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.
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 & Ceilings
Textured Coatings (e.g. Artex)
Widely applied in properties built between the 1960s and 1980s.
Often applied to ceilings and occasionally walls.
Known to sometimes hold white asbestos fibres.
Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
Applied to enhance fire resistance and insulation.
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.
Still found in many older homes, usually under newer flooring.
Pipes and Heating Systems
Pipe Lagging
Frequently found in older homes, especially in boiler areas and hot water cupboards.
A friable material-high risk if damaged or deteriorating.
Boiler Insulation and Gaskets
Older heating units sometimes incorporated ACMs for thermal protection.
Roofs and Attic Areas
Asbestos Cement Sheets
Found in garage or shed roofs, and sometimes main house roofs.
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
Uncommon but poses severe health risks.
Typically found in lofts of very old homes-looks like a loose, fluffy material.
Outbuildings and Garages
Outbuildings from the mid-century often incorporated asbestos cement in their design.
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
Fireproofing needs meant asbestos was often used behind switches, in fuse boxes, and around old lighting systems.
Often overlooked during DIY rewiring or fitting upgrades.
A Quick Word on ACMs
A lot of asbestos materials remain out of sight in hidden structural areas. Conducting a demolition or refurb survey before major alterations ensures no concealed ACMs are disturbed.
The absence of visible asbestos doesn't guarantee its absence. 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.
If you're unsure, arrange a Derbyshire professional asbestos survey in Heage. It's a small investment for peace of mind-and a big step in protecting your health and safety.
We've got more information for Heage residents on the site here:
- What Heage Contractors Look For With Their Asbestos Report
- Finding Reputable Asbestos Disposal Firms in Heage
- Common Places To Find ACMs In Heage Houses
We also cover more of the local Derbyshire area too:
