If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still 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. The following guide outlines the most common spots where asbestos may be present in UK homes.
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Ceilings and Walls
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Frequently found in mid-20th-century homes in Derbyshire.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Could include chrysotile (white type of asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
Commonly placed in internal dividers, ceiling boards, soffits, and around heating units.
Flooring
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
The glue or backing (often black bitumen) can contain asbestos.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties in Hulland Ward.
Pipes and Heating
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofs and Attic Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Durable and not highly hazardous unless disturbed.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Materials like AIB or asbestos cement were placed in soffits and eaves.
Loose Fill Insulation
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Typically found in lofts of very old homes-looks like a loose, fluffy material.
Outbuildings and Garages
Garages erected between the 1950s and 1980s often used asbestos sheeting.
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
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 Word on Invisible Asbestos
ACMs are often concealed under carpets, behind plasterboard, or in ceiling voids. 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. The safest approach is to assume asbestos may be present in any UK home built before 2000, especially if you're planning maintenance, repairs, or upgrades.
For clarity and safety, book a professional ACM inspection. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Hulland Ward residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Hulland Ward Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Locating Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Hulland Ward
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Hulland Ward Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: