Drilling soffit panel

[Sealo0]

Hi

 

just trying to drill some vent holes into the soffits , house built in 1958 they never seem to bother then. 
 

what I’m drilling into is Rock Hard and I’m on my third hole cutter! After 20 or so holes! 
 

any idea what the material is? It’s white sheet about 4mm thick which has what looks like a cardboard backing. I can only assume it was installed when the house was built. 
 

any ideas

 

thanks in advance 

 

Mike

[ProDave]

Be careful.  That age it could be asbestos.  To be sure before doing any more get a bit tested.

[saveasteading]

I'd say asbestos cement board is very likely. It's only dangerous as dust, which is exactly what you will be making.

 

I'd be surprised if an attic from then wasn't draughty. Why do you want the vents?

[Sealo0]

I’ve been wearing a mask, when I realised. It’s just so very hard! 
thank for the replies 

 

Mike

[saveasteading]

I had to drill vent holes in a timber soffit for a change of use.  I took the bco to the attic where he felt the existing severe draught (tiles, no membrane) and he agreed we forget the vents.

[joe90]

5 hours ago, Sealo0 said:

just trying to drill some vent holes into the soffits , house built in 1958 they never seem to bother then. 

Why?

[Redbeard]

HSE had a really good guide to working with relatively low-risk asbestos materials. For soffit boards they suggested shaving foam. If you used that (although you should still wear a mask and all the required PPE, of course) the dust released would be minimal. Dispose of the shaving foam and 'dust' as you would any asbestos. 

 

https://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a9.pdf

Edited December 1, 2023 by Redbeard
Added HSE link

[Roche]

Definitely get it tested before drilling into it, you don't want to be using power tools on it if its asbestos, even more so if its AIB. Id get a test kit and send a sample off to be safe.

[ProDave]

1 hour ago, Roche said:

Ive used these guys before and had a positive experience (link removed]

What did they test for you?  I don't see much posting about what you have been doing.

[Roche]

On 15/12/2023 at 17:14, ProDave said:

What did they test for you?  I don't see much posting about what you have been doing.

AIB Garage Ceilings, Ive done a few garage conversions on my developments and they're super common on anything pre 90s