Asbestos Awareness and Safety with Instaloft
At Instaloft, your safety and peace of mind come first. Asbestos was used in some building materials in the past and becomes a risk if disturbed. That’s why we include asbestos risk awareness as part of how we work in every home; Not as a one-size-fits-all box-ticking exercise, but a tailored assessment based on the specific conditions in your home.
Every home is assessed individually by trained professionals who understand where potential risks can arise and how to manage them. Our approach combines controlled working practices with expert support where needed to protect you, your home and our team throughout every loft boarding project
Why Asbestos Safety Matters
Some older homes may contain asbestos materials that require careful handling during building-related work. Our training and industry expertise means we know what to look for, how to plan work in with controlled measures, and when to bring in specialist expertise to support your installation.
The Loft Boarding Industry’s Evolution
In 2015, loft boarding wasn’t a recognised industry. Thanks to our continuous efforts to raise awareness about the benefits it offers, the sector has grown rapidly. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acknowledges this growth and is now working on regulations to safeguard homeowners and installers from exposure to asbestos. Here’s a brief timeline to understand its history:
Asbestos Timeline
Following WWII, the UK construction boom leads to heavy use of asbestos in thousands of homes. At this time, Asbestos was used in ceiling boards, partition walls, floor tiles, loft insulation products and many other products.
Health concerns became widely recognised after medical research began to increasingly link asbestos exposure to serious conditions.
The UK bans the import and use of the most dangerous types of asbestos, known as crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown) asbestos. White asbestos (chrysotile), however, continues to be used in many building materials.
Regulations tighten around how asbestos must be handled, stored and removed. Many manufacturers begin phasing out its use, but it remained present in building products throughout the decade.
The UK bans all forms of asbestos. No asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can be imported, sold or used in any construction product from this point forward.
Awareness, testing and safety legislation was introduced. Although no longer used, asbestos is still present in millions of homes built before 2000. Homeowners, installers and tradespeople must take precautions, as disturbing asbestos-containing materials can release harmful fibres.
Instaloft’s Professional, Risk-Aware Approach
Safety is built into how we work at Instaloft. Every installation begins with a professional assessment tailored to your property, and our trained teams follow strict procedures designed to manage risk carefully from the outset. Where additional expertise is required, we work with qualified specialists before installation continues, ensuring the right decisions are made with your home and safety in mind.
If Specialist Assessment Is Required
In some circumstances, further specialist assessment may be needed before any installation proceeds. If this applies to your home, your surveyor will clearly explain why this step is recommended and guide you through what happens next.
Where specialist input identifies materials that require specific management, you’ll receive straightforward information and practical guidance on options and next steps. Our team will also be on hand to ensure you’re informed and comfortable with each decision before the work continues.
Reassurance You Can Trust
Instaloft has helped tens of thousands of homeowners transform their lofts safely and professionally. By combining risk-aware assessment and specialist support when required, we offer a safe, informed and confident approach to loft boarding, no matter the age or condition of your home.
Asbestos exposure can have severe health effects, including lung cancer, asbestosis (scarring of the lungs), and mesothelioma.
The key message is clear: homeowners must choose a reputable company that is asbestos-trained. Loft boarding installers who aren’t training in asbestos management put those living in the home at risk.
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Loft Boarding for New Builds FAQ’s
There are three main types of asbestos insulation found in walls:
- Asbestos block insulation
- Spray-on asbestos insulation
- Loose fill asbestos insulation
Loose fill asbestos doesn’t contain any paper or backing. Most loose fill asbestos insulation is made from vermiculite which has a pebble-like appearance and is greyish-brown or silvery-gold in colour. It will lay flat between the joists. It is, however, very rare that vermiculite in a domestic property will contain asbestos within it, but it is best practice for it to be tested for peace of mind. Asbestos block insulation is a rigid panel made from foam, fibreglass and asbestos. It is best to get your walls tested if you think they might contain asbestos blocks. Spray-on asbestos insulation is a thick layer of bumpy and fibrous grey foam. It is easily identifiable, and if found, requires a professional for removal as it is up to 85% asbestos. Whatever you do, don’t touch or disturb the asbestos in any way, as it is extremely friable and can cause serious damage when inhaled.
Older insulation could contain asbestos. If your building was built before the year 2000, there is a possibility that the building may contain asbestos of some form within the fabric of the building
When undertaking any type of building construction, an asbestos survey is vital for your health and safety. If your building was built before the year 2000, there is a high possibility that it contains asbestos of some form and you should get a refurbishment survey carried out before going ahead with any construction.
Some older homes (those built before the 20th century) may have vermiculite insulation which has been known to contain asbestos. Vermiculite insulation are greyish brown pellets or granules that can be found in attics or wall cavities.
If you have been exposed to asbestos, you are unlikely to feel any immediate effects, as it can take several years to show any symptoms. If you believe you have been exposed to any asbestos, you should seek medical advice and monitor symptoms.
You will not find asbestos in any fibreglass insulation. This wool-type material is a glass fibre product, so it doesn’t normally contain asbestos. Fibreglass insulation is an artificial, man-made product whereas asbestos is a natural product.
If you have your insulation tested for asbestos and it has come back positive, You should contact a licensed asbestos removal contractor (LARC) as they can advise, quote and carry out safe removal of any material found.
Asbestos pipe insulation is one of the most dangerous forms of asbestos but also one of the easiest to identify. If it’s already in a poor condition, the asbestos may already be disturbed causing the fibres to be released into the air. If you think you have asbestos on your pipes, call a specialist (LARC) without hesitation before there’s any more risk to exposure.
To an untrained eye, the difference between asbestos and cellulose insulation can be quite difficult. The main visual difference is that asbestos insulation is usually light brown in colour whereas cellulose is green or pink. If you’re unsure, get in touch with a specialist (LARC) and they can identify the insulation for you!
Loose fill asbestos doesn’t contain any paper or backing. Most loose fill asbestos insulation is made from vermiculite which has a pebble-like appearance and is greyish-brown or silvery-gold in colour. It will lay flat between the joists. It is, however, very rare that vermiculite in a domestic property will contain asbestos within it, but it is best practice for it to be tested for peace of mind.
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