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.
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)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
Typically seen on ceilings, though sometimes present on walls.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and Central Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roofing and Attic 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
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Usually present in attic spaces of aged houses.
Outbuildings and Garages
Many garages built from the 1950s to 1980s feature asbestos cement panels for walls and roofing.
Included in overhead panels and older plumbing tanks.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Wall Panels and Splashbacks
Placed around wet areas for insulation and fireproofing.
Toilet Cisterns and Seats
Older toilet parts sometimes incorporated asbestos-reinforced materials.
Electrical Components
Asbestos was used in fuse boxes, electrical backing boards, and old light fittings due to its fire-resistant properties.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Brief Point on Invisible ACMs
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.
Just because asbestos isn't visible doesn't mean it's not there. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
If you're unsure, arrange a Derbyshire professional asbestos survey in Hammersmith. 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 Hammersmith residents on the site here:
- What Hammersmith Surveyors Check For During An Asbestos Inspection
- Locating Legal Asbestos Disposal Points in Hammersmith
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Hammersmith Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: