Top 10 Places Asbestos Is Commonly Found in Newcastle Properties
Asbestos was once widely used in Australian construction due to its durability, insulation properties, and fire resistance. However, we now know it poses serious health risks, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. Newcastle, with its rich industrial past and many homes built before the 1990s, is a high-risk area for asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
10 Key Places to Inspect for Asbestos for Newcastle
Whether you’re a homeowner, investor, or renovator in the Newcastle region, knowing where asbestos might be hiding is the first step in protecting yourself and others. Here’s a look at the top 10 places asbestos is commonly found in Newcastle properties.
1. Roozsxdcfing Materials
Corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets were widely used in older Newcastle homes, sheds, and garages. These are typically grey and have a fibrous texture. Over time, exposure to the elements can cause them to degrade, increasing the risk of fibre release.
2. Eaves and Soffit Linings
Many homes built between the 1950s and 1980s in suburbs like Hamilton, Mayfield, and New Lambton used asbestos sheeting under roof eaves and soffits. These sheets often look like flat fibro panels and were installed to weatherproof and ventilate the roof cavity.
3. Wall Cladding (Especially External)
Asbestos cement sheeting (commonly called “fibro”) was a popular external wall cladding in homes throughout Newcastle. Properties in areas like Adamstown or Waratah often still have this type of cladding, particularly in older weatherboard or fibro cottages.
4. Fencing
Asbestos cement fencing is still found around many older properties. These fences resemble concrete but are often thinner and lighter. They were installed for their strength and weather resistance and are particularly common in post-war housing areas.
5. Bathroom Walls and Ceilings
Bathrooms were prime locations for asbestos sheeting due to its water resistance. In many older Newcastle homes, the walls and ceilings in bathrooms still contain asbestos sheeting, especially behind tiles or under layers of paint.
6. Vinyl Floor Tiles and Adhesives
Older homes may have vinyl floor tiles that contain asbestos in the tile backing or the adhesive (black mastic) used to fix them to the subfloor. These were commonly used in kitchens and laundries from the 1950s through to the early 1980s.
7. Electrical Meter Boards and Switchboards
Asbestos was used as an insulating backing board for electrical switchboards and meter boxes, often found mounted on the outside walls of Newcastle homes. These boards are durable and resistant to heat but can release fibres if drilled or damaged.
8. Ceiling Insulation and Decorative Coatings
Popcorn ceilings and decorative ceiling textures, sometimes found in 1970s and 1980s properties, may contain asbestos. While these are less common in Newcastle than in other regions, they do still appear in some homes and commercial buildings.
9. Flue Pipes and Heater Surrounds
Asbestos was used in flue pipes for heaters, fireplaces, and hot water systems. In older homes, especially in cooler suburbs like Charlestown or Cardiff Heights, you might still find these installations intact—and potentially hazardous.
10. Garages, Sheds, and Outbuildings
Many backyard sheds, garages, and even carports across Newcastle suburbs were constructed using asbestos cement products, particularly roofing and wall panels. These structures are often overlooked during inspections, making them high-risk zones.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos
If you think your property contains asbestos, do not disturb the material. Asbestos is only dangerous when it becomes airborne. Here’s what you should do instead:
- Get a professional asbestos removal in Newcastle inspection by a licensed assessor.
- Do not sand, cut, or drill suspected materials.
- Hire licensed removalists if asbestos needs to be removed or encapsulated.
Newcastle’s Asbestos Legacy — Stay Safe, Stay Informed
With Newcastle’s long history in construction and industry, asbestos is still a very real part of its residential landscape. Awareness is your best defence. Whether you’re planning renovations or buying an older home, always consider asbestos risks—and deal with them legally and safely.
If you’re unsure where to start, consider contacting a local Newcastle asbestos removal professional like Impact Site Services for testing and advice.