Asbestos roof tiles

mikeh123

Hi, We are in the process of buying a house and have discovered the roof tiles have asbestos in them but won't be able to afford to remove and replace them. We keep going back and forth in our minds whether to continue with the purchase or not. Any advice if anyone has been through this before?

Neil49

Do they need removing for any particular reason? If they are in a sound condition then there is no reason to be handling them. 

I suggest that you Google the topic to judge the risk in order to come to a decision. 

mikeh123

Thanks Neil,I don't believe they need removing at the moment, just concerned about the possible cost later down the line when we are first time buyers and may not be able to fix right away

TripleH

The roof will need replacing at some point in the future regardless. This means you may well havecto save a little more on top each month to cover it?

dimbo61

There are different types of asbestos with some much more dangerous than others.
Chrysotile ( white asbestos)
Amosite ( Brown asbestos)
Crocidolite ( blue asbestos )
Brown and blue are the most dangerous but white in the type mainly found in roof tiles.
If the roof is in good condition and the tiles are not crumbling at the edges then it could be years before they need replacing.
As they are on the roof you are not breathing in any asbestos fibres inside the property.

mikeh123

I believe its white asbestos, not sure of any damage but don't think there is. 
Would you still go ahead with purchasing the house and just save a little more each month to eventually get sorted or pull our now before any further commitment?

TheJP

mikeh123 said:

I believe its white asbestos, not sure of any damage but don't think there is. 
Would you still go ahead with purchasing the house and just save a little more each month to eventually get sorted or pull our now before any further commitment?

You'll probably have sold up and moved on to your next house long before those tiles need attention. Personally i would proceed and make a note to keep an eye on them, yes put a contingency away each month in case.

Section62

mikeh123 said:

I believe its white asbestos, not sure of any damage but don't think there is. 

Have you had any samples tested to confirm the type of asbestos?  Without testing there is no way of knowing, and 'rules of thumb' (which almost always end up claiming its 'white asbestos') don't always give the right result.

It is unlikely a roof of the age which it would have to be to have an asbestos content will have absolutely zero damage.  If you are talking about asbestos cement slates (not tiles) then they are prone to losing the surface, and also becoming quite brittle.  If the surface has taken on a white or light grey appearance it is an indication the surface is starting to break up.

This isn't necessarily something which needs replacing in the very near future, but it is important to be aware of the risks and to have a plan in place for the eventual replacement if you are intending to stay in the property long-term.