Asbestos roof tiles ( occasionally referred to as asbestos shingles) are still common on British roofs. Because asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral you will often see moss and algae growing on these tiles as opposed to non-asbestos roofs where only a few tiles will be moss-covered.
These tiles are low risk when left in-situ because they are hard-wearing but when removed there can be significant fibre release especially if the tiles are damaged during the process. The tiles themselves vary in appearance from red to slate. The best indication (other than thre presence of moss) is the age of the building (see below)
Got a trade name? You can find a comprehensive list of asbestos trade names here.
Asbestos roof? Removing or repairing asbestos roofs can be a dangerous job. Why not use our 'Need a quote?' form to get costs from specialist removal companies. If you suspect your tiles may contain asbestos you can also get a cost to get it sampled and analysed.
IMPORTANT: We are NOT a government organisation and the comments below merely represent the opinions of our staff (and other contributors) and any advice given is taken at your own risk.
Ben Wright commented...
Hi there, We are building our own house but in the middle of demolishing the existing. We are going to remove the roof this weekend but the asbestos tiles are causing me some concern. I understand we need to dispose of these in the correct manner but do you have any advice for removing the tiles safely and minimising the risk of air bourne fibres? Also what PPE would you recommend? Many thanks, Ben Wright
04/11/2010 08:40:46
Administrator commented...
Ben, given that its a roof (and its outside) the threat of airborne fibres is greatly reduced but minimising damage will minimise fibre release.You can also wet the tiles down as water will prevent alot of the fibres from being released. Perhaps the most important thing is to protect yourself by wearing a P3 mask and disposable coveralls. The waste must be double bagged and taken to a recycling centre. I would suggest a visit to have a chat with the foreman there because you are going to have alot of waste and if they suspect that you are a commercial outfit they will refuse you. Better to sort this out now!
04/11/2010 09:09:50
Laura Houghton commented...
Hi, I have a large two story Victorian detached house covered in asbestos tiles. I was up on the porch roof and noticed that the tiles looked very worn, and there was a fibrous texture to them. Some were also broken and debris was collecting in a lower flat section of the roof. Would you suggest that the roof is a health concern and should be removed? Many thanks for your help. Laura Houghton.
12/11/2010 12:00:14
Laura, this is a low risk material to start with and the fact that a) it is outside and b) you are not regulalrly accessing the area would suggest that it poses little risk.
15/11/2010 14:03:51
Mark Mckeith commented...
Hi we currently have a roofing contractor removing our tiles which are red in colour and asbestos. They have not dampened the roof or placed the tiles in bags. They have just been placed in our back yard and they are going to dispose of them. We wanted to use the loft for storage but I am worried fibres have been released. Would this be safe once the new roof is on or would you advise against this. The old tiles where very worn and some where broken during removal. It is worrying me and my partner to death. Kind regards mark
14/12/2010 18:34:33
Mark, this is a low-risk material and I'm assuming you don't spend too much time in the loft so any exsposure would be minimal. If you're worried you could always hire a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter and get rid of the visible debris.
16/12/2010 09:13:57
cyanne commented...
hi i have just moved into a property and found out that the roof which is black tiles and the sheds have asbestos in them, there are also several small panels within the house containing asbestos above the doors. what risks do these pose to myself and my children? thanx
31/12/2010 16:36:19
cyanne, you've not described which product was in the shed but if its cement board then its perfectly safe if its in good condition. If its in bad condition then I guess you aren't using it or you're going to replace it. The tiles are on the roof and I'm guessing you don't spend too much time up there and, even if you do, they are also going to be in good condition. The panels may be AIB and this is a bit more of a concern but, again, if they are in good condition and painted there is no need to worry. Just make sure you don't drill holes into them.
07/01/2011 18:41:49
Please note that due to high demand combined with staff shortages we cannot currently accept comments. Please accept our apologies.
ALL COMMENTS ARE MANUALLY REVIEWED BEFORE APPROVAL. IF YOU CHOOSE TO FOLLOW THE ADVICE GIVEN IN RESPONSE TO YOUR COMMENT THEN YOU ACKNOWLEDGE THAT YOU DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK AND THAT YOU WILL NOT HOLD ASBESTOSADVISOR.NET OR ITS CONTRIBUTORS RESPONSIBLE. PLEASE DO NOT SPAM.