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.
Undisturbed and well-contained asbestos poses little danger, but recognising its hiding places is vital for safe management. 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)
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)
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
Commonly laid in bathrooms, kitchens, and corridors.
The backing or adhesive (black bitumen) may contain asbestos.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties in Higham.
Pipes and Central Heating
Pipe Lagging
Frequently found in older homes, especially in boiler areas and hot water cupboards.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roof Materials and Loft Space
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
Durable and not highly hazardous unless disturbed.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Materials like AIB or asbestos cement were placed in soffits and eaves.
Loose Fill Insulation
Rare but extremely hazardous.
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
AIB used behind sinks, cookers, or bath panels for heat and moisture resistance.
Toilet Cisterns and Seats
Some older plastic/resin components contained asbestos for added strength.
Electrical Components
Old electrical systems often featured asbestos due to its resistance to heat and fire.
Commonly ignored during electrical updates or rewiring.
A Point on Hidden 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. 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 Higham. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Higham residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Higham Inspect?
- Finding Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste in Higham
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Higham Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: