Very high riskSprayed asbestos coating
1940s – mid 1970s
- Fluffy, off-white or grey surface with a rough, popcorn-like texture
- Applied directly to structural steel, concrete soffits or as acoustic ceilings
Free tool · Visual identification
Asbestos material identification guide.
Compare the six most common asbestos-containing materials in UK buildings. Filter by location or risk, read the visual cues our surveyors look for, and get the exact next step for each material — no sign-up required.
Visual identification is only an indication. Only UKAS-accredited laboratory analysis of a physical sample can confirm asbestos.
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Filter materials
Very high risk
Very high riskAsbestos thermal pipe lagging
1930s – 1980s
- White or grey preformed sections around heating, hot-water or steam pipes
- Usually wrapped in hessian, canvas or painted with a hard finish
High riskAsbestos Insulating Board (AIB)
1950s – mid 1980s
- Off-white or pale grey flat board, usually 6 – 12 mm thick
- Softer than plasterboard — snaps rather than crumbles, exposing white fibres
Medium riskTextured decorative coating (Artex)
1960s – 1999
- Stipple, swirl, fan, comb or bark patterns on ceilings and walls
- Hard, painted finish — not soft or fibrous to touch
Lower risk (bonded)Asbestos cement products
1920s – 1999
- Grey corrugated sheets, flat panels, gutters, downpipes, flues and water tanks
- Hard, brittle and often weathered with lichen or moss growth
Lower risk (bonded)Thermoplastic floor tiles & bitumen
1950s – mid 1980s
- Small (typically 9" / 225 mm) rigid tiles in marbled or mottled patterns
- Black bitumen adhesive residue underneath — often the ACM even where tile isn't
Think you've found one of these? Send us a photo.
Our senior consultants will review it free of charge and tell you honestly whether sampling or a full survey is warranted.