Chinatown’s mix of older shopfronts, refurbished apartments and repeated fit-outs can leave asbestos-containing materials hidden behind linings, ceilings and service risers—especially in pre-1990 buildings.
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We visually check accessible internal linings that historically used asbestos (such as cement sheet and older textured coatings). In Chinatown fit-outs, bulkheads and ceiling spaces are often altered; identifying suspect materials reduces the risk of accidental disturbance during upgrades.
Bathrooms, laundries, kitchens and back-of-house wash-up areas can contain older sheeting and adhesive residues. We focus on areas around plumbing and exhaust penetrations where drilling and cutting commonly occurs, and where disturbed edges can release fibres.
We look for older vinyl tiles/sheeting and black mastic-style adhesives where visible at edges, thresholds and lifted corners. Flooring changes are common in CBD tenancies; knowing what’s underneath helps plan safe removal or encapsulation.
Where accessible, we inspect external cement sheeting and weathered surfaces that can degrade over time. In dense streetscapes like Chinatown, external works happen close to neighbours; identifying suspect materials supports safer maintenance planning.
We inspect accessible storerooms, switchboard areas and utility cupboards for older sheeting, backing boards and insulation-type materials. These spaces are often overlooked during renovations but are frequently accessed for ongoing maintenance.
A visual survey isn’t just about what may contain asbestos—it’s also about whether it’s intact, damaged, friable, or likely to be impacted by planned works. We document the observed condition and give clear handling precautions to reduce exposure risk.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Chinatown tenancies often go through repeated refurbishments, which can conceal older asbestos-containing linings behind new walls, ceilings and bulkheads. A visual survey helps identify suspect materials in accessible areas and highlights where common fit-out tasks (cutting for exhaust, lighting, signage and plumbing) could disturb asbestos. If confirmation is required, we’ll recommend appropriate sampling and testing pathways.
A visual asbestos survey identifies materials that look like they may contain asbestos based on age, appearance, location and typical building practices before 1990. It cannot confirm asbestos content without laboratory testing of a sample. We document suspect materials that are visible and accessible, note their condition, and advise on safe next steps if renovation or removal is planned.
We can inspect the areas you have access to. For many Chinatown apartments, that may be your unit only, while common areas (corridors, plant rooms, risers and roof spaces) are controlled by owners corporation or building management. If you want those areas assessed, we can outline what access is needed and what to request from management to complete a broader visual survey.
In Chinatown, the higher-risk locations are typically ceilings and bulkheads (especially where services run), wet areas with older sheeting, flooring layers in back rooms, and utility cupboards or risers. Older shopfronts can also have external cement sheeting in eaves/soffits where accessible. The key issue is disturbance during upgrades, so we focus on areas that are commonly cut, drilled or stripped.
Do not cut, sand, drill or remove the material. Treat it as asbestos until proven otherwise. We’ll indicate where the suspect material is and discuss whether the safest next step is leaving it undisturbed, encapsulating, or arranging sampling by a competent professional for lab testing. For any planned demolition or strip-out, organise the right clearance and removal process before trades begin.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the pre-1990 materials commonly found in Chinatown’s shopfronts, apartments and mixed-use buildings—call 0413 163 187 to plan your inspection before any renovation or maintenance work.