Where to Find Asbestos in the Home

Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognised as a serious health hazard. Although its use has been heavily regulated, many homes, particularly those built before the 1980s, may still contain asbestos in various forms. Identifying where asbestos might lurk in your home is crucial for ensuring the safety of you and your loved ones.

Flooring: floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesive used for flooring may contain asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s.

Appliances: Older appliances like ovens & boilers might have components containing asbestos insulation.

Boilers & Flues: Older boilers may have asbestos components or insulation boarding enclosing the boiler. Asbestos cement flu pipes where also very common and potentially thermal insulation around pipework.

Sink Pads: Bitumen backing was once used on sinks which could contain asbestos

Artex Walls / Ceilings: Textured coating / paint may have been used on the walls and ceilings

Bath Panel: Some older properties had bath panels which contained asbestos

Toilet Cistern: Usually black in colour with pull chain

Pipe Insulation: Insulation around pipes, commonly found in bathrooms, may contain asbestos fibers.

Flooring: floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesive used for flooring may contain asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s.

Artex Walls / Ceilings: Textured coating / paint may have been used on the walls and ceilings

Fire Place: AIB / Insulation boarding was often used around the fireplace such as flu lining, used as a heat proof half/mantel.

Artex Walls / Ceilings: Textured coating / paint may have been used on the walls and ceilings

Flooring: floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesive used for flooring may contain asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s. The flooring may well have been carpeted over, so lift carpets to check.

Boilers & Flues: Older boilers may have asbestos components or insulation boarding enclosing the boiler. Asbestos cement flu pipes where also very common and potentially thermal insulation around pipework.

Storage Heaters: Old heaters used to contain elements of asbestos, they are difficult to test as it requires taking the appliance apart, so best to check with the manufacturer.

Artex Walls / Ceilings: Textured coating / paint may have been used on the walls and ceilings

Flooring: floor tiles, linoleum, or adhesive used for flooring may contain asbestos, especially in homes built before the 1980s. The flooring may well have been carpeted over, so lift carpets to check.

Ceiling Tiles / Fire-boarding: If the garage is integral (particularly if there is a bedroom above, AIB was frequently used on the ceiling for fire protection.

Insulation: Insulation around pipes or in the walls of your garage may contain asbestos.

Boilers & Flues: Older boilers may have asbestos components or insulation boarding enclosing the boiler. Asbestos cement flu pipes where also very common and potentially thermal insulation around pipework.

Flooring: floor tiles or bitumen adhesives may be used which could contain asbestos.

Tiles: Asbestos cement roof tiles where sometimes used,

Soffits: Asbestos was commonly used around the roof-line / above windows.

Roofing Sheets: Corrugated sheeting was frequently used on external garages and outbuildings.

Our testing kits have been designed to provide a secure, straightforward, and affordable method for examining suspicious materials within your household or business premises. Each kit includes easy-to-follow instructions, industry-standard personal protective equipment (from premium brands), sample bags, a return envelope, and a pre-paid test at a laboratory approved by UKAS.

Identifying and managing asbestos in your home is crucial for safeguarding your health and well-being. If you suspect that your home contains asbestos-containing materials, it's essential to consult with qualified professionals for testing and proper remediation. By staying informed and proactive, you can create a safer living environment for yourself and your family.