The Brief – Edition 4 Hidden Risks in Roof Glazing: Safe and Legal Management of Asbestos Rope Gaskets 📍 East Hampshire, England

When it comes to pre-demolition planning, it’s often the smallest building details that tell the biggest story.

At a countryside property near Liphook, Hampshire, a pre-demolition asbestos survey identified asbestos rope gaskets fitted beneath 30 skylights. These woven seals were a common construction feature in the latter half of the 20th century, and their identification highlights the importance of thorough inspection before any demolition works begin.

Once the findings were confirmed, RJS Waste Management was appointed to manage and remove the affected materials under controlled, compliant conditions , allowing the project to proceed safely and without disruption.

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Roof area prior to works – skylights prepared for controlled removal.

A Material of Its Time

Between the 1950s and 1990s, asbestos rope gaskets were widely used across UK construction and manufacturing. They offered:

• Heat resistance:ideal for skylights, plant rooms and boiler areas
• Flexibility:creating a tight, weatherproof seal between glass and metal frames
• Durability:resistant to wear, moisture and temperature fluctuations

At the time, asbestos rope was seen as a practical, high-performance material, long before its health risks were understood. Today, we know that when disturbed, the same fibres can become airborne and pose serious health risks. That’s why modern asbestos management depends on planning, control and professional expertise to ensure legacy materials are handled safely and legally.

Asbestos rope gaskets photographed by RJS Waste Management during recent projects.

Controlled, Compliant and Professionally Managed

All affected components were managed and removed under fully controlled, compliant conditions by industry-trained operatives, in line with RJS Waste Management’s ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 certified procedures. Every stage was handled safely and legally, ensuring the site was ready for demolition on time and in full compliance.