Where Is Asbestos Found in a House?

Living rooms, halls and bedrooms

Textured coatings are a common concern in homes. They may be on ceilings, walls or beams, often under newer paint. Asbestos board may also sit near heaters, inside cupboards or around pipes.

A coating does not prove asbestos is present. A smooth ceiling does not prove it is safe. New boards can hide old layers. The survey must cover the work you plan.

• Textured ceiling or wall coatings
• Panels around heaters and service cupboards
• Older fire doors and door-lining details
• Backing boards behind electrical equipment

Kitchens, bathrooms and utility spaces

Builders used heat and water-resistant products near boilers, cupboards, baths, sinks and pipes. Old floor tiles and black glue may sit under modern flooring. Cement flues and water tanks may also remain.

Removing a kitchen or bathroom can uncover hidden layers. Check the full work area before trades remove units, cut walls or lift floors.

Roofs, soffits, garages and outbuildings

Asbestos cement is common on garages, sheds, carports and lean-tos. Flat sheets may line walls. Soffits, gutters and downpipes may also contain it. Sound cement is lower risk than soft insulation. Cutting or breaking it can still release fibres.

Photos and sizes can help price simple roof work. Full garage removal must also cover the walls, frame, wiring, contents and other waste.

Tell the surveyor which rooms to check

List every room or building affected by the work. Include routes for new pipes, cables and fans. Say which finishes, ceilings or walls will be opened.

The report should name the material, place, amount and condition. It should also say what to do next. You can then get a removal quote or manage sound material in place.