Homes constructed before 2000 may still harbour 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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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
Commonly placed in internal dividers, ceiling boards, soffits, and around heating units.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Still found in many older homes in Derbyshire, usually under newer flooring.
Pipes and Central Heating Systems
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
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofing and Loft
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
Installed in the edges and linings of roofing structures.
Loose Fill Insulation
Rare but extremely hazardous.
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
Some older plastic/resin components contained asbestos for added strength.
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 Word on Hidden Asbestos Containing Materials
ACMs are often concealed under carpets, behind plasterboard, or in ceiling voids. That's why a proper asbestos survey should be carried out before any serious renovation-to locate hidden hazards.
Seeing no asbestos doesn't mean it's not present. 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.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Shirland. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Shirland residents on the site here:
- What Shirland Experts Check For During An Asbestos Inspection
- Finding Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Shirland
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Shirland Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: