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.
Arrange a free no obligation quote for asbestos surveys today
Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
May contain chrysotile (white asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Used for fireproofing 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.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Still found in many older homes, usually 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
Some older boilers may have internal or surrounding ACMs for heat resistance.
Roof Materials and Loft 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
AIB used behind sinks, cookers, or bath panels for heat and moisture resistance.
Toilet Cisterns and Seats
Older toilet parts sometimes incorporated asbestos-reinforced materials.
Electrical Components
Asbestos was used in fuse boxes, electrical backing boards, and old light fittings due to its fire-resistant properties.
Easily missed during home improvements or electrical refits.
A Final Word on Hidden Asbestos
A lot of asbestos materials remain out of sight in hidden structural areas. This is why a Refurbishment or Demolition Survey is essential before starting any major work-it uncovers materials you wouldn't see with the naked eye.
Just because asbestos isn't visible doesn't mean it's not there. Always treat homes built before 2000 with caution, especially ahead of renovations or repairs.
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 Rosliston residents on the site here:
- What Rosliston Contractors Look For With An Building Survey
- Searching For Certified Sites for Asbestos Waste in Rosliston
- Where To Look For ACMs In Rosliston Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: