Homes constructed before 2000 may still harbour asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They were commonly used in UK domestic building and renovation throughout the 1900s.
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 & 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
Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties in Hundall.
Pipes and Heating Systems
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
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roof Materials and Attic Space
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 Linings and Soffits
Installed in the edges and linings of roofing structures.
Loose Fill Insulation
Uncommon but poses severe health risks.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
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
Placed around wet areas for insulation and fireproofing.
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.
Easily missed during home improvements or electrical refits.
A Quick Word on Hidden ACMs
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. 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 Hundall residents on the site here:
- What Hundall Contractors Look For During An Asbestos Report
- How To Find A Trustworthy Hundall Asbestos Disposal Site
- Common Places To Find Asbestos-Containing Materials In Hundall Households
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: