If your property was built or renovated before 1990, there is a real chance it contains asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Australia was one of the highest per-capita users of asbestos in the world, and it was used in over 3,000 building products, from fibro sheeting and roof tiles to floor adhesives and pipe insulation.

The question most property owners ask is simple: do I actually need to get it tested?

This guide walks through when testing is recommended, what the process involves, and what your results mean.

When Is Asbestos Testing Recommended?

Before Any Renovation or Demolition Work

This is the most common reason people arrange asbestos testing, and one of the most important.

If your property was built before 1990 and you are planning to knock down walls, remove flooring, replace a roof, or carry out any work that involves cutting, drilling, or disturbing building materials, testing first is strongly recommended.

Disturbing asbestos-containing materials releases fibres into the air. Those fibres are invisible to the naked eye and can remain airborne for hours. Breathing them in over time is associated with serious lung diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Knowing what is in your walls before work begins protects you, your family, and the tradies on site.

Before Purchasing a Property

Pre-purchase asbestos testing is becoming increasingly common, particularly for properties built before 1990.

A standard building and pest inspection does not include asbestos testing. If you want to know whether a property you are buying contains asbestos, and where it is located, you need to arrange a separate test.

This gives you the information to negotiate, plan future renovations appropriately, or simply make an informed decision before settlement.

For Rental Properties

Landlords and property managers have a duty of care to tenants and to contractors who carry out maintenance work on the property.

If you own or manage a rental property built before 1990, knowing whether asbestos is present, and in what condition, is part of responsible property management. It also helps ensure that any maintenance or renovation work is carried out safely.

When You Suspect Damage or Deterioration

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed generally do not pose an immediate risk. The risk increases when materials are damaged, deteriorating, or friable (crumbling).

If you notice damaged fibro sheeting, deteriorating roof tiles, or any building material that appears to be breaking down, testing can confirm whether asbestos is present and help you decide on the appropriate response.

Routine Peace of Mind

Some property owners simply want to know what is in their building, particularly if they have recently purchased an older property or are planning future work.

There is no requirement to wait until you are about to renovate. Testing at any point gives you a clear picture of what materials are present and where.

What Does Asbestos Testing Involve?

Sample Collection

A trained technician visits your property and collects small samples from suspected materials. The process is carried out safely, following established procedures to minimise any disturbance to the material and reduce the risk of fibre release.

The technician will identify the areas to be sampled based on the age of the property, the type of materials present, and any specific concerns you have raised.

Laboratory Analysis

Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis. NATA (the National Association of Testing Authorities) accreditation means the laboratory meets rigorous standards for testing accuracy and reliability.

The laboratory uses polarised light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to identify whether asbestos fibres are present in the sample, and if so, what type.

Written Report

Once analysis is complete, you receive a written report. The report will clearly state whether asbestos was detected in each sample, the type of asbestos identified (if present), and the location of the sampled materials.

This report is a useful document to keep on file, particularly if you are planning future renovation work or managing the property as a rental.

What Types of Asbestos Might Be Found?

There are three main types of asbestos that were used in Australian building products:

• Chrysotile (white asbestos), the most commonly used type, found in fibro sheeting, roofing, and floor tiles
• Amosite (brown asbestos), used in insulation products and some sheeting
• Crocidolite (blue asbestos), considered the most hazardous; used in some insulation and pipe lagging

All three types are hazardous when fibres are released and inhaled. The type identified in your report will inform the recommended approach to management or removal.

What Happens If Asbestos Is Found?

Finding asbestos in your property does not automatically mean it needs to be removed.

Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and are not being disturbed can often be safely left in place and managed. Your written report will give you the information you need to make that assessment.

If the material is damaged, deteriorating, or if you are planning work that would disturb it, removal or encapsulation may be recommended. A licensed hazmat professional can advise on the appropriate course of action based on the specific material and its condition.

How Much Does Asbestos Testing Cost?

Professional asbestos testing from Hazmat Detection & Removal starts at $190 + GST for the first sample. Additional samples from the same property are $100 + GST each.

The cost includes safe sample collection by a trained technician, NATA-accredited laboratory analysis, and a written report with clear results.

We provide a fixed quote before any work begins, so there are no surprises.

Asbestos Testing Across Sydney and NSW

Hazmat Detection & Removal provides professional asbestos testing for residential, rental, commercial, and industrial properties across Sydney and NSW.

If you are planning a renovation, purchasing a property, managing a rental, or simply want to know what is in your building, book your asbestos test today, first sample from $190 + GST.