A homeowner’s guide to renovating a fibro home in the Southern Highlands
The Southern Highlands has an unusually high concentration of fibro homes — a product of the region’s postwar building boom and the widespread use of fibro cement sheeting through the 1940s, 50s and 60s. Bowral, Mittagong, Moss Vale and Goulburn all have significant fibro housing stock, and many of these properties are now being renovated.
Fibro homes have real appeal: solid bones, generous proportions, and a character that suits the Southern Highlands landscape. But they come with a specific and important consideration that newer properties don’t: the very real likelihood of asbestos in the building materials.
Is all fibro the same?
No — and this is an important distinction. Fibro (fibre cement sheeting) was manufactured both with and without asbestos. The asbestos-containing version was common from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. Properties built or renovated after 1990 are unlikely to contain asbestos in their fibro sheeting, though it’s not impossible if older materials were used in an extension.
The problem is that you cannot tell the difference between asbestos fibro and non-asbestos fibro by looking at it. They appear identical. Laboratory testing by a licensed assessor is the only way to confirm.
Where is asbestos most commonly found in Southern Highlands fibro homes?
- External wall cladding — the fibro sheeting on the exterior is almost always the first place to check
- Eaves and fascias — fibro sheeting was used extensively under roof overhangs
- Internal wall sheeting — particularly in wet areas like bathrooms and laundries
- Ceiling tiles and textured ceiling coatings — the ‘popcorn’ texture found in some older homes often contains asbestos
- Floor tiles and the adhesive beneath them — particularly in kitchens and bathrooms
- Fencing — fibro fencing panels from this era are a common source
- Outbuildings and garages — often built with the same materials as the main house
If your property was built before 1990, assume asbestos is present in any of these locations until confirmed otherwise.
What should I do before I start renovating?
Before any work that involves drilling, cutting, sanding, or demolishing building materials, have the property assessed by a licensed asbestos assessor. This applies to both professional builders and DIY homeowners.
Fast Skips is fully licensed for asbestos removal across Bowral, Mittagong, Goulburn, Picton and Kangaroo Valley. Call 0417 468 220 to discuss your property.
Can I remove fibro sheeting myself?
In NSW, homeowners can legally remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos themselves, provided specific conditions are met: correct PPE, appropriate double-bagging and labelling, and disposal at a licensed facility. Friable asbestos cannot be removed by a homeowner under any circumstances. In practice, most homeowners are better served by using a licensed removalist throughout.
What happens with renovation waste once asbestos is handled?
Once asbestos-containing materials have been correctly removed and disposed of, the general renovation waste can go in a standard skip bin. For a full fibro home renovation in Bowral or Mittagong, a 6m³ or 8m³ bin is typically appropriate. Larger renovations touching multiple rooms may warrant a 10m³ bin.
Fast Skips can coordinate both the asbestos removal and the general waste skip in a single job, so you’re not dealing with two separate contractors.