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Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and has been used for thousands of years. Asbestos was hugely popular as a building material during the 20th century due to its heat resistance, insulation capabilities and cost-effectiveness. In many ways, it was an ideal material for construction materials.
However, when asbestos is disturbed, it can release fibres into the air. Asbestos diseases are long latency and can develop many years after exposure to often life-threatening health complications. They can include conditions such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. Because the health risks, asbestos gradually declined in use towards the end of the last century before being banned completely in the UK in 1999.
One of the most prevalent uses of asbestos for construction was as roofing materials. It was frequently combined with other materials such as cement and pressed into roof tiles or corrugated asbestos roof sheets. It is still common to find asbestos garage roofs, for instance, at properties across the UK.
Asbestos roofing was cost-effective, provided great insulation and was easy to install, making it a favourite for builders across the country, especially during the post-war housing boom.
When it comes to identifying asbestos roof sheets, the time the property was constructed and ag age of the building can be an indicator. If it was during the 20th century, prior to 1999, then it is possible that your property features an asbestos roof. Additionally, look out for textured, corrugated or fibrous type roofing materials, as these are also likely to contain asbestos.
The only way to tell for certain is to contact an asbestos surveyor to arrange a survey or targeted sampling of the materials. These will involve the collection of samples for lab analysis at an accredited laboratory to analyse the sample under the microscope.
At EMS, we’ve been helping manage asbestos and legal compliance since 2003. We provide asbestos surveys across the UK. We can help you identify and tackle any asbestos in roof tiles or sheets at your property, safeguarding occupants and ensuring you meet legal requirements.
To book your survey today, call us on 01432 263333, email us at info@emsgroupuk.com or fill out our contact form here.
Sometimes methods such as encapsulation involve coating the asbestos in a sealant can be utilised to reduce the likelihood of fibre release.
Asbestos must be disposed of by professionals with an appropriate waste carriers license. It must be taken to specialised facilities where it will be disposed of safely and documentation provided to prove this.
Yes, provided they were installed before the asbestos ban in 1999, it is legal to have asbestos roofs in the UK. However, commercial premises, must be routinely inspected and properly managed in accordance to ensure compliance.
