Properties built before the year 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Such materials featured heavily in UK housing developments and refurbishments during the 20th century.
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.
Arrange a free no obligation quote for asbestos surveys today
Walls & Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Generally used on ceilings, but occasionally found on walls.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Used for fireproofing and insulation.
Located in ceiling panels, internal partitions, soffits, and behind radiators.
Flooring
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
The glue or backing (often black bitumen) can contain asbestos.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Very crumbly and dangerous if disturbed or degraded.
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.
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
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
Outbuildings and Garages
Outbuildings from the mid-century often incorporated asbestos cement in their design.
Included in overhead panels and older plumbing 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.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Quick Point on Hidden Asbestos Containing Materials
A lot of asbestos materials remain out of sight in hidden structural areas. 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.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Wirksworth. It helps ensure everyone stays safe and informed before work begins.
We've got more information for Wirksworth residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Wirksworth Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Locating Approved Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Wirksworth
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Wirksworth Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: