Know What’s Hiding in Your Home Before It Puts Your Health at Risk
In case you are residing in an older house, then there is a high possibility that you have asbestos materials in your walls, floor or even in your ceilings. Not very many individuals are aware of the reality that asbestos was applied to hundreds of products until it was banned in 2003 in Australia. But even today, homes built before the ban can still carry dangerous household asbestos sources.
At Asbestos Victoria, we constantly remind people, it might not be visible to you, but that does not mean there is no asbestos. It is quiet, obscure, and poisonous when it is messed with. This is why we have prepared this handy guide that will enable you to identify common asbestos building materials inside your house. We talk in a language that everyone can understand-because making sure your home is safe should never be confusing.
1. Old Vinyl Floor Tiles and Their Glue
Old floor tiles are one of the most common everyday asbestos items in Australia. Particularly these black, grey or marbled ones that you will find in older kitchens, laundries or bathrooms. The glue under them—called “black mastic”—often has asbestos too. If you try to pull up those tiles without knowing, it can release asbestos fibres into the air. We always say: don’t rip them out—get them tested first.
2. Cement Sheeting (Fibro) Walls and Ceilings
In the event that you live in a house that was constructed before the year 1990, the walls inside or outside your house may be fibro. This cement sheeting was inexpensive, sturdy and laden with asbestos. Builders used it in bathrooms, eaves, garages, and sheds. It’s one of the most common asbestos building materials in Aussie homes.
Even drilling or sanding these sheets can release dangerous fibres. So always get a professional to check before doing any renovation work.
3. Roof Sheets and Gutters
Old corrugated cement roofs often contain asbestos. They were utilised at residential places, carports, and even farm sheds. They also may become brittle with time and easily break underfoot or in storms. Asbestos cement was also used in the guttering system, particularly at the roof edges.
If your roof looks like old cement and it hasn’t been replaced, it’s best to assume asbestos is there and call a licensed team like ours to inspect it safely.
4. Pipe Insulation
Older homes often had asbestos around hot water pipes and heaters. It was wrapped like cloth or foam to keep heat in, but it breaks down easily and becomes a serious hazard when touched.
This is one of the hidden household asbestos sources—you might not notice it until it’s already damaged.
5. Backing on Electrical Boards (Switchboards)
The thick grey or black panels inside old fuse boxes often contain asbestos. If your house hasn’t had a switchboard upgrade in years, this could be one of the sneakiest materials with asbestos in homes. Even licensed electricians sometimes miss it—so we always work with them to inspect safely before any upgrades.
6. Ceiling Insulation (Especially Loose-Fill)
Loose-filled asbestos was used to insulate some ceiling spaces, particularly in Canberra and other areas of the surrounding regions. This is dangerous because it spreads easily if disturbed.
If your home was built before the ’90s and you don’t know what kind of insulation you have, it’s time to check.
7. Old Water Tanks and Flue Pipes
Back in the day, even water tanks and heating flue pipes were made using asbestos cement. They’re heavy and hard to spot because they look just like any other cement pipe.
But if cracked or removed, they can release fibres into the air around your home.
8. Textured Paint and Spray-On Ceilings
Do you have popcorn ceilings or heavy-textured paint jobs of the ’70s or ’80s? They can be ornamental, and most of the time, they are made up of asbestos. They can easily be disturbed when you are repainting, repairing them or even when you bump into them while using furniture.
9. Window Putty and Caulking
Old windows often had putty (the sealing stuff) made with asbestos. Builders used it because it was fire-resistant. But after years, the putty becomes dry and flaky—making it easy for asbestos dust to release into the air.
10. Bathroom Sheeting, Backing Boards, and Wall Linings
Bathrooms are one of the highest-risk areas. Old backing boards for tiles and even the walls inside showers used asbestos cement sheeting. Many homes still have these under tiles or behind walls. Before you rip anything out, please check for asbestos.
Why This Matters
A majority of individuals never consider asbestos until a major reconstruction, yet the reality is- small jobs such as making a hole or pulling a shattered tile could cause fatal fibres to be discharged. Causing severe complications such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, these fibres are quite dangerous once inhaled.
And the worst part? You can’t smell or see asbestos fibres. That’s why understanding everyday asbestos items in Australia is key to keeping your family safe.
So, What Should You Do?
Here’s what we recommend at Asbestos Victoria:
Never guess – if your home was built before 1990, always assume there might be asbestos.
Don’t touch or disturb it – leave it alone until tested by professionals.
Call our licensed team – we can test, remove, and dispose of asbestos the safe and legal way.
Safeguard your own health – never postpone an inspection when you are not sure of anything. Better safe than sorry.
Final Thoughts – Let’s Keep Your Home Safe
As you can see, asbestos was used in so many areas of Aussie homes. It was on walls and ceilings, floors and roofs–it was everywhere. We know how stressful that can be for homeowners and families, especially when you have some sort of renovation in mind.
We at Asbestos Victoria are here to assist you in making your home safe. Simple language, straightforward advice, no-nonsense, and we go by the safety rules. You might require testing, removal or even some professional advice, and our friendly team is only one phone call away.
Don’t risk it—know your home. Call Asbestos Victoria today. Let’s keep your family safe, one inspection at a time.