Think You Might Have Asbestos? Here’s How to Know for Sure
Asbestos isn’t always obvious. It doesn’t come with flashing lights or warning signs. And the scary part? It can sit there for decades without you knowing, quietly posing a health risk.
Whether you’re renovating, buying an older property, or just feeling uneasy about some ageing materials, it helps to know what to look out for. Here’s a breakdown of signs that point to one thing: you need professional asbestos removal.
1. Your Property Was Built Before the 2000s
If your building went up before the year 2000, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos. Especially if it dates back to the 1950s through the 1980s, when asbestos was commonly used in:
- Insulation
- Ceiling tiles
- Flooring
- Cement sheets
- Pipe lagging
Even if the materials look solid and undamaged, asbestos fibres could still be present. Once they’re disturbed, through wear, damage, or renovation, they can become airborne and dangerous. If there’s any doubt, it’s best to speak to a specialist, as professional asbestos removal is the safest way to deal with it.
2. There Are Crumbling or Damaged Materials
Asbestos becomes a real threat when it’s disturbed. If you’ve spotted cracked panels, flaking pipe insulation, sagging ceiling tiles, or broken vinyl floor tiles in an older property, don’t ignore it.
Disturbing these materials releases microscopic fibres into the air. You won’t see them, but breathing them in can lead to serious health issues over time, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Leave damaged materials alone and get a licensed team in to assess them properly.
3. You’re Planning Renovation Work
Before you start tearing out walls or replacing ceilings, stop and check—was any part of your home or building constructed before 2000? If yes, there’s a real risk that asbestos could be lurking behind the surfaces.
Renovation is one of the most common ways asbestos is disturbed. Cutting, drilling, or breaking materials without knowing what’s in them can send fibres flying. And once they’re in the air, anyone nearby is exposed.
Professionals can carry out a survey before work begins and remove any asbestos safely and legally.
4. There’s Old Insulation Around Pipes or Boilers
Asbestos was often used to insulate pipes, ducts, and boilers, particularly in basements or utility rooms. This insulation tends to age poorly. If you see white or grey fibrous wrapping around your pipework, or powdery, blanket-like material in these areas, it could be asbestos-based.
Even if it looks stable, it’s best not to touch it. Any friction, vibration, or moisture can cause it to deteriorate and release fibres. Only certified specialists can test and remove it safely.
5. You’ve Spotted Asbestos Cement Outside
It wasn’t just indoor materials that contained asbestos; external structures weren’t spared either. Look out for:
- Old corrugated roofing sheets
- Outbuilding panels
- Guttering and downpipes
- Soffits or fascia boards
Asbestos cement is more durable than some other forms, but once it starts to degrade or crack, the fibres can still escape. And if you’re planning any repairs or demolition involving these materials, you’ll need proper removal.
6. The Area Has Been Flagged in a Survey
If you’ve had a homebuyer’s report or building survey and it flagged possible asbestos, don’t delay acting on it. It doesn’t take a major renovation to stir up the problem. Even minor activities like sanding, drilling, or moving panels can trigger exposure.
Surveys usually give an indication, but not a full confirmation. To be safe, get professionals in to do a proper asbestos-specific assessment. They’ll be able to identify the type, condition, and risk level of the material.
7. You’re Worried About Health Risks
Maybe you’ve noticed strange dust when cleaning, or someone in your household has developed persistent respiratory issues. While there’s a wide range of causes for this, old asbestos could be one of them, especially if it’s deteriorating inside the property.
You can’t test the air yourself, and standard cleaning won’t remove fibres. Don’t take chances when it comes to health. A specialist can run proper testing to determine if asbestos is present in the air or dust in your home.
8. You’re Responsible for a Workplace or Rental Property
If you’re a landlord, property manager, or business owner, there’s a legal duty to manage asbestos risks in your building. That means:
- Keeping up-to-date records
- Informing occupants or contractors of any known asbestos
- Making safe plans for maintenance or renovation work
If you’re unsure whether asbestos is present or if your documentation is outdated, it’s time to bring in professionals. They’ll help get everything surveyed, up to code, and handled without putting anyone at risk.
Don’t Guess—Get It Checked
Asbestos is not something you want to guess about. It’s not always visible. It doesn’t have a smell. And its effects can take decades to show up, but once they do, the damage is done.
If any of the signs above ring true for your home or property, don’t wait. Even if you’re not planning any immediate work, it’s worth knowing exactly what you’re dealing with. A professional removal team can test materials, assess the risks, and remove asbestos safely if needed, keeping you and everyone else out of harm’s way.
