Abestos was a widely used building material in the 20th century, finding its way into a surprising variety of products, including some roofing materials.
There are three main types of asbestos distinguishable by their respective colours: blue, brown and white. White asbestos (known as chrysotile) was the most widely used in the construction industry, predominantly in the form of cement fibre. The general term used for materials containing asbestos is ACM (Asbestos Containing Materials).
For renovators, discovering asbestos can feel like a worst-case scenario – but just how worried should you be if your property has asbestos roof tiles? Below, we explain how to identify it, how dangerous it is, and what you should do about it.
Article continues belowHow do you identify asbestos roof tiles?
Asbestos is found in thousands of different products and in many forms, and in most cases, it cannot be identified just by looking at it, according to Sam Foster, Director of Eagle Asbestos. That’s why it’s best to call in professionals, who can carry out a survey of your home, collect samples, and analyse them in a lab.
If your home was built before 2000, Sam recommends getting an asbestos test –particularly if you’re planning extensive building work, as it may be concealed.
"We tend to say any houses built after the year 2000 shouldn't contain any asbestos. Although, there's always going to be the odd, one-off case that was built around 2000/2001 where we may suggest a test," he adds.
If you already have a sample ready for testing, you can buy an asbestos testing kit from B&Q for around £40, which can then be sent off to a lab. However, it's essential to not only wear the appropriate PPE and consult a professional, but also to be aware that results should only ever be taken as a guide. If the results are negative, it's important for safety reasons to still understand they could be wrong and therefore not to take this as conclusive evidence of an absence of asbestos.
Sam Foster is the director of Eagle Asbestos. Their team offers testing, removal, and surveying for both domestic and commercial properties.
How dangerous are asbestos roof tiles?
"Asbestos can pose a serious health risk if it is damaged, as this can release fibres into the air. However, when roof tiles are intact and in good condition, they are generally considered safe," explains Jamie Gatley, Owner of J G Asbestos Services.
He explains that asbestos roof tiles are usually discovered during renovations and repairs, which can disturb the material and cause fibres to become airborne. Asbestos should always be handled by a qualified professional.
Jamie is a trained, vetted asbestos removal professional with experience in asbestos testing, surveys and safe removal services for domestic and commercial properties. He has been a valued Checkatrade member for 3 years, and has previously won two awards, including the 2025 Trade Champion award.
What should I do if I suspect I have asbestos roof tiles?
If you suspect you have asbestos roof tiles, you should arrange a survey with a BOHS P402-qualified surveyor and have a sample analysed by a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Jamie Gatley explains that they will be able to confirm whether you have asbestos, identify the specific material, and decide whether removal or management is the appropriate next step.
Homebuilding's News Editor Jo Mullane says, "We had damage to our roof, but workers wouldn't repair it due to finding asbestos. We contacted our home insurers, who instructed specialist asbestos removers to assess what needed to be done.
"They told us that we had to have the asbestos removed professionally. They put up lining inside the house to ensure nothing was contaminated. We had to move out to a hotel while the work was being completed and the process took 10 days."
How do I dispose asbestos roof tiles?
You should not dispose of asbestos roof tiles yourself – this must be carried out by a certified professional to avoid cross-contamination and personal risk, explains Jamie Gatley. The same applies to the decontamination and cleaning process.
"Any asbestos material needs to be double bagged in approved waste bags and transported under a hazardous waste carrier licence to an authorised disposal facility," he adds.
It wasn’t until the mid-1980s that the most dangerous forms of asbestos were banned by the UK government, with the manufacture and supply of all asbestos finally outlawed in late 1999.
For more expert advice, read our explainers on buying a house with asbestos and how to deal with asbestos in fireplaces.
