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. Here's a practical guide to where ACMs are most commonly found in UK domestic properties.
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Ceilings & Walls
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
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.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and 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
Some older boilers may have internal or surrounding ACMs for heat resistance.
Roof Materials and Loft Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Durable and not highly hazardous unless disturbed.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Asbestos cement or AIB used to line roof eaves, gable ends, or soffits.
Loose Fill Insulation
Rare but extremely hazardous.
Usually present in attic spaces of aged houses.
Outbuildings and Garages
Outbuildings from the mid-century often incorporated asbestos cement in their design.
Also commonly used for garage ceilings and water tanks.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Wall Panels and Splashbacks
Installed behind appliances and fixtures for fire and moisture protection.
Toilet Cisterns and Seats
Older toilet parts sometimes incorporated asbestos-reinforced materials.
Electrical Components
Fireproofing needs meant asbestos was often used behind switches, in fuse boxes, and around old lighting systems.
Commonly ignored during electrical updates or rewiring.
A Brief Point on Invisible Asbestos Containing Materials
ACMs are often concealed under carpets, behind plasterboard, or in ceiling voids. This is why a Refurbishment or Demolition Survey is essential before starting any major work-it uncovers materials you wouldn't see with the naked eye.
The absence of visible asbestos doesn't guarantee its absence. If your house predates 2000, it's safest to act as though asbestos might be present when making changes.
For clarity and safety, book a professional ACM inspection. It helps ensure everyone stays safe and informed before work begins.
We've got more information for Newton Solney residents on the site here:
- What Newton Solney Experts Look For During An ACM Survey
- Searching For Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste in Newton Solney
- Where To Look For Asbestos In Newton Solney Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: