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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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Frequently found in mid-20th-century homes.
Generally used on ceilings, but occasionally found on walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
Found in partition walls, ceiling tiles, soffits, and behind heaters.
Floors
Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Typically found in high-use areas such as kitchens and hallways.
The glue or backing (often black bitumen) can contain asbestos.
Still found in many older homes in Derbyshire, usually under newer flooring.
Pipes and Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Common in pre-1970s properties, particularly around boiler rooms and in airing cupboards.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roofs and Attic Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Installed in the edges and linings of roofing structures.
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.
Frequently found in garage ceilings and cold 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
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 Brief Point on Hidden ACMs
ACMs are often concealed under carpets, behind plasterboard, or in ceiling voids. 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.
If you're unsure, arrange a Derbyshire professional asbestos survey in Birchover. A minor cost that offers significant reassurance and risk reduction.
We've got more information for Birchover residents on the site here:
- What Birchover Experts Check For During An Building Report
- Identifying Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Birchover
- Typical Locations Of Asbestos In Birchover Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: