Is There Asbestos in Your Frankston Home? Here’s How to Find Out
Why should Frankston homeowners be concerned about asbestos?
Asbestos was widely used in Australian homes until the early 1990s due to its affordability, insulation properties, and fire resistance. If your property in Frankston or surrounding suburbs like Seaford, Langwarrin or Carrum Downs was built before 1990, there’s a significant chance it contains asbestos. Common locations include walls, ceilings, eaves, fences, roofs, and under floor coverings.
The concern arises when these materials age or are disturbed during renovations or repairs. Asbestos becomes dangerous when fibres are released into the air, posing a severe risk to health.
What makes asbestos so dangerous for your health?
Asbestos exposure is a proven cause of life-threatening diseases. Its fine, airborne fibres can be inhaled and lodge in lung tissue, often remaining undetected for decades. Health risks include:
- Asbestosis – Chronic lung scarring that causes shortness of breath
- Lung cancer – Often related to long-term exposure, especially in smokers
- Mesothelioma – A rare, aggressive cancer only caused by asbestos
These conditions have no early symptoms and can develop 20–40 years after exposure.
Where could asbestos be hiding in Frankston homes?
Asbestos can be difficult to identify without testing. Some common hiding spots include:
- Backing boards behind bathroom and kitchen tiles
- Under vinyl flooring and lino adhesives
- Roofing sheets, gutters, and downpipes
- Eaves and ceiling linings
- Fencing and shed walls
- Garages and older barns, especially in semi-rural properties
Even properties that look modern may have hidden asbestos if only partially renovated.
How do you know if it’s really asbestos?
Visual identification isn’t reliable. The only way to confirm asbestos is through laboratory testing performed by a licensed professional.
At Phase One Asbestos, we collect small samples using safe, regulated methods and send them for lab analysis. This prevents exposure during sampling and gives you accurate, legal documentation.
What are the safest ways to remove asbestos?
Professional asbestos removal is essential. In Victoria, it’s illegal to remove more than 10m² of bonded asbestos without a licence. Safe removal involves:
- Setting up a controlled zone
- Wet removal techniques to minimise fibre release
- Full PPE for all workers
- Sealing, labelling, and transporting waste to licensed facilities
At Phase One Asbestos, we follow all EPA Victoria and Safe Work Australia protocols. DIY removal is never safe and often illegal.
How can you avoid asbestos exposure during a renovation?
If you’re planning renovations in your Frankston home—even minor work like removing old lino or repainting eaves—get a professional asbestos inspection first. This avoids:
- Dangerous airborne contamination
- Costly project delays
- Legal consequences under Victorian law
A pre-renovation inspection is quick, affordable, and could prevent long-term health risks.
Who is most at risk from asbestos exposure?
- Children, due to longer life expectancy and developing lungs
- DIY renovators, unaware of hidden materials
- Tradies, especially during uninspected strip outs
- Farmers, working in older barns or sheds
If you live or work in an older property, never assume you’re safe—always test first.
What’s the difference between asbestos testing and a full inspection?
A single sample test confirms if a material contains asbestos. A full inspection, on the other hand, includes a comprehensive survey, multiple samples, and a risk management report. It’s ideal for:
- Renovators
- Buyers
- Landlords
- Property managers
As covered in our article, Asbestos Testing vs Full Inspection: What’s the Cost Difference in Perth?, full inspections offer far greater peace of mind.
What’s next in this series?
In the next article, Why Frankston Locals Trust Phase One Asbestos for Safe, Compliant Removal, we’ll look at how proper asbestos removal protects your health, your property, and your peace of mind—with real examples from your community.
Ready to find out if your home contains asbestos?
If your Frankston home or building was constructed before 1990, don’t take chances. Book a certified asbestos inspection today with Phase One Asbestos.
📱 Message us via our Facebook Page to schedule your inspection or ask a question.