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.
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)
Frequently found in mid-20th-century homes in Derbyshire.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Flooring
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties.
Pipes and Heating
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Some older boilers may have internal or surrounding ACMs for heat resistance.
Roof Materials and Loft Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
Durable and not highly hazardous unless disturbed.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Asbestos cement or AIB used to line roof eaves, gable ends, or soffits.
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.
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
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 Quick Word on Invisible ACMs
Many asbestos-containing materials are hidden behind walls, beneath floor coverings, or in loft spaces. That's why a proper asbestos survey should be carried out before any serious renovation-to locate hidden hazards.
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 Mapperley. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Mapperley residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Mapperley Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- Locating Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Mapperley
- Common Places To Find Asbestos-Containing Materials In Mapperley Domestic Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: