Asbestos was widely used in Australian homes for much of the 20th century due to its remarkable durability, fire resistance, and insulating properties. Although the dangers of asbestos exposure have been well-documented, many older properties in Melbourne—especially those built before 1990—still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). During renovation projects, particularly in homes that are being stripped back, there is a high risk of disturbing these materials and releasing harmful asbestos fibres into the air.
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, become airborne and can be easily inhaled, leading to severe long-term health risks, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma. Understanding where asbestos is most likely to be found in your Melbourne home is crucial for avoiding exposure during renovations. In this article, we’ll identify the most common areas where asbestos is found in older Melbourne homes and provide guidance on how to handle these materials safely.
1. Textured Ceiling Coatings (Popcorn Ceilings)
One of the most common places to find asbestos in older Melbourne homes is in textured ceiling coatings, also known as popcorn ceilings. These ceilings were popular in homes built from the 1950s to the 1980s, particularly for their aesthetic appeal and ability to hide imperfections in the ceiling surface. However, many textured ceiling coatings from this era contained asbestos, which was used to enhance the material’s fire-resistant properties.
If your home has a textured ceiling and was built before 1990, it is likely that asbestos is present. Disturbing these ceilings—whether through sanding, scraping, or demolition—can release asbestos fibres into the air, posing a serious health risk. Asbestos removal in these cases should only be handled by licensed professionals who are trained to safely remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials.
2. Wall Cladding and Fibro Sheeting
Another common place to find asbestos in Melbourne homes is in wall cladding and fibro sheeting. Asbestos was often used in fibre cement products, such as fibro (fibrous cement), which was commonly applied to the exterior of homes, particularly for weatherproofing purposes. This material is durable, affordable, and fire-resistant, which made it a popular choice for cladding during the mid-20th century.
Additionally, fibro sheeting was frequently used inside homes as internal wall linings and ceiling panels. Homes built from the 1940s to the 1980s are most likely to have fibro materials present. If you are planning any work on external or internal walls—whether it’s a renovation, demolition, or strip-out—testing for asbestos is critical before proceeding.
3. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Linoleum
Asbestos was also commonly used in vinyl floor tiles and linoleum products, which were widely used in homes from the 1950s through the 1980s. Asbestos was added to these materials to increase their durability and resistance to fire. Older homes in Melbourne, particularly those with original flooring, may still contain asbestos in the tiles or their backing.
Removing or disturbing these materials during a renovation project—such as when ripping up flooring or installing new tiles—can release asbestos fibres into the air. If you suspect your floor tiles may contain asbestos, it is crucial to have them tested by a licensed professional before beginning any work. These materials should not be disturbed without proper precautions, as inhaling asbestos fibres can cause serious health issues.
4. Pipe and Duct Insulation
Insulation materials containing asbestos were commonly used to wrap pipes, ducts, and other heating systems in homes built before 1990. Asbestos insulation was particularly prevalent in older homes in Melbourne for its excellent insulating properties, especially in areas with high temperatures such as near boilers and heating pipes. The material is often found around hot water pipes, central heating ducts, and in attics.
Asbestos-containing insulation can be dangerous if disturbed, especially during renovations or when working on heating and cooling systems. Cutting, drilling, or removing insulation materials may cause asbestos fibres to become airborne. If your home contains asbestos insulation, it should only be removed or disturbed by qualified asbestos removalists.
5. Roofing Materials (Asbestos-Cement Sheets)
Asbestos was also used in roofing materials, particularly in the form of asbestos-cement sheets. These materials were commonly used in homes for their strength, fire resistance, and affordability. Many older homes in Melbourne have asbestos-cement roofing sheets, especially those built from the 1940s to the 1980s.
Although the roofing materials may appear intact, any disturbance—such as when performing repairs or renovations—can release asbestos fibres into the air. Removing or repairing the roofing should only be undertaken by professionals trained in asbestos removal, as improper handling could result in serious exposure risks.
6. Garage and Shed Asbestos
Many older garages and sheds built before 1990 contain asbestos materials, including asbestos-cement sheets used for roofing, wall cladding, and as backing for flooring tiles. These outbuildings were often constructed using the same materials as the main home, meaning the asbestos risk in these areas can be just as high.
Renovation work in these areas, such as replacing roofing or repairing walls, should be approached with caution. If you are renovating an old shed or garage, it is crucial to have the materials assessed for asbestos before proceeding.
7. Window and Door Seals
In older homes, window and door seals were sometimes made using asbestos-containing materials. These seals were used to provide insulation and prevent drafts, but they also posed an asbestos risk, particularly when disturbed during window or door replacements.
If you are renovating windows or doors in a home built before 1990, it is important to inspect the seals and test for asbestos, especially in homes with original windows or doors. Asbestos fibres can be released during the removal process, which may put workers at risk.
What to Do if You Find Asbestos in Your Melbourne Home
If you suspect that any of these materials in your Melbourne home contain asbestos, it is crucial to take the necessary precautions:
- Do not disturb the materials. Avoid sanding, drilling, or removing anything that may contain asbestos without professional guidance.
- Get professional testing: Have a licensed asbestos assessor test the materials in question. Only laboratory testing can confirm the presence of asbestos.
- Hire a licensed asbestos removalist: If asbestos is found, it is essential to hire a licensed asbestos removalist to safely remove and dispose of the materials. They are trained to follow strict safety protocols to minimise exposure.
- Ensure proper disposal: Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste facility, in compliance with Australian regulations.
Asbestos Remains a Serious Concern for Homeowners in Melbourne
Asbestos remains a serious concern for homeowners in Melbourne, particularly those renovating older homes built before the 1990s. The most common places where asbestos is found in Melbourne homes include textured ceiling coatings, wall cladding, flooring materials, pipe insulation, roofing materials, and even window seals. Disturbing these materials during renovations can release dangerous asbestos fibres, posing a significant health risk.
To protect yourself, your family, and your workers, always have any suspected asbestos-containing materials tested and removed by licensed professionals. Asbestos removal should never be attempted as a DIY project. By taking the necessary precautions and following legal and safety guidelines, you can safely proceed with your renovation and avoid exposing anyone to the dangers of asbestos.
For further guidance on how to safely manage asbestos during renovations, read our Step-by-Step Guide to Asbestos Removal During a Melbourne Strip Out.
