Properties built before the year 2000 could contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They were commonly used in UK domestic building and renovation throughout the 1900s.
As long as asbestos remains intact and sealed, it's relatively safe; however, knowing where it's found is crucial to reduce risks. Here's a practical guide to where ACMs are most commonly found in UK domestic 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.
Could include chrysotile (white type of 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 hidden 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
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roofing and Loft
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Used in garages, sheds, and occasionally the main house roof.
Generally safe if intact, but dangerous when broken or cut.
Roof Linings and Soffits
Asbestos cement or AIB used to line roof eaves, gable ends, or soffits.
Loose Fill Insulation
Seldom found but highly dangerous.
Appears in some older attics as soft, fluffy insulation.
Outbuildings and Garages
Many garages built from the 1950s to 1980s feature asbestos cement panels for walls and roofing.
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
Plastic fittings from past decades may include bonded asbestos.
Electrical Components
Old electrical systems often featured asbestos due to its resistance to heat and fire.
Easily missed during home improvements or electrical refits.
A Quick Word on Other ACMs
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.
Seeing no asbestos doesn't mean it's not present. 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 Buxton residents on the site here:
- What Buxton Inspectors Look For In Their Asbestos Survey
- Searching For Accredited Sites for Asbestos Waste Disposal in Buxton
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Buxton Homes
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: