Top 5 Surprisingly Common Places We Find Asbestos (And What Happens Next)

Lewis Evans
Oct 13
2 min read

Think asbestos is only lurking in ancient attics or crumbling factories? Not quite! After years on the job, we’ve found asbestos hiding in places most people never expect—yet they’re actually pretty common. Here are the top five spots we encounter asbestos most often, and what we do to keep you safe.

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Surveyor lifting old floor tiles to check for asbestos beneath in a UK property. — Hidden dangers: Asbestos often lurks beneath old floor tiles.

5. Under Those Old Floor Tiles

Retro tiles can hide more than outdated patterns. Asbestos is often found underneath, especially in homes and shops from the 1960s–80s. We sample, test, and give clear, practical advice—no fuss.

Older garden shed with asbestos undercloaking, a common hidden hazard. — Don’t overlook the shed—it's a classic spot for asbestos.

4. The Garden Shed Roof Sheets

That trusty shed in the garden? Its roof is a classic spot for asbestos, especially in older outbuildings. We identify it, explain the risks, and help you plan next steps.

Asbestos pipe insulation found in a UK property’s boiler room, with no warning signs or labels on the pipes. — Old pipe insulation can be a common source of asbestos—always check.

3. Boiler Rooms & Pipe Insulation

Hidden behind panels or around old pipes, asbestos insulation is a frequent find in schools, businesses, and homes. Our thorough surveys ensure nothing is missed—even the spots you never see.

Surveyor inspecting loft space for asbestos cement sheets in a typical UK home. — Lofts and attics frequently hide asbestos cement sheets and boards.

2. Loft Spaces

Lofts aren’t just for storage. Asbestos cement sheets and insulation boards are common in lofts of properties built before 2000. We check carefully and make sure you know exactly what’s up there.

Textured ceiling in a UK property, a common place for asbestos-containing materials. — Textured ceilings and walls may contain asbestos—professional testing is key.

1. Textured Ceilings & Walls

Artex and other textured coatings were all the rage—but many contain asbestos. We see these in shops, homes, and offices all the time. Our reports help you make informed decisions about renovations or repairs.

The takeaway?

Asbestos is more common than you think, but with the right survey, you’ll know exactly what you’re dealing with. No surprises—just clear answers and straightforward recommendations.

Wondering what’s hiding in your property?

Book your survey today and get peace of mind:

info@breatheenvironmental.co.uk

07859895311