Fit a downlight into soffit but wasn't wood!

[DanMcLiverpool]

I drilled into a soffit to fit a downlight. The soffit wasn't wood, growing a bit concerned it's asbestos.

Few questions:

1. If it's not wood, what other building material could it be? It's a thin, dry almost plasterboard like sheet.

2. If it were asbestos, would sticking the downlight in the hole created effectively 'plug it' to minimise the danger or is this now disturbed even if the hole's filled?

Appreciate this should've been tested first. The bottom soffit was wood so made an incorrect assumption. I've ordered a testing kit for next day delivery so I can find out either way.

Really appreciate any help.
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I drilled into a soffit to fit a downlight. The soffit wasn't wood, growing a bit concerned it's asbestos.

Few questions:

1. If it's not wood, and not asbestos, what other building material could it be? It's a thin, dry almost plasterboard like sheet.

2. If it were asbestos, would sticking the downlight in the hole created effectively 'plug it' to minimise the danger or is this now disturbed even if the hole's filled?

Appreciate this should've been tested first. The bottom soffit was wood so made an incorrect assumption. I've ordered a testing kit for next day delivery so I can find out either way.

Really appreciate any help.

 

[telectrix]

what age is the property?

 

[buzzlightyear]

what tool did you cut the hole with ?

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

Holesaw, drilled straight through.

Property is from the early 90s.
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Not sure if anything can be told from it's appearance? As I say, will get it tested asap.

 

[Baddegg]

As above mate, age is a good indicator, could be wood, plastic or as you say can be asbestos, generally it’s fine if you don’t disturb it but the only sure way is to get it tested if you are that concerned, not sure in the accuracy of a home kit though?

 

[buzzlightyear]

Holesaw, drilled straight through.

Property is from the early 90s.

possible might be a non asbestos .
Asbestos insulating board, also known as "AIB" or by the trade name "Asbestolux", was an asbestos containing board used in the building trade because of its excellent fire resistance and heat insulating properties. These boards were commonly used in the UK from the 1930s up until production was terminated in 1980.

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

As above mate, age is a good indicator, could be wood, plastic or as you say can be asbestos, generally it’s fine if you don’t disturb it but the only sure way is to get it tested if you are that concerned, not sure in the accuracy of a home kit though?

Should clarify sorry, it's a 'kit' but it's basically a bag you send off so they test it in a lab.

Thanks a lot for the replies.

Assuming it wasn't asbestos for a minute, what other material looks like that?

 

[snowhead]

If it's got sparkly bits in it, it's Superlux or similar, which is NON asbestos and was the replacement for Asbestos sheets.

90's is borderline but less likely to be Asbestos.

Looking at the material in the bag it looks too soft to be Asbestos cement sheeting.

But test to be certain.

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

Thanks again! Really appreciate people taking the time to reply.

It's very glittery, in which case I'd assume supalux from what I've read off the back of you mentioning it.

Still getting it tested but a bit more reassured!

 

[telectrix]

almost impossoble to be asbestos if built in 90's

 

[DanMcLiverpool]

_____

 

[Baddegg]

Agree with @telectrix mate if it was constructed in the 90’s it would be extremely rare and there’s probably a case against the builder if it is....I would stress a lot of big IFS there though ?

 

[ipf]

It's too thick to be the old, heat resistant, hard asbestos sheeting as used to be found as the ceilings of boiler houses, etc. A lot of old garage ceilings were done in the stuff. Asbestolux, more like, but still very unlikely at that age, as others have said. It's unusual for housing soffits to be done with asbestos.

 

[lozarus]

almost impossoble to be asbestos if built in 90's

Crysotile was only banned in the UK for use in buildings in 1999 - so 90's isn't a safe bet!

Although as established previously in this thread if it's sparkly, more likely superlux. Fibre cement boards are often used in soffit too.

But yes - generalising it to "the 90's being safe" is a dangerous assumption! (no disrespect intended at all). Was recently involved in boiler house refurb, found asbestos gaskets installed in 1997.

 

[davesparks]

almost impossoble to be asbestos if built in 90's

Agree with @telectrix mate if it was constructed in the 90’s it would be extremely rare and there’s probably a case against the builder if it is....I would stress a lot of big IFS there though ?

Asbestos wasn't fully banned until 1999 so there is every chance that this could be asbestos and no there wouldn't be a case against the builder.