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.
As long as asbestos remains intact and sealed, it's relatively safe; however, knowing where it's found is crucial to reduce risks. Below is a handy reference to typical asbestos locations within residential UK properties.
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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)
Used for fireproofing and insulation.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Still found in many older homes, usually under newer flooring.
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
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofs and Attic Space
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
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
Uncommon but poses severe health risks.
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.
Also commonly used for garage ceilings and 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
Plastic fittings from past decades may include bonded asbestos.
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 Word on Invisible Asbestos Containing Materials
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.
Seeing no asbestos doesn't mean it's not present. 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.
If you're unsure, arrange a Derbyshire professional asbestos survey in Ashford in the Water. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Ashford in the Water residents on the site here:
- What Ashford in the Water Contractors Look For With Their Asbestos Inspection
- Identifying Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Ashford in the Water
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Ashford in the Water Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: