If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still 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)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
Commonly placed in internal dividers, ceiling boards, soffits, and around heating units.
Flooring
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Typically found in high-use areas such as kitchens and hallways.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties in Smithy Houses.
Pipes and Heating
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roof Materials and Attic
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Typically applied to outbuilding roofs and, in some cases, residential ones.
Strong and relatively low-risk unless damaged or drilled into.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Installed in the edges and linings of roofing structures.
Loose Fill Insulation
Uncommon but poses severe health risks.
Usually present in attic spaces of aged houses.
Outbuildings and Garages
Outbuildings from the mid-century often incorporated asbestos cement in their design.
Included in overhead panels and older plumbing tanks.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Wall Panels and Splashbacks
Placed around wet areas for insulation and fireproofing.
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.
Commonly ignored during electrical updates or rewiring.
A Brief Point on Other 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.
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.
If you're unsure, arrange a Derbyshire professional asbestos survey in Smithy Houses. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Smithy Houses residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Smithy Houses Consider?
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Smithy Houses
- Typical Locations Of ACMs In Smithy Houses Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: