If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Such materials featured heavily in UK housing developments and refurbishments during the 20th century.
As long as asbestos remains intact and sealed, it's relatively safe; however, knowing where it's found is crucial to reduce risks. Here's a practical guide to where ACMs are most commonly found in UK domestic properties.
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Walls & Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Generally used on ceilings, but occasionally found on walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Used for fireproofing and insulation.
Commonly placed in internal dividers, ceiling boards, soffits, and around heating units.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Still found in many older homes, usually under newer flooring.
Pipes and Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Frequently found in older homes, especially in boiler areas and hot water cupboards.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Some older boilers may have internal or surrounding ACMs for heat resistance.
Roof Materials and Attic
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
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
Garages erected between the 1950s and 1980s often used asbestos sheeting.
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
Asbestos was used in fuse boxes, electrical backing boards, and old light fittings due to its fire-resistant properties.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Quick Word on Asbestos
A lot of asbestos materials remain out of sight in hidden structural areas. Conducting a demolition or refurb survey before major alterations ensures no concealed ACMs are disturbed.
The absence of visible asbestos doesn't guarantee its absence. 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 Chinley. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Chinley residents on the site here:
- What Chinley Surveyors Look For During An Asbestos Inspection
- Where to Locate Legal Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Chinley
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Chinley Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: