Asbestos ceiling removal in Cape Town
We remove asbestos insulating board ceilings from offices, flats, schools and homes in Cape Town as a registered Type 2 contractor, then fit a new ceiling in Rhinoboard, Isoboard or Lambda board. The rooms are sealed off as a regulated area, the boards go to a designated disposal site, and you get the clearance certificate.
Indi Maintenance Services (Pty) Ltd, Registered Asbestos Contractor (Type 2), certificate 2025RAC/CI-180, valid until 26 August 2028. Verify it with the Department of Employment and Labour.
Is my ceiling asbestos?
Only a test by an accredited laboratory can tell you. Asbestos ceiling boards were used until the 2008 ban and are often painted over, so they look like any other ceiling. Until you have a result, treat the ceiling as asbestos and don't drill, cut, sand or scrape it.
How the removal works
- Site visit and quote. We look at the ceilings and roof space and send an itemised quote.
- Plan of work and notice. The inspection authority compiles the plan, you co-sign it, and the Department is notified at least seven days ahead.
- Regulated area. The rooms are sealed off and signposted, with respiratory protection for everyone inside.
- Removal and disposal. The boards come down without power tools, are sealed and labelled, and go to a designated site.
- Clearance, then your new ceiling. The inspection authority samples the air and issues the clearance certificate, then we fit the new ceiling.
Your new ceiling
We fit Rhinoboard, Isoboard or Lambda board, depending on the room. With the old board out, it's the right time to plan new lights or fans. If the roof above is asbestos cement too, plan both together: see asbestos roof replacement.
Questions we get asked
Can I paint over an asbestos ceiling board?
Sanding, scraping or any other preparation of an asbestos ceiling board releases fibres, so don't do it. Our registration covers removing asbestos insulating board, not coating it. Talk to us before anyone paints it, and we'll go through the options at the site visit.
Can we stay in the building while the ceiling comes out?
Usually, apart from the rooms being worked on. Those rooms become a regulated asbestos area and are out of use until the clearance is done. How much of the building that affects depends on the layout, and we agree it with you before the plan of work is signed.
Is an old, cracked asbestos ceiling dangerous?
We don't judge risk from a description or make health claims about any material. Damaged board shouldn't be disturbed further: don't drill, cut, sand or brush it. Have it tested by an accredited laboratory, and we'll explain the removal options.
Can I drill into an asbestos ceiling to fit a light or fan?
No, not with a power drill. Regulation 24 prohibits power tools for cutting, grinding or drilling asbestos. If you need new fittings, it is usually better to remove the board first and fit the new ceiling with the fittings in place.
What can you not remove?
Our Type 2 registration covers asbestos insulating board and asbestos cement. Sprayed coatings, loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging and other loose asbestos need a different registration. If any turn up, we'll tell you and refer you to a contractor registered for that work.
Get a free quote
Send us the address and a few photos for an estimate within 24 hours, or book a site visit and written quote within 72 hours.