Identifying Asbestos Roof Tiles

In this article, we take a closer look at asbestos roof tiles, a once popular roofing material that we now know poses serious health risks if inhaled. As well as learning more about asbestos, we will explore when and how this material was used in construction, how to identify them, and whether you can safely remove and/or replace them.

• About asbestos roof tiles
• Asbestos cement usage in slate effect tiles and fibre cement sheets
• How dangerous are these roofing tiles? Do they pose a threat?
• Can an asbestos roof be repaired?
• Removing and replacing

Asbestos is a notorious material that was widely used in the construction and building industry throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, predominantly in corrugated tile form, until its detrimental effects on human safety became apparent in the 1960s when its use was under legal restriction - before all asbestos products became fully banned substances in 1999.

Before the health risks were understood, asbestos was commonly used in roofing, thanks to its many benefits, including high heat insulation, low cost, and fire-resistant properties.

To identify asbestos in your roof, you first need to consider the date it was built. If it was erected post-2000, the good news is you are safe. The use of asbestos in construction was banned across the UK after 1999, so you don't have to worry about the presence of asbestos.

If your property was constructed before this date, however, it could potentially be at risk, especially if the build date was pre-1980s, when asbestos was at its most popular.

The second thing to look out for in this instance is the surface of your roof. Does the roof have broken or chipped corners? Is it dimpled or cratered? If the answer to these questions is yes and you suspect your roof matches the above symptoms, your property may contain asbestos roof tiles, and if so, it could pose a serious health risk.

Historically, asbestos cement was used as an effective and affordable alternative to natural slate. These tiles were manufactured to replicate slate’s appearance, which made them a popular choice for properties wanting a premium, slate-like finish.

Like many asbestos products, asbestos roof tiles were made from a blend of white asbestos fibres and cement. This mix created a strong, cheap material that could be shaped into flat shingles, allowing manufacturers to imitate the look of natural slate at a fraction of the cost.

Commonly used for asbestos fibre roofing sheets and tile forms, asbestos fibre cement sheets comprise cement, which makes up the majority of the mixture, and Chrysotile asbestos fibres. These fibres make up around 10-15% of the mixture.

When an asbestos roof begins to deteriorate, or even if just one roof tile is damaged, microscopic fibres can become airborne. If inhaled, these dangerous fibres pose a huge danger to health, causing a variety of issues, such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and lung and pulmonary diseases. So, if you’re wondering whether asbestos roof tiles are dangerous, the answer is yes.

Many of these health issues were found to be prevalent in those working in full-scale mining for asbestos, causing scientists to investigate the link between asbestos and health issues.

It is for these reasons that strict health guidelines are now in place for the safe disposal of materials containing asbestos. And by safe disposal, we mean handling the materials with great care. Damaging items containing asbestos, such as asbestos roof tiles, can result in exposure to harmful fibres.

White fibres, which are considered the least potentially dangerous types of asbestos, are used in asbestos roof tiles. They are considered a lot less hazardous to human health; however, they are still a health threat and need to be dealt with responsibly.

Blue asbestos and brown asbestos are the most damaging to human health. These, however, were not used in the manufacturing process of asbestos roof tiles and were banned years before white asbestos.

If you suspect your roof contains asbestos, it's important to know that it cannot be repaired. It can only be replaced after careful asbestos removal, or in some cases, covered completely.

Roofs will need replacing when the asbestos sheets or asbestos tiles are chipped, damaged or broken, which can happen easily due to the age of most asbestos roofs.

Even if your roof is still in good condition, it’s worth considering potential issues that may arise later. Addressing the problem now can prevent more serious complications in the future.

Also, consider if you plan to sell your home in the near future, as having an asbestos roof is known to discourage potential buyers. Replacing the asbestos may help maintain, or even improve, your property’s value.

Some types of asbestos cement roofing can be legally removed by homeowners, but only under strict safety conditions. However, you need to take several precautions before you can think about undertaking any removal of asbestos. You will need, for example, to wear suitable PPE, including disposable overalls, gloves, and masks, as well as cover any exposed hair and skin.

Because of the risks involved, it is strongly recommended that a licensed professional carries out the work. They have the specialist training needed to handle asbestos safely and to ensure that all waste is disposed of in accordance with UK regulations.

Metal roofing sheets are a perfect solution if you're looking to replace asbestos tiles. They are manufactured using high-quality coated steel and are available in a variety of contemporary and traditional profiles. At Cladco, we have over 50 years of metal roof sheet experience, producing various profiles, including tile form, standing seam, corrugated and box profile.

To replicate the high-heat retaining properties of asbestos, you can also install insulated roof panels.

When disposing of materials that contain asbestos, you must take great care and follow strict safety precautions to ensure you are not exposed to the harmful fibres.

Special asbestos disposal bags, or sacks, are used to ensure asbestos is contained safely during the removal process. These bags come in two colours, red and clear, and are used together to double-bag asbestos waste. The heavy-duty red bag contains the asbestos and any other materials that may have been contaminated, while the clear outer bag provides an extra layer of protection.

Asbestos waste must be taken to a licensed disposal site with designated skips for asbestos cement and other asbestos-based materials. If you want to find more information about asbestos disposal in your area, you can search for your local council using your postcode on the GOV.UK website here.

If you are opting to use a professional builder to remove and dispose of your roof tiles, it can cost more than one thousand pounds, depending on the size of your roof, your location and the experience of the builder or contractor.

When looking for a quote, make sure you check that all costs are covered. These will include the costs of safety equipment, protective responsibilities for the rest of the house, physically removing, transporting and finally - safely disposing of the tiles at a designated safety site.