Identifying asbestos roof tiling
As one of the leading asbestos companies on the South Coast, our experts occasionally encounter challenges when it comes to detecting asbestos in old roof tiles – consequently, without certain distinguishing indications, it becomes extremely challenging for property owners to identify asbestos’ presence without in-depth knowledge and information. Interestingly, a corrugated asbestos roof sheet and a regular cement fibre sheet would appear identical if placed side by side.
It is of utmost importance that you are aware of whether roof tiles identified in your property have Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) within them, as the potential health risks can be severe in certain situations. In this comprehensive guide, we outline what asbestos roof tiles look like, how you can identify them and what to do if you suspect your roof slates contain asbestos.
Contents:
What is asbestos?
Asbestos, as an umbrella term, refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that consist of tiny, flexible fibres found close to the Earth’s surface. To obtain and mine asbestos, the top layer of the ground is removed in order to extract ore from the surface.
Until its ban in late 1999, asbestos was frequently used in construction for purposes such as roofing, flooring, and insulation. Despite its advantages, including resistance to heat, fire, chemicals, and biodegradation, as well as its insolubility in water, the detrimental health effects caused by asbestos exposure, outweighed these benefits.
For further details regarding asbestos and what it is, see our in-depth guide.
What do asbestos roof tiles and slates look like?
While the three varieties of asbestos utilised in roof tiles and slates can be easily distinguishable on their own (crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile), it becomes challenging to identify them when they are blended into a single roof tile
Roofing tiles that contain asbestos often have a white, grey, or blue-white colour, however, as previously mentioned, other tiles made from safe materials also share these colours. Suspect asbestos in your garage roof? Read our comprehensive guide!
How to identify asbestos roof tiles?
Whilst highly recommended NOT to do yourself, there are typically 3 methods by which you can identify an asbestos roof sheet or tile. To be 100% sure on whether your roof tiles contain asbestos fibres, you should consult a professional to carry out an asbestos sample test.
The roof tiles were built before 2000
Since November 1999, the UK has implemented a complete ban on all asbestos containing materials (ACM), meaning any residential or commercial structures constructed or renovated prior to this date, may potentially contain asbestos.
If you have recently acquired a property built in 2000 or later, it is expected that your roof tiles are free from asbestos, however, if the construction took place in 1999 or earlier, it is advisable to get in touch with an asbestos consultant.
Batch codes and identification marks
A feature often found in asbestos roofing sheets and tiles, is the inclusion of batch codes and identification marks printed on the underside of the panels by manufacturers. Although this practice was relatively common, not all manufacturers adhered to it, resulting in uncertainty for homeowners when its ban was introduced, right up to now.
The batch code that indicates the presence of asbestos on roof tiles is typically labelled as “AC,” while cement fibres are denoted by “CE” or simply “C.”
Structure of the roof tiles
In the event that your roofing tiles and slates contain asbestos, it is probable that the panels will break or snap instead of crumbling when subjected to pressure. Whilst this is something you should NOT do, hypothetically that would be the result. If your roof tile is breaking apart or suffering from cracks, that too could be a warning sign that asbestos is present.
Whilst these are signs to look out for when identifying asbestos roof tiles, you should always contact a professional to carry out an asbestos survey or asbestos test.
Are asbestos roof tiles dangerous?
When roof tiles containing asbestos are disturbed or harmed, tiny fibres are released into the air, and if Inhaled, these fibres can result in severe health problems. While the health effects may not be immediately noticeable, prolonged exposure can lead to irreversible long-term changes to your health.
Roof tiles may become chipped or cracked, however because the fibres will be released into the open air, the risks to your health are greatly reduced. To find out more on how asbestos can cause damage to your health, see our health and safety guide.
What to do if your roof tiles contains asbestos
It is recommended that you leave the asbestos roof tiles alone and contact a certified professional as soon as you can. Its removal should be handled by a licensed contractor and any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) should be disposed of correctly by a licensed disposal site.
If you have already damaged or disturbed your roofing tiles through decorating or DIY work, don’t try to clean it up yourself. Attempting to clean the affected area will cause the microscopic fibres to flow into the air, therefore spreading the asbestos even more.
