Roofs and eaves

Downpipes and other plumbing accessories were moulded from asbestos containing materials. Be aware. Use our asbestos checker to find where asbestos may still be.

Roof eaves that meet or overhang the walls of a building were made from non-friable (bonded) asbestos sheeting until the mid 1980s. Signs the asbestos has broken down include discolouration, cracking or splitting. Do not drill into the eaves as it can release asbestos fibres.

Flue pipes and fittings were moulded from asbestos cement and may still be found in many Australian homes and buildings.

Loose-fill asbestos insulation is usually white to grey. It is loose and friable. It may have been poured out of bags between beams or sprayed over roofing beams and be found in wall cavities, sub-floors and other parts of the home. 

Low-density asbestos fibre boards look similar to asbestos-containing <cement sheeting> or plaster board. They were used as wall and ceiling panels, particularly in areas of high humidity. They were often painted white. The fibre boards are quite soft – you can leave a mark with your fingernail.  

Movement joints of 30.5 centimetres (1 foot) lengths were made with soft, non-hardening caulking material. The caulking forms a flexible seal used in seams, joints and openings between pipes, planks and wall sections.