Collingwood’s mix of Victorian-era homes, mid-century units and converted warehouses often hides older sheeting, vinyl and lagging that can contain asbestos—especially before renovations or strip-outs.
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We visually assess accessible areas for products that frequently contained asbestos, including fibro cement sheeting (walls, eaves, soffits), backing boards, and cement components. This matters because these materials can release fibres if drilled, sanded or broken during renovations.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens are inspected for older wall and ceiling linings, compressed sheet behind tiles, and patchwork repairs. These spaces are often renovated in Collingwood and can involve cutting and demolition where asbestos risk is highest.
We look for signs of older resilient flooring such as vinyl tiles/sheet vinyl and potential asbestos-containing underlay or black mastic adhesives. Identifying suspect flooring early helps you plan safe removal before grinding, scraping or re-levelling.
Garages, sheds, fence panels and external cladding are checked for aged fibre-cement products and deterioration. Outdoor materials are often disturbed during landscaping, boundary works, or garage updates, so documenting them reduces risk for owners and contractors.
We visually inspect around pipework, ducting, meter boards and ceiling access points for older lagging, backing boards and penetrations that may expose suspect materials. These areas are commonly affected when adding split systems, exhaust fans, or new cabling.
We record where suspect materials are located and how they appear (intact, damaged, friable risk indicators). Clear location notes help you brief trades properly and decide where to avoid disturbance or arrange sampling/removal.
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Get Visual Asbestos Survey as part of a comprehensive inspection package
Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Yes. Many Collingwood terraces have been updated in stages, and older fibre-cement sheet, tile backing, or eaves linings can be left in place behind newer finishes. A Visual Asbestos Survey helps identify likely asbestos-containing materials in accessible areas and highlights where disturbance could occur during new works. If something can’t be confirmed visually, we’ll recommend sampling before demolition or drilling.
A visual survey is non-invasive and focuses on identifying materials that look consistent with asbestos-containing products. It does not confirm asbestos without laboratory analysis. If we identify suspect materials, we’ll explain the options, including engaging an appropriately qualified professional to arrange sampling and NATA-accredited testing, especially if the material will be disturbed during renovations or repairs.
We focus on common asbestos locations such as eaves and soffits, wall and ceiling linings, wet area backing boards, older flooring and adhesives, external cladding, sheds/garages, and around service penetrations. We also note material condition, because damaged or friable-looking materials present higher risk if disturbed. Access limits apply, and we’ll document any areas we can’t safely view.
Even in converted spaces, asbestos can remain in legacy service areas and building fabric that wasn’t fully removed during the fit-out. We often pay close attention to plant rooms, risers, ceiling access points, old partitioning, backing boards, and areas around ducts and pipe penetrations. The goal is to flag likely asbestos materials before strip-outs, new HVAC runs, or electrical upgrades disturb them.
First, avoid disturbing the material—no sanding, drilling, scraping, or demolition. We’ll document the location and describe why it’s suspected, then outline next steps based on your plans. If you need certainty, arrange sampling and lab testing before works. If removal is required, use a licensed asbestos removalist and follow Victorian requirements for safe handling and disposal.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections can help you identify likely asbestos in pre-1990 materials before renovations or maintenance begin. Call 0413 163 187 to organise your Collingwood inspection.