East Melbourne’s mix of older terraces, walk-up flats and renovated homes often hides asbestos in eaves, internal linings and old floor finishes—especially where past upgrades have left mixed materials behind.
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We visually assess common external ACM locations such as eave linings, soffits and gable ends where older fibre-cement sheeting may be present. These areas are frequently disturbed during gutter replacement, roof works and repainting, so early identification helps you avoid accidental fibre release.
Bathrooms, laundries and kitchens in pre-1990 builds can contain older cement sheeting under tiles or behind splashbacks. We look for material type, joins, thickness and installation clues that indicate likely asbestos so you can plan demolition and waterproofing works safely.
Older vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl and associated adhesives can contain asbestos. We inspect visible edges, transitions and lifted corners where possible to flag suspect products, because sanding, grinding or heat removal can significantly increase exposure risk.
Outbuildings and older boundary structures in East Melbourne can include fibro walling or roof sheeting. We identify likely ACMs and note condition issues such as weathering, breaks or drilled penetrations that can increase the chance of fibre release.
We pay attention to penetrations around heaters, hot water services, ducts and older pipe lagging where asbestos products were historically used for insulation and fire protection. These areas are often disturbed during upgrades and can be missed in standard walk-throughs.
For each suspect ACM, we document whether it appears intact, damaged, painted, sealed, or previously cut/drilled. This helps you prioritise what needs immediate action versus what can be managed safely until planned works or professional removal.
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Find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our inspection service.
Any property built or altered before 1990 can contain asbestos-containing materials. In East Melbourne, it’s often encountered in older terraces and walk-up flats where bathrooms, laundries and kitchens have been updated over time. Even if a room looks modern, asbestos cement sheeting may remain behind tiles or splashbacks, and older vinyl flooring or eave linings can still be present.
A visual survey identifies materials that look consistent with asbestos products and flags where asbestos is likely. It’s the right starting point for planning works and managing risk. Testing is recommended when you need certainty before removal, when materials will be disturbed, or where similar-looking non-asbestos products exist. We’ll explain which items are worth sampling based on condition and your renovation plans.
We focus on the locations where asbestos products were commonly installed and are most likely to be disturbed: eaves and soffits, wet-area wall linings, older floor coverings and adhesives, garages/sheds, service penetrations, and any fibre-cement cladding. We also note visible damage, previous cut-outs, unsealed edges and deterioration, because condition strongly affects the level of risk.
Renovations in East Melbourne often layer new finishes over old substrates to save time and cost—plasterboard over older sheeting, new tiles over old linings, or fresh paint over eaves. Asbestos materials can remain in place and become a problem later when someone drills for cabinetry, replaces windows, upgrades heating, or removes old flooring. A visual survey helps reveal these hidden legacy materials.
Yes. ACE Building and Pest Inspections services East Melbourne and surrounding areas, and we regularly inspect properties across Melbourne’s inner suburbs as well as the broader Ringwood region. If you’re coordinating access from outside the area, we can help you plan the inspection timing around keys, tenants, strata access, or pre-settlement inspections so you’re not delaying works.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the specific asbestos risk points found in East Melbourne’s pre-1990 homes and units, giving you clear guidance before you renovate or repair. Call 0413 163 187.