If your home was built before 2000, there's a chance it may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). They were commonly used in UK domestic building and renovation throughout the 1900s.
Asbestos isn't dangerous if left undisturbed and in good condition-but knowing where it might be hiding is key to managing the risks. Here's a practical guide to where ACMs are most commonly found in UK domestic properties.
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Walls and Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Common in homes from the 1960s-1980s.
Typically seen on ceilings, though sometimes present on walls.
Could include chrysotile (white type of asbestos).
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Installed for its fire-retardant and insulating properties.
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.
Adhesives or backing layers sometimes held asbestos fibres.
Often remains beneath modern flooring in older properties.
Pipes and Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Used in many homes built before the 1970s, especially around heating pipes.
Extremely fragile, posing high risk when compromised.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Many ageing boilers included asbestos insulation to withstand heat.
Roof Materials and Loft Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
Strong and relatively low-risk unless damaged or drilled into.
Roof Lining and Soffits
Asbestos cement or AIB used to line roof eaves, gable ends, or soffits.
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.
Included in overhead panels and older plumbing 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 Final Word on Hidden Asbestos Containing Materials
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. If your house predates 2000, it's safest to act as though asbestos might be present when making changes.
When in doubt, consult a licensed asbestos surveyor near Middle Handley. It helps ensure everyone stays safe and informed before work begins.
We've got more information for Middle Handley residents on the site here:
- What Does An Asbestos Survey In Middle Handley Inspect?
- Where to Locate Reputable Asbestos Disposal Businesses in Middle Handley
- Where To Look For Asbestos-Containing Materials In Middle Handley Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too: