Asbestos was once a miracle material. Strong, fire-resistant and cheap, it was used widely in UK homes up until the late 1990s. But we now know it poses serious health risks when disturbed. If you live in a house built before 2000, there’s a chance asbestos might still be hiding somewhere inside.
So how do you know if it’s there? And what should you do about it? This guide breaks down the basics of asbestos identification, the warning signs to look for, and how to handle it safely.
What is asbestos and why is it dangerous?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly used in building materials. When left undisturbed, it isn’t necessarily dangerous. But if the material gets damaged or starts to deteriorate, it can release tiny fibres into the air. These fibres can be inhaled, and over time, may cause serious illnesses like mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
The danger lies in its invisibility. Asbestos fibres are microscopic, you won’t see them, smell them or taste them. That’s why awareness and proper handling are so important.
Where is asbestos commonly found in homes?
Most people don’t realise just how widely asbestos was used in UK housing, especially between the 1950s and 1980s. You might find it in more places than you’d expect, even in fairly modern-looking homes.
Here are some of the most common spots:
- Ceilings with Artex or decorative textured coatings
- Behind old fuse boxes or electrical panels
- Inside airing cupboards or around hot water tanks
- Soffits and guttering outside the home
- Floor tiles (especially black or brown ones from the 60s/70s)
- Roof sheets in garages and outbuildings
- Boarding inside fireplaces or beneath old heaters
- Bath panels, pipe boxing, or behind wall tiles
You don’t have to tear your house apart to suspect asbestos. If you see a material that looks old, fibrous, or crumbling ( especially in the locations above ) it’s best to stop and get it checked.
How do I know if there’s asbestos in my home? Can I identify asbestos just by looking at it?
This is a common question, but unfortunately, asbestos doesn’t always have one clear look. It’s often mixed with other materials, making it hard to spot.
However, there are a few visual clues to keep in mind:
- Asbestos insulation board (AIB) looks like a grey, cardboard-like panel. Often mistaken for plasterboard.
- Asbestos cement can look similar to concrete or fibreboard. Found in garage roofs and old water tanks.
- Loose-fill asbestos is rare but very dangerous. It looks like greyish-blue fluffy insulation and is typically found in wall cavities or lofts.
That said, the only safe way to identify asbestos for sure is through professional testing. You can’t confirm it by sight alone and scraping or disturbing it to check can release dangerous fibres.
Also read: What Is an Asbestos Survey and When Do You Need One?
Can I test for asbestos myself?
It’s not recommended. DIY asbestos testing kits are available online, but they carry risk. Sampling involves disturbing the material, which is exactly what you want to avoid.
If you think there might be asbestos, the safest and most responsible step is to book a professional asbestos survey. At TLC Environmental, our qualified surveyors can assess your property, take safe samples if needed, and give you a clear report on what’s there or confirm that you’re in the clear.
Book a professional asbestos survey today!
Do I need an asbestos survey if I’m buying or renovating a home?
Yes, and this is something more people are starting to realise.
If you’re buying an older home, especially a fixer-upper, a standard homebuyer survey might not cover asbestos. That means you could move in, start pulling out kitchen units, and unknowingly disturb dangerous materials.
For renovations, it’s even more important. Builders and tradespeople will often ask for an asbestos report before they start. If you can’t provide one, you may end up with delays or extra costs down the line.
A pre-renovation or pre-purchase asbestos survey in the UK is relatively affordable and could save you thousands in the long run, not to mention keeping everyone safe.
What should I do if I think there’s asbestos in my home?
Don’t disturb it
If the material looks intact and you’re not doing any renovation work, the best thing is often to leave it alone. Asbestos is most dangerous when disturbed.
Don’t try to remove it yourself
Even small jobs can release fibres into the air. DIY removal without the proper equipment and procedures is not only risky, it can also be illegal in some cases.
Get an asbestos survey
This is the safest and most accurate way to confirm whether asbestos is present. A professional asbestos survey in the UK will involve an experienced surveyor inspecting your home, safely taking samples, and analysing them in a lab.
There are two main types of survey:
- Management Survey – checks for asbestos in materials that might be disturbed during normal use
- Refurbishment & Demolition Survey – required before any significant renovation or demolition work
A survey will tell you exactly what you’re dealing with and what the next steps should be.
Need peace of mind? Book a professional asbestos survey today.
Is asbestos still dangerous even if it’s old?
Yes. Age doesn’t make asbestos safe. In fact, older materials are more likely to be worn, broken, or fragile, which increases the chance of fibres being released.
Even a small amount of dust can be harmful if inhaled, especially over time. That’s why asbestos safety is about caution, not panic. It’s not dangerous if left alone and intact. But disturbing it without precautions can create unnecessary risk.
Do I need to tell buyers if I have asbestos?
If you’re selling your property and know that asbestos is present, you are legally required to disclose this to potential buyers. A proper asbestos survey report can also be reassuring to buyers, especially if the materials are safely managed or have already been removed by professionals.
What does asbestos removal cost?
It varies depending on the type and amount of material. A single ceiling panel might cost a few hundred pounds to remove. A full house removal could be several thousand. The cost of asbestos surveys in the UK also varies.
It might seem like an expense you want to avoid, but when it comes to safety, it’s worth it. And if you’re planning renovations, it’s often the only legal and safe way forward.
You may be interested in: What Happens During a Professional Asbestos Removal Job?
Final Thoughts
Many homes across the UK still contain asbestos, and it doesn’t mean your house is unsafe. The key is knowing what you’re dealing with, not disturbing it, and getting expert advice when you need it.
Think there might be asbestos in your home? Book a professional asbestos survey to stay safe and protect your future plans.