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.
Asbestos isn't dangerous if left undisturbed and in good condition-but knowing where it might be hiding is key to managing the risks. Below is a handy reference to typical asbestos locations within residential UK 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.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
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.
Pipes and Central Heating
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.
Roofs and Loft Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
Strong and relatively low-risk unless damaged or drilled into.
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.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
Outbuildings and Garages
Garages erected between the 1950s and 1980s often used asbestos sheeting.
Also commonly used for garage ceilings and 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
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 ACMs
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.
The absence of visible asbestos doesn't guarantee its absence. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
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 Whitehough residents on the site here:
- An Overview Of What Whitehough Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- Searching For Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Whitehough
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Whitehough Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: