If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still 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. Below is a handy reference to typical asbestos locations within residential UK properties.
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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.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
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.
The glue or backing (often black bitumen) can contain asbestos.
Still found in many older homes in Derbyshire, usually hidden under newer flooring.
Pipes and Central Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofing and Attic Space
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Typically applied to outbuilding roofs and, in some cases, residential ones.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Materials like AIB or asbestos cement were placed in soffits and eaves.
Loose Fill Insulation
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Usually present in attic spaces of aged houses.
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
Installed behind appliances and fixtures for fire and moisture protection.
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.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Last Word on Asbestos
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.
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 Egginton. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Egginton residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Egginton Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- How To Find A Licensed Egginton Asbestos Disposal Location
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Egginton Residential Buildings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: