Think Your House Has Asbestos? 5 Warning Signs Brisbane Homeowners Should Never Ignore

If you live on the Brisbane coast and suspect your home may contain asbestos, you’re not alone — many houses, as well as commercial properties, built before the 1990s still contain asbestos-based materials. Recognising the early warning signs can protect your family and prevent costly repairs or health hazards.

Worried about asbestos in your home? Delaying asbestos removal may cost you more than you think. Contact our team at ICON Asbestos Removal, we can help. Asbestos exposure can lead to serious health conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. That’s why ICON Asbestos Removal specialises in safe asbestos removal and testing across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast, helping homeowners, as well as commercial property owners, identify and remove hazardous material safely and affordably.

Why Brisbane’s Older Homes Still Have Asbestos: Understanding the Hidden Risks

Asbestos was once widely used in Australian construction due to its insulation and fire-resistant properties. It was commonly mixed into building materials like cement sheets, roofing, insulation, and flooring adhesives. Homes and even commercial properties across Brisbane, particularly those built or renovated before 1990, are at high risk of still containing bonded or friable asbestos.

Even with a national ban implemented in 2003, many older homes have never undergone proper asbestos testing, remediation, or removal. This is especially concerning in suburbs like Redcliffe, Sandgate, and Brighton, where post-war housing boomed. These properties were often constructed using asbestos cement sheets, roof tiles, and pipe lagging, posing a silent threat until disturbed by renovation or demolition.

How Asbestos Exposure Impacts Health in Brisbane Households

Asbestos exposure is a serious concern for Brisbane homeowners. When asbestos-containing materials degrade or are disturbed through renovation or demolition, microscopic fibres can become airborne. These fibres, when inhaled, lodge in the lungs and can cause long-term illnesses such as:

• Mesothelioma
• Asbestosis
• Lung cancer
• Pleural plaques and thickening

These conditions often develop decades after exposure, making early detection and professional asbestos removal services essential. Unlike mould or dust, asbestos fibres are invisible, odourless, and tasteless. Without clear warning signs, homeowners can unknowingly expose themselves and their families to danger and may cost them more in the long run.

Warning Sign #1: Brisbane Homes Built Before 1990

One of the clearest indicators that your property may contain asbestos is its age. If your home was built before 1990, particularly in the 1940s to 1980s, it is highly likely to include asbestos-containing materials.

These could be found in:

• Roof sheeting and eaves
• Wall linings
• Bathroom tiles
• Pipe insulation
• External cladding
• Shed walls and fences

In many cases, these materials are bonded asbestos, which is considered lower risk until damaged. However, demolition, renovation, storms, or general wear and tear can easily break down these materials, releasing harmful fibres. Our team at ICON Asbestos Removal specialises in asbestos removal services for residential, commercial, and industrial properties and provides a free detailed quote to help homeowners plan with confidence.

Warning Sign #2: Damaged or Crumbling Materials (Walls, Roofing, Pipes)

Damaged or deteriorating materials in your home could mean that asbestos fibres are being released into the air. Look out for:

• Cracked or broken fibre cement sheets
• Water-damaged ceilings or eaves
• Peeling vinyl tiles
• Flaking textured paints
• Exposed insulation on old pipes

If any of these are present, stop all renovation, demolition, or cleaning activities and contact licensed asbestos removal services immediately. Attempting to clean or repair these materials yourself can spread the fibres even further.

At ICON, we understand that cost can be a concern. That’s why we offer flexible financing options so homeowners don’t have to delay essential health and safety work due to financial limitations. Our team is equipped to handle every part of the job, from inspection to safe disposal.

Warning Sign #3: Brisbane’s Most Common Asbestos-Containing Building Materials

Certain materials were heavily manufactured using asbestos, and they’re still commonly found in older Brisbane homes. Here are some of the most typical:

Knowing what to look for can help you identify areas of concern early. However, only professional asbestos testing can confirm the presence of asbestos. ICON’s asbestos services include certified testing, air monitoring, and removal service performed under strict compliance with Queensland safety regulations.

Warning Sign #4: Renovations or DIY Work Conducted Before an Asbestos Check

Have you recently done any drilling, sanding, or demolition job in your home? Did you remove tiles or pull down ceilings without assessing for asbestos first?

Unfortunately, this is a common mistake. Homeowners in Brisbane often begin avrenovation job before recognising the risks, especially in older homes. If you’ve started a DIY project and now see dust, discolouration, or unfamiliar insulation materials, stop work immediately.

ICON Asbestos Removal offers emergency asbestos removal services for exactly this type of situation. We provide rapid response, site containment, and removal to prevent further contamination.

Warning Sign #5: Suspicious Dust, Fibres, or Particles in Your Home

Seeing unusual dust or fibres near air vents, in your ceiling cavity, or around aged building materials can be alarming — and with good reason.

These particles may be a sign that asbestos fibres have been disturbed and are circulating in your home. Common red flags include:

• Fibres floating in beams of light
• Dust collecting rapidly after reno work
• Gritty residue on window sills or floors

Do not vacuum or sweep these areas. ICON’s asbestos removal service includes post-removal air quality testing and clearance certificates to ensure your home is fully safe. Peace of mind begins with a professional assessment service and ends with certified clearance.

Suspect Asbestos? Immediate Action Steps for Brisbane Homeowners

Here’s what you should do next if you think you’ve found asbestos:

1. Avoid any contact with or disturbing the material.
2. Contact ICON Asbestos Removal for professional assessment.
3. Get a detailed quote for safe, compliant removal.

Attempting to handle an asbestos removal job yourself not only puts your health at risk, but it is also illegal under Queensland’s asbestos regulations unless you are licensed. Contact ICON’s licensed asbestos removal team, we follow strict WorkSafe Queensland protocols and hold public liability insurance for complete protection.

Why Professional Asbestos Testing is Critical in Brisbane

Professional asbestos testing is the only safe and legally recognised way to confirm the presence of asbestos. ICON’s asbestos services include:

• Material sampling and lab testing through NATA-accredited laboratories
• Air quality monitoring before, during, and after any removal job
• Detailed risk assessments and compliance reports

Avoid the false sense of security offered by DIY kits. This may cost you more than you expect. They are often inaccurate and can result in poor decision-making. Our customer service team ensures every client understands the findings and the safest path forward.

Ensuring Safe and Compliant Asbestos Removal in Brisbane Homes

At ICON Asbestos Removal, we don’t just remove asbestos — we ensure you get long-term safety and compliance in every job. Our services cover bonded and friable asbestos removal for homes, offices, schools, and industrial sites across Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast.

We are:

• Fully insured and licensed for A Class asbestos removal
• Transparent with pricing — no hidden fees, only a free detailed quote
• Highly recommended across Brisbane for fast, efficient work
• Experts in both scheduled and emergency asbestos removal projects
• Compliant with all Queensland and national health and safety regulations

Whether you’re planning to get a full renovation or responding to an unexpected asbestos discovery, our team is ready to help. From asbestos roof replacement to contaminated soil removal, ICON has the expertise and equipment to deliver results without disruption.

Your Family’s Health Isn’t Worth the Risk

If you’ve seen any of the five warning signs listed in this article, it’s time to take action. Delaying may cost you your health and also lead to more extensive (and expensive) remediation down the line.

Ready to eliminate asbestos risks from your home? Contact ICON Asbestos Removal for a free quote. Our friendly, Brisbane-based team will walk you through the process step by step, ensuring your safety and peace of mind.

Call 07 3053 3453 or request your quote online now.