WHERE ASBESTOS MIGHT BE HIDING IN YOUR MANSFIELD HOME.

Identifying these hidden risks before starting any DIY, renovation, or maintenance work is vital to protect yourself and your family from asbestos exposure.

Common Hidden Places Asbestos Can Be Found

1. Ceilings and Textured Coatings (Artex)

Artex was popular in the 1970s–1990s for textured ceilings and walls. Many formulations included asbestos, which was added for fire resistance and durability. If your ceiling looks like it has a rough, patterned surface, it could contain asbestos — especially if it hasn’t been removed or encapsulated professionally.

2. Floor Tiles and Adhesive

Vinyl floor tiles, often 9-inch squares, were commonly used between the 1950s and 1980s. Both the tiles and the black bitumen adhesive underneath may contain asbestos. Tiles may look shiny, brittle, or patterned.

3. Asbestos Cement Products (Roofing and Soffits)

Asbestos cement sheets were popular for garages, sheds, roofing, and soffits. The material looks like grey, fibrous sheets and is quite brittle with age. Though low risk when intact, damage or drilling can release dangerous fibres.

4. Pipe Lagging and Boiler Insulation

Older homes may have asbestos insulation around heating pipes, boilers, and hot water tanks. This lagging looks fibrous and dusty. Disturbing it during plumbing or heating work can be very hazardous.

5. Partition and Ceiling Boards (AIB)

Asbestos insulating board (AIB) was used in walls, ceilings, and fireproof cupboards. It looks similar to plasterboard but is denser and more brittle. AIB can release fibres if broken, cut, or drilled.

6. Textured Coatings & Decorative Plasters

Some decorative plasters and textured wall coatings in Mansfield homes may contain asbestos fibres, especially if applied before the 1990s.

Why Hidden Asbestos is a Concern

Most asbestos-containing materials in good condition pose little immediate risk if left undisturbed. The danger comes when these materials are damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic asbestos fibres into the air. Once inhaled, these fibres can cause serious lung diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

Even simple DIY tasks like sanding, drilling, or removing ceiling textures can release asbestos fibres unknowingly — which is why knowing where asbestos might be hiding is crucial.

What Should Mansfield Homeowners Do?

Don’t assume your home is asbestos-free. If built or altered before 2000, there’s a reasonable chance ACMs are present.

Avoid disturbing suspicious materials. If you find or suspect asbestos, don’t scrape, sand, or drill it yourself.

Get a professional asbestos survey or testing. Our Mansfield team offers domestic asbestos surveys and sample testing to identify and assess risks.

Plan any renovations safely. If asbestos is found, professionals can help you manage or remove it safely without health risks.

Real Examples from Mansfield Homes

We’ve found asbestos in many unexpected places during surveys in Mansfield:

Old water tanks with asbestos-reinforced cement boards in lofts

Asbestos floor tiles hidden under modern vinyl

Artex ceilings with damaged textured coatings

Asbestos cement garage roofs in Forest Town and Mansfield Woodhouse

Final Thoughts

Asbestos is a hidden hazard in many Mansfield homes — but with the right knowledge and professional support, you can keep your family safe while improving your property.

If you’re planning any work or have found suspect materials, contact Asbestos Check Mansfield for fast, friendly advice and qualified surveys.

👉 Book your domestic asbestos survey today and protect your home.