Properties built before the year 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). These materials were used extensively throughout the 20th century in all sorts of domestic construction and renovation work.
Asbestos isn't dangerous if left undisturbed and in good condition-but knowing where it might be hiding is key to managing the 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)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Generally used on ceilings, but occasionally found on walls.
Could include chrysotile (white type of asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
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.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Frequently hidden under more recent flooring upgrades.
Pipes and Central Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Common in pre-1970s properties, particularly around boiler rooms and in airing cupboards.
Very crumbly and dangerous if disturbed or degraded.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roofing and Attic Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Typically applied to outbuilding roofs and, in some cases, residential ones.
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
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
Outbuildings and Garages
Garages erected between the 1950s and 1980s often used asbestos sheeting.
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
Old electrical systems often featured asbestos due to its resistance to heat and fire.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Word on ACMs
ACMs are often concealed under carpets, behind plasterboard, or in ceiling voids. 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. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Sutton Scarsdale. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Sutton Scarsdale residents on the site here:
- Understanding What Sutton Scarsdale Asbestos Surveys Consider
- Locating Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Sutton Scarsdale
- Common Places To Find Asbestos In Sutton Scarsdale Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: