The Top 5 Most Common Asbestos Materials Found in Mansfield Homes

If you live in Mansfield and your home was built before the year 2000, there’s a real chance it may contain asbestos — often in places you’d never expect. It’s estimated that millions of homes across the UK still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), many of which haven’t yet been identified.

In this blog, we break down the five most common asbestos materials still found in domestic properties today, how to spot them, and what to do if you suspect your home may be affected.

👉 For a full checklist, visit our Asbestos Guidance for Homeowners

1. Textured Ceiling Coatings (Artex)

Used in: Living rooms, hallways, bedrooms, ceilings of kitchens and bathrooms

Used between: 1960s–1990s

This is one of the most common types of ACM we come across during Domestic Asbestos Surveys in Mansfield homes. Often found in “swirly” or stippled ceiling textures, asbestos was added to give strength to decorative coatings.

⚠️ DIY Risk: Sanding, scraping, or drilling into these ceilings can release asbestos fibres into the air.

💡 Tip: Many homeowners paint over Artex without realising it may contain asbestos beneath.

2. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Bitumen Adhesive

Used in: Hallways, kitchens, downstairs WC, utility rooms

Used between: 1950s–1980s

Nine-inch square vinyl floor tiles are extremely common in homes from this era. They often appear shiny, patterned, and brittle. The black bitumen adhesive used to stick them down also frequently contains asbestos.

⚠️ DIY Risk: Removing or breaking these tiles, or sanding the adhesive, can disturb asbestos.

👉 If you're planning floor replacement, Asbestos Testing can confirm what’s safe to remove.

3. Asbestos Cement Garage Roofs and Outbuildings

Used in: Sheds, detached garages, utility lean-tos

Used between: 1950s–1990s

Corrugated asbestos cement sheets were a go-to for cost-effective garage and shed roofing. They often weather over time, becoming brittle, moss-covered or cracked — increasing the risk of fibre release.

⚠️ DIY Risk: Drilling into, removing, or pressure washing these sheets can release fibres.

4. Asbestos Insulating Board (AIB)

Used in: Boiler cupboards, loft hatches, internal partition walls, fireproofing

Used between: 1950s–1980s

AIB was used for its fire resistance and insulation. It looks similar to plasterboard but is far more dangerous when disturbed. It may be found inside old airing cupboards, above ceiling tiles, or behind fuse boards.

⚠️ DIY Risk: AIB is easily disturbed and much more friable than cement-based products — avoid touching or drilling it.

5. Asbestos Roof Tiles and Slates

Used in: Main house roofs, porch canopies, bay windows, lean-tos

Used between: 1940s–1980s

While most people think of flat cement sheets or corrugated garage roofs, pitched roof tiles and artificial slates also frequently contained asbestos. These tiles often look like standard concrete tiles or grey slates but were manufactured with asbestos fibres for strength and fire resistance.

⚠️ DIY Risk: Disturbing, removing, or replacing these tiles can release fibres, especially if cracked or weathered.

💡 You’ll often find these on homes with rear extensions or side builds from the 60s–80s in areas like Forest Town, Ravensdale and Ladybrook.

SUMMARY 

These five materials are still commonly found across Mansfield in homes built before 2000

Asbestos is usually harmless if left undisturbed, but dangerous when damaged or removed unsafely

Never guess — always test suspected materials

Most homeowners only find out during renovation or electrical/plumbing work

Professional testing and surveys are quick, affordable and potentially life-saving

THINK YOU'VE FOUND ASBESTOS? 

Book a Sample Test – for 1–2 suspect materials

 Book a Domestic Survey – for full home checks

 Get Advice from Our Team – if you’re unsure, we’ll help