Common Places Asbestos Is Found in Homes

Walsh Demolition • November 4, 2025

If your place was built before the late 1980s, there’s a fair chance it still has some asbestos hiding somewhere. Back then, it was the go-to material — tough, cheap, and built to last. The problem is, it lasts a little too well. As houses age and renovations start, those old sheets and coatings can break down or get disturbed, releasing fibres you don’t want anywhere near your lungs. Inspection and safe removal by professional, licensed contractors is vital for your family's and your community's safety.


Across New South Wales, asbestos work is tightly controlled by SafeWork NSW and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Licensed contractors follow strict rules for testing, handling and disposal so asbestos is taken out safely and doesn’t end up back in the air or soil. Asbestos removal in Coffs Harbour is an important part of keeping older homes safe during upgrades and renovations.


Here’s where asbestos most often turns up in Australian homes — and why it’s worth getting a professional to check before the tools come out.

1. Roofing & Eaves

Older homes often still have corrugated roof sheets, eaves, or gable linings made with bonded asbestos cement. While these materials were designed to last, decades of weathering can cause cracks or wear that release microscopic fibres into the air. Pressure cleaning, drilling, or replacing roof sections can all disturb asbestos and contaminate surrounding soil or gutters. Before any roof work begins, a local licensed assessor should inspect and confirm whether asbestos is present so that asbestos removal can be carried out safely and in line with state regulations.


Common risk points:


  • Corrugated asbestos roof sheets and eave panels.
  • Gutters, downpipes or flashing attached to asbestos cement.
  • Loose-fill insulation or debris in roof cavities.

2. Wall Sheeting & Cladding

Many Australian fibro homes built before 1990 still have internal and external walls lined with asbestos cement sheets. These boards were once favoured for their durability, insulation, and fire resistance, but they now represent one of the most common sources of airborne fibres during renovation. Even minor work like drilling holes for shelves or sanding wall joints can create a serious hazard. Engaging specialists for asbestos removal in Coffs Harbour ensures your property is tested, sealed, and remediated according to SafeWork NSW guidelines.


Watch for:


  • Fibro cladding on exterior or internal walls.
  • Backing boards behind tiles or electrical fittings.
  • Paint flaking or cracking on older fibro surfaces.

3. Bathrooms, Laundries & Kitchens

Asbestos was heavily used in wet areas because it resisted heat and moisture. In bathrooms, laundries, and kitchens around the east coast of Australia, it’s often found behind tiles, around tubs, or under old flooring. Over time, humidity and water damage can loosen the cement binding, increasing the risk of fibre release. Even though homeowners can legally remove small amounts of bonded asbestos, SafeWork NSW and the EPA strongly recommend using a licensed contractor. This ensures every step — from containment to asbestos removal and final disposal — meets compliance standards.


Possible locations:


  • Wall linings or splashbacks near baths and sinks.
  • Flooring or vinyl backing beneath tiles.
  • Pipe lagging or insulation around hot-water systems.

4. Ceilings & Insulation

Few home-renovation surprises are worse than discovering your ceiling’s “retro texture” could be hiding asbestos. Those old popcorn or Artex-style finishes that flake and drop dust aren’t just ugly—they can be unsafe. Many homes still contain asbestos within ceiling panels, coatings, or insulation around outdated heaters and vents. Some loose-fill insulation from the 1960s and 70s is friable, meaning it crumbles easily and releases fibres into the air. Even small ceiling repairs or new light fittings can disturb these materials and spread contamination through roof cavities. Before doing anything overhead, arrange testing with a licensed professional and plan safe removal if asbestos is confirmed.


Often found in:


  • Textured or “popcorn” ceiling coatings.
  • Backing boards for heaters, lights, or exhaust fans.
  • Loose-fill insulation or debris in ceiling spaces.

5. Flooring & Backing Materials

It’s easy to overlook the floor when thinking about asbestos, but many older homes hide it underfoot. Vinyl and lino flooring from the 1970s and 80s often contained asbestos in the backing or adhesive, while some carpet underlays were made from recycled hessian sacks that carried traces too. Ripping up old floors during a reno can spread fibres fast, especially if adhesives or tiles are scraped away dry. Before you start pulling anything up, it’s worth booking a quick inspection to confirm what you’re dealing with. Professional testing and asbestos removal make sure your new flooring plans don’t come with hidden risks.


Common examples:


  • Vinyl or lino with fibrous backing.
  • Bitumen-based glues or mastics.
  • Carpet underlays from pre-1990 homes.

6. Fences, Garages & Sheds

Plenty of Aussie backyards still have a few forgotten relics built from asbestos sheeting — fences that have seen better days, or an old garage that’s been through every storm since the 80s. Over time, those once-sturdy panels become brittle, and even a light knock can send fibres into the air or surrounding soil. In Australia, repairs, storm damage or replacing sections without testing first can easily turn a quick job into a bigger problem. Before starting any outdoor demolition or fencing project, check what you’re dealing with and arrange licensed, local asbestos removal in Coffs Harbour if needed to keep your property and neighbours safe.


Likely areas include:


  • Fibro fence panels and boundary posts.
  • Garage or shed roof and wall sheeting.
  • Asbestos fragments or dust in surrounding soil.

7. Electrical Meter Boards & Switches

If you’ve ever had an electrician point out an old fuse box and say, “Yeah, that’s asbestos,” you’re not alone. Many switchboards installed before the mid-1980s used asbestos-based materials like Zelemite to mount components. They were heat-resistant and tough — great at the time, but not so great now. Once those panels crack or crumble, fibres can escape every time someone opens the board. Any upgrades or rewiring should be left to qualified professionals familiar with asbestos safety. They’ll handle testing, isolation, and safe asbestos removal, so you’re not left breathing in the past.


Look out for:


  • Black or brown heat-resistant backing boards.
  • Switchboards or fuse boxes installed before the 1980s.
  • Cracked or damaged mounting panels.

8. Behind Paint, Plaster & Old Repairs

That “just a quick sand and repaint” job can take a turn if the wall you’re working on was built before the 1990s. Asbestos was once mixed into textured paints, patching compounds and joint fillers to strengthen finishes — meaning it could still be sitting quietly beneath newer layers. The danger comes when those surfaces are scraped, sanded or stripped, sending invisible fibres into the air. Before picking up the sander or scraper, get older surfaces tested. It’s a small step that can save you a huge headache and a costly cleanup if asbestos is found and needs professional removal.


Potential sources:


  • Textured ceiling or wall paints from the 1960s–1980s.
  • Joint sealants and plaster repair compounds.
  • Decorative wall coatings beneath modern paint or wallpaper.


Here at Walsh Demolition, we follow strict SafeWork NSW and EPA standards for safe, compliant removal. Our licensed team handles everything from inspection and containment to transport and disposal, giving Coffs Coast homeowners peace of mind. If you suspect asbestos in your property, don’t take chances —contact us today to arrange professional asbestos removal in Coffs Harbour. Visit www.walshdemolition.com.au to learn more.