Properties built before the year 2000 could contain 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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Ceilings & Walls
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Frequently found in mid-20th-century homes.
Typically seen on ceilings, though sometimes present on walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
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
Often used in kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and Heating
Pipe Lagging
Common in pre-1970s properties, particularly around boiler rooms and in airing cupboards.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofs and Loft Space
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
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.
Frequently found in garage ceilings and cold water 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.
Easily missed during home improvements or electrical refits.
A Brief Point on Other ACMs
A lot of asbestos materials remain out of sight in hidden structural areas. 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. If your house predates 2000, it's safest to act as though asbestos might be present when making changes.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Sudbury. It helps ensure everyone stays safe and informed before work begins.
We've got more information for Sudbury residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Sudbury Look For?
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Firms in Sudbury
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Sudbury Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: