Asbestos in Commercial Buildings | Removal & Testing Guide

Where to find Asbestos in Commercial Buildings

Commercial and public-use buildings built or renovated before 2000 may contain asbestos, particularly in areas exposed to heat, moisture, or heavy use. Identifying these materials early is essential for managing health risks and meeting legal obligations under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.

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Access pits

Moulded telecommunications or electrical pits

These utility access pits, used for cables or power, may still be in use and contain asbestos-reinforced cement.

Barge moulding

Fibre cement trims located along the gable end or roofline, typically used for aesthetic finishing and weather sealing.

Cement downpipes

Used in commercial drainage systems, these pipes are durable but may become brittle and hazardous over time.

Cement vent pipe and capping

Installed on roofs or external walls to allow airflow, these components were often made using bonded asbestos materials.

Fluted ridge capping

Used to seal the top ridge of corrugated asbestos roofs, often in sawtooth or saddle-style profiles.

Gutters

Cement-based gutter systems were widely used before plastic and metal alternatives became standard.

Roof Sheeting

'Super Six' or "Super Eight"

Heavily corrugated fibre cement roofing sheets, commonly found on warehouses, schools, and other large buildings.

Roof ventilators

Metal roof cowls or flues sometimes used asbestos seals or bases for fire resistance and insulation.

Side flashing

Flashing that seals roof joints or covers wall-to-roof transitions. May contain asbestos cement for waterproofing.

‘Super Six’ awning

Shelters or overhangs made from corrugated asbestos sheeting, frequently found above walkways or delivery zones.

Wall Cladding

‘Super Six’, ‘Super Eight’

Wall sheeting systems used on building exteriors, often shaped or patterned for architectural styling.

Woven fencing product

Some older commercial fencing used woven asbestos fibres within plastic or concrete-based materials for durability.

Sheeting or ceiling tiles

In office, kitchen, toilet or mezzanine

Interior linings in common work areas were frequently made using asbestos sheeting or modular tiles.

Vinyl floor tiles

or sheet vinyl coverings

Popular in commercial interiors for their durability, these often have an asbestos backing or were installed with asbestos-based adhesive.

Wall sheeting

or compressed sheeting

Dense interior linings in hallways, toilets, kitchens or stairwells — durable, impact-resistant, and asbestos-based.

Window moulding

and louvre blades

Trim mouldings and vented blades, particularly in older aluminium or steel-framed windows, may include bonded asbestos.

Compressed sheet flooring

Used for strength and water resistance, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways. These dense sheets may contain asbestos.

Compressed wall sheeting

used for toilet partitions

Installed in commercial toilet blocks and high-use wet areas. These partitions are typically solid, white, or grey sheeting.

Door mouldings

Decorative and protective trims around door frames may contain asbestos, particularly in fire-rated or heavy-duty settings.

Skylight and manhole frames

Framing around skylights or ceiling access points was often reinforced using asbestos board.

Switchboard backing

Older switchboards were fireproofed with asbestos sheeting, usually grey or black in appearance, and now considered friable with age.

Textile in fuse holders

Early electrical systems used asbestos-based textiles for fire resistance in fuse and breaker components.

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

If you suspect any of these materials may contain asbestos:

Don’t disturb it
Contact AR Plus for professional advice
Book an assessment or sample test
Plan for removal, management, or safe monitoring

We offer safe asbestos assessments and certified removals — plus full reinstatement including plastering and painting. We also offer encapsulation and cleaning options.

Where to find Asbestos in Commercial Buildings

Do these places look familiar?

Let's take a closer look

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

Need help identifying or managing Asbestos?

Where to find Asbestos in Commercial Buildings

Do these places look familiar?

Let's take a closer look

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

Need help identifying or managing Asbestos?

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