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.
Asbestos isn't dangerous if left undisturbed and in good condition-but knowing where it might be hiding is key to managing the risks. Below is a handy reference to typical asbestos locations within residential UK properties.
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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Could include chrysotile (white type of asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
Located in ceiling panels, internal partitions, soffits, and behind radiators.
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.
Pipes and Central Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Very crumbly and dangerous if disturbed or degraded.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofs and Loft
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Typically applied to outbuilding roofs and, in some cases, residential ones.
Durable and not highly hazardous unless disturbed.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Materials like AIB or asbestos cement were placed in soffits and eaves.
Loose Fill Insulation
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
Outbuildings and Garages
Garages erected between the 1950s and 1980s often used asbestos sheeting.
Frequently found in garage ceilings and cold water tanks.
Bathrooms and Kitchens
Wall Panels and Splashbacks
Placed around wet areas for insulation and fireproofing.
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.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Word on Invisible Asbestos
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.
Just because asbestos isn't visible doesn't mean it's not there. 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.
For clarity and safety, book a professional ACM inspection. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Lower Hartshay residents on the site here:
- A Look At What Lower Hartshay Asbestos Surveys Inspect
- How To Find An Lower Hartshay Asbestos Disposal Site
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos-Containing Materials In Lower Hartshay Residential Settings
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: