Any home built before 1993 is likely to contain asbestos in some form or another, so asbestos removal might be necessary at some stage throughout the life of a home.
A common misconception is that asbestos is only found in fibro sheeting, but it is also frequently found in vinyl floor tiles and zelemite, a black tar board. Even fibro sheeting stamped with “no asbestos” can’t be taken at face value as it has been known to still contain asbestos fibres.
The biggest offenders are homes built between the 1940s and 1980s, where asbestos was utilised for its cost-efficient, fire-resistant and insulating properties, as well as its durability.
Any homeowners undertaking renovations could stumble upon the stuff, sometimes in the most unlikely spots – even double-brick houses, where old concrete paths were sometimes formed using asbestos sheeting!
It’s difficult to tell whether a building material contains asbestos. The only way to know for sure is to have it inspected and tested by a professional. Before embarking on any major building works, it’s good to have a rough idea of where asbestos may be located. Your health – and your wallet – will thank you for it.
Possible asbestos locations
Exterior
Interior