to none. The fitters were very professional, really nice guys and nothing was too much trouble.

Refreshing to deal with a company that take such a pride in their work and put the customer first. I thoroughly recommend MAC Roofline.

We used MAC Roofline to replace all fascia, soffits and guttering on our home and we couldn’t have been happier with the service.

They were polite and communicative, always turned up exactly when they were expected, completed the job on time and were exceptionally tidy. Would recommend wholeheartedly.

After having a fair bit of unexpected work done on the house, I was not looking forward to the possibility of more problems. From initial contact to the end of the job Mac were so helpful and accommodating.

The men doing the job worked really hard and were a pleasure to have around, and the end result is superb – several builders have commented on the work. Fantastic to deal with from start to finish. I cannot recommend them highly enough.

I had new fascia and soffits fitted by Mac 2 weeks ago. The service from start to finish was excellent. Everyone I dealt with was polite and efficient. The work was completed within2 days to a very high standard. I would have no hesitation in recommending them.

When I made an appointment for someone from MAC Roofline to come and give me a quote for the job of replacing my mother’s rotting soffits and fascia boards, I was pleasantly surprised when a gentleman arrived, bang on time. He was clean and tidy, polite and really listened to what I wanted.

He didn’t try to persuade me to have additional work done, but just quoted me a price for the job that I needed to be done. He quickly and competently measured and calculated a quote for me. He left it with me on proper stationary, with all the costs detailed in full. I had done some research online so that I would have some idea of what to expect cost wise, but the MAC quote was considerably less that even my most optimistic estimate. After the payment of a small deposit, the MAC team arrived punctually on the day that we had agreed. Scaffolding was erected by a small team of men. Then the job was done by another team of men.

They were quiet and polite. They didn’t make any mess. They worked all day, in what must have been one of the hottest days of the year (17th June) without complaint. I expected the job to take a week, but they were done in a day. MAC took away all of the old rotten wood and rubbish away that night, then returned for the scaffolding the next day. I cannot praise this company enough. Nothing was too much trouble for them. They have done a beautiful job of replacing my mother’s decaying wooden soffits and fascia, and all their work is fully guaranteed.

I will certainly use them again, and would have no hesitation in recommending this professional and efficient company to any householder.

Would highly recommend MAC for all replacement fascia and soffits. Excellent, fast and friendly service completed quickly with no problems. Would use again for future works.

All aspects of the work were professionally and efficiently handled. Good communications from members of the office, sales and work teams and the end result was impressive. Would certainly recommend.

Excellent company, friendly and helpful very professional fitters lot of experience a really top quality job. Highly recommended

I used this company to replace all my guttering and soffits. They were not the cheapest quote I received but certainly not the most expensive. They arrived on time and were very friendly and professional. They completed the work on time and cleaned up very well afterwards.

I don’t usually write reviews unless I am complaining but thought I had to write- as the service and work were exceptional. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone that needs their services.

Workers arrived spot on time to remove the old and replace with new soffit, fascia, guttering and down-pipes. Very professional at their work and very pleasant in conversation, lovely boys who knew what they were doing. Unrushed in their work, but all done in a short time. When finished, apart from our new guttering etc.

You would never know that any work had been done as there was no mess left because they had cleaned it all up, and also touched up any marks on the house where old brackets had been. Marvelous! Would not hesitate to recommend to anyone. Thanks M.A.C. and the boys.

We had all our guttering and downpipes replaced by MAC and from the first contact with them they were excellent. They turned up on time and all work was completed without any problems. They have made a great job of it all and it looks great and no dripping guttering any more.

Would definitely use again if we need any work doing and recommend them to anyone. We even got a call after the work was complete to ask if everything was to our satisfaction. Well done MAC!

All work was carried out promptly and to a high standard. Have used the company previously and this again was to the same high standard. Would not hesitate to recommend this company.

I asked Mac for a quote for soffits and fascia and they gave a good price and advice. Without delay a start date was arranged, the work carried out very efficiently, professionally and all to a high standard, with a minimum of fuss. I recommend this company and won’t hesitate to use the team again for any other roof or guttering work.

Our decorator found the fascia boards were rotten. Quite a surprise for a 12 year-old house. One 3-metre section came off complete with the guttering in the torrential rain during October 2011. We found MAC on the Internet and their representative came the following day at the exact time he promised. He assessed the situation and gave us a quote that we were really pleased with because it was just over half the price we had been told the previous summer by another firm.

Within 2 weeks the scaffolders and fitters turned up and the job was completed in 24 hours. They were totally professional and cleared away all the old fascia and guttering, leaving the house looking brand new. We have recommended MAC to all our neighbours and friends and intend to use their cleaning service when it’s required.

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