Top 7 Hidden Places Asbestos Could Be Lurking in Older Queensland Properties

Asbestos removal in Brisbane is one of the most important steps homeowners can take to protect their health and property. Worried about asbestos in your Brisbane home? We can help! For decades, asbestos was built into many residential, commercial, and industrial structures across Queensland, from Brisbane to the Gold Coast, and today it remains a hazardous material that requires you to get a professional asbestos removal service. Many older homes and businesses still contain asbestos in hidden spots, and without thorough inspections, this toxic material may go unnoticed until it becomes a serious health and safety risk.

At ICON Asbestos Removal, our licensed asbestos removal specialists know where asbestos is most likely to be hiding. By identifying the key building materials and locations where asbestos was historically used, we can provide residents with peace of mind, safer living spaces, and safe asbestos removal solutions. Contact our team today and get a free quote.

Below are the seven most common hidden places asbestos could still be lurking in older Queensland properties.

1. Internal Walls, Ceilings & Manholes

One of the most overlooked areas in asbestos inspections is inside walls, ceilings, and manholes. Many homes built before the 1990s used asbestos cement sheeting for ceilings, partition walls, and ceiling insulation. This material, often bonded or non-friable, can become friable if disturbed during a demolition or renovation job, increasing risk to health.

Signs you might suspect asbestos in internal walls and ceilings include:

Removing these materials requires an A-Class asbestos removal license because friable asbestos can release loose fibres into the air. Homeowners should never attempt to remove asbestos themselves. Instead, contact a professional asbestos removal company that specialises in asbestos removal, testing, and remediation services. Our trained team is equipped to handle every aspect of the job, from asbestos audits and air monitoring to safe disposal and decontamination services.

2. Floors: Vinyl Tiles, Sheet Vinyl & Black Adhesive

Flooring is another hidden source of asbestos. Many Queensland homes used vinyl tiles, sheet vinyl, and the black adhesive underneath, which contains asbestos fibres. While these flooring materials may look harmless, removing them without proper encapsulation or disposal can contaminate an entire property.

Asbestos flooring risks include:

To get rid of asbestos in flooring, our asbestos services involve thorough identification, safe removal, and disposal in approved facilities. Bonded and friable asbestos removal is handled differently depending on contamination levels, which is why a detailed quote and assessments are critical before any job begins. Professional asbestos removal ensures that the floor is left safe, clean, and ready for replacement.

ICON Asbestos Removal is Brisbane's trusted team for safe asbestos removal services, from roofing to flooring. Whether you're renovating or preparing for demolition, we'll get the job done safely and professionally. Contact us today to get a free quote.

3. Wet Areas: Behind Bathroom, Kitchen & Laundry Tiles

Wet areas in older homes are high-risk asbestos locations. Tiles in bathrooms, kitchens, and laundries were often fixed onto asbestos cement sheeting. When these areas undergo a demolition or renovation job, tiles can crack and expose friable asbestos fibres.

Asbestos may be present in:

Our team at ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane provides a full asbestos removal service in these areas, including inspections, testing, and safe demolition services where required. Our licensed asbestos removal team ensures all hazardous materials are removed under strict health and safety standards. By working with a company that specialises in asbestos removal across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, property owners avoid contamination and secure long-term peace of mind.

4. Eaves, Soffits & Gable Ends

Externally, asbestos was widely used in eaves, soffits, and gable ends. These building materials were popular because of their fire resistance and durability. Unfortunately, they are now a common source of contamination in Queensland homes.

Risks in these areas include:

Our asbestos removalists provide solutions that contain and remove asbestos efficiently, leaving the property safe and compliant. We provide a detailed quote for asbestos removal services, including public liability insurance coverage to protect homeowners. Many clients find our asbestos removal service highly recommended due to our clear advice, reliable customer service, and thorough safety practices.

5. Roof Sheets, Gutters & Downpipes

Roofing in Queensland is one of the most common places where asbestos still remains. Old corrugated roofing sheets, gutters, downpipes, and even insulation materials often contain asbestos. Roof replacements are especially high-risk projects, as disturbing asbestos roofing without professional care can contaminate the entire property and the surrounding environment.

Why roofs are dangerous:

ICON Asbestos Removal specialises in asbestos roof replacement and metal re-roofing services. Our experts ensure safe removal, disposal, and installation of modern roofing materials such as Colorbond or architectural cladding. Every roofing project includes thorough inspections, professional asbestos removal practices, and a final clearance inspection to ensure the home is left asbestos-free.

For safe, licensed, and professional asbestos roofing services in Brisbane, trust ICON Asbestos Removal. Whether it's old roof sheets, gutters, downpipes, or preparation for demolition, our team delivers safe results. Contact us today to learn more about our asbestos roofing services.

6. Meter Boards & Backing Panels, Plus Old Heater/AC Flues

Older meter boards often contain asbestos backing panels, while heater and AC flues built before the 1980s frequently used asbestos insulation. These installations are often overlooked because they are hidden behind electrical or mechanical components.

Hazards include:

Because electrical components are involved, it is important that only qualified and licensed asbestos removal contractors carry out removals in these locations. Our professional asbestos removal team in Brisbane is fully trained to contain and remove asbestos in meter boards and flues while ensuring compliance with Queensland health and safety regulations.

7. External Cladding, Boundary Fences & Outbuildings

Many Queensland properties still have external asbestos cladding, fences, and sheds built with asbestos cement sheets. These are among the most visible yet often underestimated risks.

Key issues:

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane specialises in asbestos cladding and fence removal, providing full disposal and replacement options. Whether it's a shed roof, a fence line, or an external wall, our asbestos removal service offers reliable, affordable solutions that protect both property owners and their neighbours. Our team is equipped to handle soil remediation if contamination is found during removals.

Think You've Found Asbestos? Your Next Safe Steps in Queensland

If you suspect asbestos in your home, don't risk it. The safest way forward is to contact licensed asbestos removal professionals for an immediate asbestos inspection. Our thorough asbestos audits and testing identify whether building materials contain asbestos and determine whether it is bonded or friable.

Here's our simple 3-step process:

ICON Asbestos Removal offers detailed quotes for asbestos removal across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast. Every project includes public liability insurance for protection, qualified contractors, and industry-best practice. Our company specialises in asbestos removal for residential, commercial, and industrial projects, including demolition, re-roofing, soil remediation, and emergency asbestos removals.

Choosing ICON means choosing affordable, efficient, and safe asbestos solutions. Our dedicated specialists provide professional customer service, reliable support, and clear communication throughout every project. Don't wait until asbestos becomes a bigger risk—contact ICON Asbestos Removal today for your free quote and consultation. Call or email our office now and let our experienced removalist group provide the safe, long-term solutions your property needs.