What Happens If Asbestos Is Disturbed During Renovation in a UK Property?

Renovating an older property can quickly become dangerous if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed. Many UK homes, commercial buildings, and public properties built before 2000 still contain asbestos, often hidden behind walls, ceilings, floors, and roofing systems.

When asbestos is left undisturbed and in good condition, it generally poses little risk. However, renovation work is one of the most common ways asbestos fibres are accidentally released, putting occupants, tradespeople, and neighbouring properties at risk.

This guide explains what happens if asbestos is disturbed, the legal and health consequences, and what to do immediately to stay compliant and safe.

‍

Why Asbestos Becomes Dangerous During Renovation

Asbestos is hazardous when it is cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or removed without controls. These actions release microscopic fibres into the air, where they can be inhaled without any immediate symptoms.

Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can remain in the lungs for decades and are linked to serious illnesses including:

• Mesothelioma
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis
• Pleural thickening

There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why all asbestos removal must follow strict UK regulations and, in many cases, be carried out by licensed professionals offering licensed asbestos removal services:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval

‍

Common Renovation Activities That Disturb Asbestos

Asbestos is most often discovered accidentally during refurbishment or renovation works. Common risk activities include:

• Removing ceilings or textured coatings such as Artex
• Lifting old vinyl floor tiles or adhesives
• Demolishing internal walls or partitions
• Drilling into soffits, walls, or ceiling voids
• Replacing old boilers, pipework, or insulation
• Garage refurbishments and loft conversions

Textured coatings and insulation boards are particularly high risk. Many older ceilings contain asbestos-based materials such as Artex and textured coatings, which must be removed safely:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/artex-textured-coating-asbestos-removal-aib-solutions

‍

What Happens Immediately When Asbestos Is Disturbed?

Once asbestos is disturbed, several things happen — often without being visible.
‍

Airborne Fibre Release

Fibres are released into the air and can remain suspended for hours, spreading through ventilation systems and settling on surfaces.
‍

Contamination of the Property

Asbestos contamination can extend far beyond the original work area, affecting carpets, furniture, tools, and clothing.
‍

Immediate Health Risk

Inhalation can occur instantly. Health effects may not appear for 20–40 years, which is why exposure is so dangerous.
‍

Work Must Stop

All work should cease immediately until the risk has been assessed by professionals.
‍

Your Legal Responsibilities in the UK

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, asbestos is strictly regulated.

‍

Homeowners

Homeowners must not attempt to remove high-risk asbestos themselves. Many materials, including asbestos insulating board (AIB) and pipe lagging, require licensed contractors:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-insulating-board-aib-removal

DIY disturbance can lead to:

• Prosecution
• Insurance invalidation
• Expensive decontamination
  
  ‍

Landlords & Commercial Dutyholders

Landlords, councils, and businesses have a legal duty to manage asbestos. This often requires professional asbestos surveys before renovation:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestossurveys

Failure to comply can result in unlimited fines, enforcement notices, and civil claims.

‍

What To Do If You Think Asbestos Has Been Disturbed

If asbestos may have been disturbed during renovation:

1. Stop work immediately
2. Isolate the affected area
3. Do not vacuum, sweep, or clean
4. Arrange professional asbestos testing

Laboratory analysis is required to confirm asbestos presence safely:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestostesting

If asbestos is confirmed, removal must be carried out under controlled conditions by licensed professionals.

‍

Can You Clean Up Disturbed Asbestos Yourself?

In most cases, no.

High-risk materials such as:

• Pipe lagging
• Insulation boards
• Sprayed coatings

must be removed by licensed contractors using controlled enclosures, specialist PPE, and air monitoring.

Even lower-risk materials such as asbestos floor tiles must be handled correctly to prevent fibre release:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-floor-tile-removal-disposal

‍

How to Avoid Asbestos Issues During Renovation

The safest approach is always prevention.
‍

Get a Survey Before Work Starts

A refurbishment asbestos survey identifies risks before work begins, preventing costly delays and exposure.

‍

Use Experienced Contractors

Professional teams understand how to safely manage:

• Domestic properties
• Commercial buildings
• Industrial and public-sector sites

AIB provides specialist domestic asbestos removal for homeowners and landlords:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremoval-domestic

As well as services for homeowners and private landlords:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/homeowners-private-landlords

‍

The Long-Term Consequences of Getting It Wrong

Disturbing asbestos during renovation can result in:

• Long-term property contamination
• Costly professional decontamination
• Project delays and site closures
• Legal action and enforcement
• Serious long-term health consequences

Understanding the correct removal process is essential. You can read a full breakdown here:

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/blog/asbestos-removal-step-by-step-guide

‍

Local Asbestos Removal Support

If you’re renovating a property in the Midlands or North West, AIB provides licensed asbestos removal across multiple regions, including:

• Stoke-on-Trent

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-removal-in-stoke-on-trent

• Stafford

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestos-removal-in-stafford

• Manchester & Cheshire

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/asbestosremovalinmanchesterstockportcheshire

‍

Final Thoughts

Asbestos disturbance during renovation is a serious health and legal risk — even when exposure isn’t immediately obvious. The safest and most cost-effective approach is to identify asbestos before work begins and involve licensed professionals if it is present.

If your property was built before 2000, asbestos should always be considered before any renovation or refurbishment work.
‍

Need expert advice?

AIB Solutions is fully licensed, accredited, and trusted nationwide.

👉 View our accreditations

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/accreditationscertificates

👉 Read verified client reviews

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/our-reviews

👉 Speak to our asbestos specialists today

https://www.aib-asbestosremoval.co.uk/contactus

‍