Project overview
Tess Contractors was appointed to manage and make safe an ageing asbestos cement roof on a Birmingham industrial property.
Following a detailed survey and condition assessment, we recommended a targeted programme of asbestos encapsulation with localised repairs and selective overcladding to stabilise weak areas and stop water ingress while keeping the site operational.
Client feedback
“We had a great experience with Tess Contractors for the repairs on our industrial roof. They were extremely professional throughout. The team clearly explained the problems, combining overcladding and repair work, and documented everything with detailed photos. Their quote was clear, concise, and gave us various options, so we knew exactly what to expect. They showed up exactly when they said they would and kept us fully updated on the progress. After the work was completed, they provided photos and videos, which was a great way to see the finished job. We highly recommend them—they were very helpful and reliable.”
Stuart Mills
Why asbestos encapsulation was the right approach
The asbestos cement sheets were generally intact but weathered and porous. Full removal would have added unnecessary cost and disruption for the tenant’s operations.
Encapsulation provided a safe, compliant and fast route to extend the roof’s life, lock in fibres and restore waterproofing, while keeping the building in use.
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Ready to get started? Request your free, no-obligation quote today and see how TessCon can deliver expert building solutions tailored to your needs.
Our method and site controls
We followed best-practice guidance for managing and working with asbestos and asbestos cement roofs. This included a management plan, risk assessments, method statements and appropriate controls for non-licensed work where applicable.
Site set-up used perimeter edge protection, fall-arrest systems, restricted access zones, signage and decontamination procedures. No jet-washing was used at any stage.
Scope of works
- Condition survey and photographic, and video record of both roof slopes
- Safe access and edge protection installed, with exclusion zones beneath work areas
- Careful soft cleaning of the roof using approved methods and biocide treatment to remove organic growth and prepare the surface for coating
- Localised repairs to fixings, laps and gutters, with fibre suppressant used during any disturbance
- Replacement of failed rooflight areas with new profiled daylight sheets to improve internal lighting
- Selective over-cladding to isolated weak sections where the substrate was beyond economic repair
- Application of a two-coat asbestos encapsulation system across both elevations, including detailing to fixings, end laps and penetrations
- Quality checks, final clean-down and handover pack with before-and-after photos
The encapsulation system we applied
We used a high-build, elastomeric coating designed specifically for asbestos cement. It binds the surface, seals microporosity and forms a durable, waterproof membrane.
Detailing was reinforced at fixings and end-laps, then the roof received two full coats to achieve the manufacturer’s specified dry film thickness. Translucent daylight sheets were kept uncoated to maintain light transmission.
Results delivered
- Roof made safe and watertight with encapsulated asbestos surfaces
- Improved thermal and weathering performance of the roof covering
- Minimal downtime for the client – operations continued throughout
- Comprehensive photo and video record for compliance and peace of mind
Get a Quote
Ready to get started? Request your free, no-obligation quote today and see how TessCon can deliver expert building solutions tailored to your needs.
Benefits of asbestos encapsulation
Encapsulation is a cost-effective, minimally disruptive way to manage asbestos in situ where materials are stable. It reduces the risk of fibre release, preserves the existing structure and can deliver a long service life when paired with routine monitoring.
Key advantages
- Lower cost and faster delivery than wholesale removal and disposal
- Less disruption – building stays operational during works
- Immediate risk reduction by sealing the surface and stabilising fibres
- Extended roof life and restored weatherproofing
- Compatible with localised over-cladding where sections are beyond repair
Limitations you should consider
- Asbestos remains in place, so you must retain an asbestos register and management plan with periodic inspections
- Not suitable where the substrate is delaminating or structurally unsound
- Future alterations, penetrations or demolition must account for the encapsulated ACM
- Ongoing maintenance is essential to preserve the coating’s integrity over time
Compliance and dutyholder responsibilities
For non-domestic premises, the duty to manage asbestos sits with the building owner or those responsible for maintenance. Encapsulation work must be planned, risk-assessed and carried out by competent contractors, with records retained in the asbestos register and the management plan updated after completion.
Is asbestos encapsulation right for your roof
Encapsulation is most effective where asbestos cement sheets are present, generally sound and securely fixed. If areas are brittle or cracked, we can pair encapsulation with localised sheet replacement or over-cladding to achieve a robust finish and long-term performance. We will advise on the best option after a site inspection.
Need help with asbestos encapsulation in Birmingham and the Midlands
If you manage an industrial or commercial building and want a safe, cost-effective solution, we can help you plan and deliver an encapsulation programme with minimal downtime. Book a site visit and receive a clear set of options, fixed pricing and a full photo report.
Request a site assessment or call 0121-628-0368
Project at a glance
- Location Birmingham
- Building type Industrial unit with asbestos cement roof
- Solution Asbestos encapsulation with localised repairs and selective over-cladding
- Outcome Safe, watertight roof with improved daylighting and minimal disruption
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