About asbestos

Long term or significant exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to a range of deadly diseases, including asbestosis and mesothelioma, Around 170 people die each year in New Zealand from these diseases.

In many ways, asbestos was considered a dream material for the building trade. It’s an excellent insulator, can be used to reinforce cement cladding and roofing, It’s highly insulating, both for heat and electricity, so it was used extensively for both. It repels water, it fireproof and it adds strength and flexibility to almost anything you add it to. It has been identified in over 3,500 building products.

If your property was built between the 1920s and the 1990s it’s very likely to contain asbestos in one or more areas. You’ll likely find it in textured ceiling coatings, concrete roofs or decramastic tiles, insulation in the roof or on pipes, cladding and soffits, electrical boards, vinyl flooring or concrete deck flooring, chimney flues and fireplaces.

An asbestos survey is an effective way to help you manage asbestos in your property by providing accurate information about the location, amount and type of any asbestos containing materials (ACMs). If you are a residential property owner and are considering renovating, rebuilding or demolishing your property you should have a qualified professional provide you with one. If you are paying someone to do building work for you, it is a legal requirement.

If you own a commercial property you are required to have an asbestos survey and management plan if the building was constructed before 2000.

Surveys come in several forms: Management, Renovation and Demolition. They range in complexity and how intrusive they are, and you generally get what you pay for like most things in life. Ask us for advice on what type of survey you will need.

The asbestos removal industry is tightly regulated, with removal companies and their supervisors requiring a license to remove asbestos containing materials. A reputable removals company can safely remove asbestos without releasing any fibres into the atmosphere and ensure it is disposed of safely at a licensed disposal facility.

There are two states that asbestos can be found:
Friable asbestos is asbestos that can be easily crumbled by hand in its original form. This is considered to be A Class, and includes products such as textured (popcorn) ceilings, pipe lagging, the paper backing to vinyl flooring and certain insulation panels such as those that may be found in fire proof doors or around chimneys.

Non Friable asbestos is asbestos that has been bound within a stable product and does not readily release fibres into the atmosphere. This type of asbestos is usually considered to be B Class and includes concrete cladding, baseboards, concrete fencing, corrugated concrete roofs, electrical backing boards and hard plastic floor tiles.

If the asbestos product is in good condition and is either painted or encapsulated, it is usually safe to leave undisturbed. If you’re renovating, rebuilding or demolishing your property you will need to seek the services of a professional. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call, we’d be happy to give you advice free of charge.