Where Asbestos Hides in Homes | Asbestos Removal & Testing

Let's take a closer look

Cladding / Baseboards

Many homes and garages were constructed or lined with asbestos cement sheeting on exterior walls and skirting.

Exterior window flashing

Metal or cement-based flashing around windows may be sealed or backed with asbestos-containing materials.

Electrical meterbox

Older meter boards were lined with asbestos cement to provide fire protection behind fuse boxes and switchgear.

Fence panels

Free-standing fences or panels, especially along property boundaries, may be made of fibre cement sheeting with asbestos.

Garage cladding

Many garages or outbuildings feature wall linings or exterior panels made from asbestos-cement board.

Gutters and Downpipes

Older rainwater systems used cement-based gutters and downpipes, reinforced with asbestos for strength and longevity.

Roofing Panels

'Super Six' and Decramastic Tiles

Corrugated roofing like ‘Super Six’ and Decramastic tiles often contain asbestos in the cement sheeting or bitumen coating.

Soffits

The underside of eaves or roof overhangs is often lined with asbestos cement board for weather protection.

Stormwater and sewage piping

Older underground or exposed pipes used asbestos cement, particularly for stormwater or wastewater drainage.

Stormwater trap

Concrete-style entry points to drainage systems may be pre-cast from asbestos-containing cement.

Bath panel

Bathroom fixtures like bath panels were often reinforced with fibre cement products that may contain asbestos.

Compressed sheeting

Used in flooring or wall panels, especially in high-moisture areas, these dense sheets often include bonded asbestos.

Ceiling tiles

Decorative acoustic or square ceiling tiles used in mid-century homes may contain friable asbestos if disturbed or damaged.

Hot water cupboard

Cupboards housing hot water cylinders were often lined with asbestos board for fire and heat resistance. Hot water cylinders often have friable asbestos insulation inside the electrical componentry.

Fireplace surrounding

Materials around fireplaces, chimneys and hearths were often heat-resistant and can contain asbestos-based cement or backing.

Partition wall

Internal non-load-bearing walls may contain asbestos sheeting behind wallpaper or paint finishes, particularly in older homes.

Textured ceiling

Popular in homes from the 1960s to the 80s, popcorn, stipple or other textured coatings often contain friable asbestos.

Toilet fixtures

Some early plastic toilet components were manufactured using moulded materials reinforced with asbestos.

Vinyl flooring

Sheet vinyl and tiles used asbestos in both the flooring itself and the adhesive beneath, especially in wet or high-use areas.

Loose fill insulation

Rare but highly hazardous, loose-fill asbestos was sometimes used in ceilings or wall cavities as thermal insulation.

Interior window panel

Panels below or beside interior windows — especially in older homes — may include asbestos sheeting or board.

Wet area lining substrate

Behind tiles or wall finishes in bathrooms, showers and laundries, water-resistant lining boards may include bonded asbestos.

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

The risk arises when these materials are disturbed — during renovations, repairs or deterioration — potentially releasing fibres into the air.

At AR Plus, we help homeowners identify, manage, and safely remove asbestos to keep homes safe and compliant.

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.

Need a Site Visit or Test?

Talk to AR Plus today for expert help managing asbestos in your home.  Get in touch for a free quote or inspection.

Where Asbestos hides in Residential Homes

Do these places look familiar?

Let's take a closer look

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

Need a Site Visit or Test?

Where Asbestos hides in Residential Homes

Do these places look familiar?

Let's take a closer look

Suspect Asbestos? Here's what to do next

Need a Site Visit or Test?

Get a Quote