The 3 Most Common Asbestos Materials We Still Find in NSW Homes
Think asbestos is a thing of the past? Think again. If your home was built before the mid-1980s, there’s a good chance asbestos materials are still hiding in plain sight. At Confluence Environmental, we conduct asbestos inspections across NSW every week — and these are the three most common asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) we still uncover.
1. Asbestos Cement Sheeting (a.k.a. "Fibro")
The most widespread and recognisable form of asbestos in NSW homes is asbestos cement sheeting — commonly referred to as fibro.
Where it’s found:
External cladding and eaves
Internal wall and ceiling linings
Bathroom and laundry walls
Fences, sheds, and garages
Asbestos cement sheeting was easy to manufacture, cheap to install, and incredibly durable — making it a go-to material in Australian homes right up until the mid to late 1980s. Despite its age, these materials are often still in good condition, which can make them hard to identify without a trained eye.
Quick tip: If you tap a fibro wall and it sounds dull or feels hard and brittle, it may be asbestos cement.
2. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Adhesives
Asbestos was widely used in older vinyl flooring products, particularly the tiles and the black adhesive ("cutback glue") that secured them.
Where it’s found:
Kitchens
Laundries
Entryways and hallways
Under newer flooring layers
These products often contain chrysotile (white asbestos) and pose a serious risk if disturbed during renovations, removal, or sanding. Even if the tiles themselves are gone, the underlying glue may still contain asbestos fibres — making floor prep especially risky.
Pro tip: Never sand, grind, or strip old floor adhesives without having them tested first.
3. Asbestos-Backed Vinyl Sheet Flooring (Linoleum)
One of the most dangerous asbestos products we still find in NSW homes is sheet vinyl flooring with an asbestos-impregnated backing.
Where it’s found:
Bathroom and laundry floors
Kitchen floors (pre-1990s)
Beneath newer floating or tiled floors
This soft white or grey fibrous backing contains friable asbestos, which is much more likely to release fibres into the air if disturbed. Ripping up old vinyl flooring without realising it contains asbestos is one of the most common ways DIY renovators expose themselves to asbestos risk.
Warning: Asbestos-backed vinyl is a high-risk material. If in doubt, leave it alone and get it tested.
Bonus: Other Hidden ACMs to Watch For
While the above three are the most common, we also frequently find asbestos in:
Roof sheets and ceiling insulation (particularly in garages and outbuildings)
Old switchboard panels (made from asbestos-based millboard)
Window putty and gutter sealants in older homes
Why It Matters
Even if you’re not planning a major renovation, understanding where asbestos is located in your home is critical. Asbestos is not dangerous if left undisturbed, but once fibres become airborne — through cutting, drilling, sanding or demolition — they pose serious health risks including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
How to Stay Safe
Don’t guess — test. If you suspect a material may contain asbestos, get it sampled and analysed by a professional.
Don’t disturb it. Even minor drilling or sanding can release fibres.
Don’t remove it yourself. NSW law restricts who can legally remove asbestos — especially if the material is friable or over 10m² in size.
Need Help Identifying Asbestos in Your Home?
At Confluence Environmental, we specialise in asbestos inspections, sample testing, and clearance certificates across the Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, and greater NSW.
Fast turnarounds
Certified reports for peace of mind
Friendly, local consultants who know what to look for
Suspect asbestos in your home? Book a test today.
Contact us now on 0493 042 642 or book online here.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos is still very much part of the building landscape in NSW homes — especially those built before the 1990s. Knowing the most common materials it hides in is the first step to protecting yourself and your family.
When in doubt, leave it alone and call the professionals at Confluence Environmental.