How Do I Know If My Insulation Has Asbestos?
- Insulation Extract
- Apr 30
- 3 min read
Asbestos insulation was widely used in homes and buildings throughout much of the 20th century — particularly before the late 1980s in Australia. While it was once hailed for its fire resistance and insulating properties, we now understand the serious health risks asbestos insulation poses. So, how can you tell if your insulation contains asbestos, and what should you do about it?
Where Was Asbestos Insulation Commonly Used?
Asbestos was used in a range of insulation products, including:
Loose-fill insulation: Commonly found in roof spaces, particularly in NSW homes, where “Mr Fluffy” asbestos (a type of loose-fill amosite asbestos) was used.
Pipe lagging and duct insulation: White or grey fibrous wrapping around hot water pipes, boilers, or HVAC systems.
Vermiculite insulation: Often used in attics, it looks like small grey-brown pebbles. Some vermiculite (especially from the Libby mine in the US) was contaminated with asbestos.
Acoustic insulation: Used in wall cavities and ceilings, particularly in older units or commercial buildings.
Insulating boards or ceiling tiles: Flat boards made from asbestos cement or other composite materials.
If your home or building was constructed or renovated before 1990, there’s a chance some insulation materials may contain asbestos — particularly if they haven’t been upgraded since.
Visual Clues (But Be Cautious)
There are some visual indicators of potential asbestos insulation, though none are definitive without lab testing:
Loose-fill fibres: Light, fluffy insulation in roof cavities may resemble candyfloss and could be cellulose or asbestos. It’s impossible to tell just by looking.
Old, deteriorating lagging: White or grey fibrous wraps around pipes or boilers that are fraying or damaged may indicate asbestos.
Vermiculite: Pebble-like attic fill may contain asbestos, especially if installed pre-1990.
⚠️ Warning: Never disturb or attempt to sample insulation yourself. Asbestos fibres are microscopic and hazardous when inhaled. Even minor disturbance can release fibres into the air.
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases including:
Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue
Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive cancer linked exclusively to asbestos exposure
There’s no safe level of exposure, which is why any suspected material should be assessed and, if needed, removed by licensed professionals.
To be certain, you’ll need:
A Professional Asbestos Inspection
Hire a licensed asbestos assessor who can take safe samples for testing at a NATA-accredited laboratory.
Asbestos Register (for Commercial Buildings)
If your property is commercial or multi-residential, it may already have an asbestos register on file (especially if built pre-2004). This document lists known or suspected asbestos-containing materials.
Council or State Programmes
Some states (like NSW) have historical records of homes impacted by loose-fill asbestos under schemes such as the NSW Government’s Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Program.
What Should You Do If Asbestos Is Found?
If asbestos insulation is identified, do not attempt removal yourself. This is a highly regulated process in Australia that must be handled by a licensed asbestos removal company.
What We Do — and What We Don’t
At Insulation Extract, we specialise in removing old insulation and replacing it with modern, compliant, and energy-efficient materials — but we do not remove asbestos.
If asbestos is present, it must be safely removed and certified clear by a licensed asbestos removalist before we can begin any insulation work.
Summary Checklist
✔️ Built before 1990? There may be asbestos insulation.
✔️ Don’t touch or disturb suspect materials — it’s not worth the risk.
✔️ Get a licensed asbestos inspection and laboratory testing.
✔️ If asbestos is confirmed, organise removal through a certified removalist.
✔️ Once removed, Insulation Extract can help you upgrade your insulation efficiently and safely.
Need Help with Insulation After Asbestos Insulation Removal?
We are Perth's most trusted professionals and we’re here to help! Contact Insulation Extract to discuss how we can safely re-insulate your property after certified asbestos removal.
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Disclaimer: The information in this article is provided for general knowledge and is not intended as professional asbestos advice. Always consult with a licensed asbestos specialist for diagnosis and removal procedures.
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