Hawthorn’s mix of pre-1990 homes, renovated weatherboards and older unit blocks can hide asbestos in eaves, wet areas and old vinyl flooring—especially where past updates didn’t remove original sheeting.
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We inspect accessible eaves linings, soffits and external wall sheets for fibre-cement products consistent with asbestos-era materials. These areas are commonly drilled for lighting, security cameras and new gutters, so identifying likely ACMs reduces the risk of accidental disturbance.
We visually assess wall and ceiling linings in wet areas, including behind access panels and around plumbing penetrations where visible. Asbestos cement sheet was widely used for wet-area durability, and it can be exposed during retiling, vanity replacements and exhaust fan upgrades.
We look for older vinyl tiles/sheet flooring and tell-tale adhesive patterns at thresholds, cupboards and lifted edges. While the survey is visual only, spotting suspect flooring helps you avoid sanding, grinding or ripping up materials without the right precautions and testing.
We check accessible wall/roof sheets in garages and backyard structures, plus older fence panels that may be fibre-cement. These are often DIY work zones in Hawthorn blocks, and cutting or drilling these sheets is a common exposure pathway.
We assess visible surrounds to heaters, flues, meter boards and service penetrations for older backing boards and sheets. Service upgrades can disturb legacy materials, so we flag suspect locations to inform electricians, plumbers and HVAC installers.
We record clear photos of suspected ACMs and note their room/area and accessibility. This makes it easier to communicate risks to owners, builders and removalists, and to prioritise where testing or controlled work methods are needed.
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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.
A Visual Asbestos Survey in Hawthorn is a non-invasive inspection that looks for building materials consistent with asbestos-era products, especially in homes built or altered before 1990. ACE checks accessible areas such as eaves, wet-area linings, garages/sheds, older flooring indicators and service penetrations. We document suspected locations and advise on next steps, including whether to arrange sampling and lab testing.
No. A visual survey can identify materials that are likely to contain asbestos based on age, appearance and typical use, but only laboratory testing can confirm it. The value of a visual survey is that it narrows down the high-risk locations so you can avoid disturbing them and, if needed, arrange targeted sampling with the right safety controls.
Yes. Renovations in older properties often remove some asbestos materials while leaving others behind, particularly in eaves, behind splashbacks, under floor coverings or in outbuildings. A visual survey helps you understand what may still be present and where future works could expose it, even if kitchens or bathrooms look modern.
In Hawthorn, suspected ACMs are often found in eaves and soffit linings, wet-area wall/ceiling sheets, older garages and backyard sheds, and legacy fences. It can also appear as older vinyl tiles or sheet vinyl and the associated black adhesive. Extensions and rear additions can be a mix of eras, so original sheeting may remain under newer finishes.
Avoid drilling, sanding, cutting or removing it. Keep the area stable, and don’t use household vacuums or abrasive cleaning on suspect surfaces. The safest next step is to arrange sampling and NATA-accredited lab testing (where appropriate) or consult a licensed asbestos removalist if the material is damaged or will be disturbed by planned works. ACE can guide you on a practical pathway based on the location and condition.
Still have questions?
Get in TouchACE Building and Pest Inspections focuses on the Hawthorn building styles and pre-1990 materials where asbestos is most often found, so you can plan renovations or a purchase with clear, location-specific guidance. Call 0413 163 187.