Properties built before the year 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials were used extensively throughout the 20th century in all sorts of domestic construction and renovation work.
Undisturbed and well-contained asbestos poses little danger, but recognising its hiding places is vital for safe management. The following guide outlines the most common spots where asbestos may be present in UK homes.
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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Could include chrysotile (white type of asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Flooring
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
The glue or backing (often black bitumen) can contain asbestos.
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.
Very crumbly and dangerous if disturbed or degraded.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roof Materials and Loft Space
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Materials like AIB or asbestos cement were placed in soffits and eaves.
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
Outbuildings from the mid-century often incorporated asbestos cement in their design.
Included in overhead panels and older plumbing 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
Plastic fittings from past decades may include bonded asbestos.
Electrical Components
Old electrical systems often featured asbestos due to its resistance to heat and fire.
Commonly ignored during electrical updates or rewiring.
A Final Word on Invisible 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.
Seeing no asbestos doesn't mean it's not present. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
For clarity and safety, book a professional ACM inspection. 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 Cock Alley residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Cock Alley Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- Locating Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Cock Alley
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Cock Alley Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: