If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They were commonly used in UK domestic building and renovation throughout the 1900s.
As long as asbestos remains intact and sealed, it's relatively safe; however, knowing where it's found is crucial to reduce risks. Here's a practical guide to where ACMs are most commonly found in UK domestic properties.
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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Frequently found in mid-20th-century homes.
Generally used on ceilings, but occasionally found on walls.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Typically found in high-use areas such as kitchens and hallways.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties.
Pipes and Central Heating
Pipe Lagging
Frequently found in older homes, especially in boiler areas and hot water cupboards.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roofing and Loft Space
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Installed in the edges and linings of roofing structures.
Loose Fill Insulation
Uncommon but poses severe health risks.
Typically found in lofts of very old homes-looks like a loose, fluffy material.
Outbuildings and Garages
Many garages built from the 1950s to 1980s feature asbestos cement panels for walls and roofing.
Frequently found in garage ceilings and cold water tanks.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Wall Panels and Splashbacks
AIB used behind sinks, cookers, or bath panels for heat and moisture resistance.
Toilet Cisterns and Seats
Older toilet parts sometimes incorporated asbestos-reinforced materials.
Electrical Components
Old electrical systems often featured asbestos due to its resistance to heat and fire.
Easily missed during home improvements or electrical refits.
A Last Point on Other Asbestos
Many asbestos-containing materials are hidden behind walls, beneath floor coverings, or in loft spaces. Conducting a demolition or refurb survey before major alterations ensures no concealed ACMs are disturbed.
The absence of visible asbestos doesn't guarantee its absence. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Chevinside. It's a small investment for peace of mind-and a big step in protecting your health and safety.
We've got more information for Chevinside residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Chevinside Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Chevinside
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Chevinside Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: