If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They were commonly used in UK domestic building and renovation throughout the 1900s.
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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Walls & Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
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
Typically found in high-use areas such as kitchens and hallways.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and Central Heating
Pipe Lagging
Common in pre-1970s properties, particularly around boiler rooms and in airing cupboards.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Some older boilers may have internal or surrounding ACMs for heat resistance.
Roof Materials and Attic
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Typically applied to outbuilding roofs and, in some cases, residential ones.
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.
Usually present in attic spaces of aged houses.
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
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.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Last Word on Invisible 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.
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. It's a small investment for peace of mind-and a big step in protecting your health and safety.
We've got more information for Poolsbrook residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Poolsbrook Asbestos Surveys Examine
- Identifying Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Poolsbrook
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Poolsbrook Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: