Asbestos wasn’t hidden away in Australian homes – it was built into them, deliberately and widely, for decades. Between the 1940s and the late 1980s, asbestos cement products were prized for being cheap, durable, fire-resistant, and easy to work with. That’s exactly why so many Victorian properties still contain them today.
Here’s a practical rundown of the non-friable asbestos products we most commonly find on jobs across Ballarat, Bendigo, Shepparton, Seymour, and the wider region.
1. Fibro Cement Sheeting
The most recognisable one. Used for external cladding, internal wall linings, and even ceilings, “fibro” was the standard building material for weatherboard-style and project homes throughout the mid-20th century. It’s flat, grey or painted, and often shows a slightly wavy surface pattern when weathered. Read our full guide to fibro cement sheeting.
2. Corrugated Roofing Sheets
Asbestos cement corrugated roofing was widely used on homes, garages, sheds, and rural outbuildings. It looks similar to modern corrugated iron but is heavier, more brittle, and typically develops moss, lichen, or a chalky surface texture over time.
3. Eaves and Soffit Linings
The underside of your roofline is an easy one to overlook. Flat asbestos cement sheeting was routinely used here because it was fire-resistant and cheap to install – and because nobody was expected to touch it again for decades.
4. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Sheet Flooring
Older vinyl floor tiles, along with the backing and adhesive beneath them, often contain asbestos. This is one of the more surprising ones for homeowners, since it’s hidden underfoot and rarely considered until a flooring renovation begins.
5. Guttering, Downpipes, and Water Tanks
Asbestos cement was also moulded into guttering, downpipes, and water tanks – particularly common on older rural and semi-rural properties across regional Victoria.
6. Fencing Panels
Flat or corrugated asbestos cement fencing was a popular, low-maintenance boundary solution for decades. Many of these fences are still standing today, quietly ageing in backyards across Bendigo and Shepparton.
7. Stormwater and Sewer Pipes
Underground asbestos cement pipes were standard practice for stormwater and sewer lines for much of the 20th century. These often go unnoticed until excavation or plumbing work begins.
8. Textured Ceiling Coatings
Some decorative or textured ceiling finishes from this era used asbestos as a binding agent, giving them their distinctive surface texture.
Why Identifying These Matters
None of these products are automatically dangerous simply by being present. The risk comes from disturbance – drilling, cutting, demolishing, or even just decades of weathering that make the material brittle. If your property contains any of the above and you’re planning a renovation, repair, or demolition, testing should always come first.
Not Sure What You’re Looking At?
That’s exactly what we’re here for. Myers Asbestos Removal has spent more than 10 years identifying and safely removing non-friable asbestos across Victoria, from Ballarat and Bendigo through to Shepparton, Seymour, and Riddells Creek.
Call Garry on 0433 305 521 for a free quote and honest advice on what’s in your home.