A comprehensive guide to asbestos
Asbestos is a confusing topic, which is why we have put together a guide to asbestos to help you understand the basics.
What parts of your home could contain asbestos?
Many houses built pre-2000s throughout New Zealand still contain asbestos, which undisturbed, is not a problem. However, it is important to know where it could be in your home, should you ever do renovations. There are a variety of places it could be found in your home, below is a list of some of them:
- Ceiling
- Roof
- Paint
- Insulation
- Floor tiles such as vinyl sheeting
- Cladding such as asbestos cement
Why do I need to do asbestos testing?
Over 170 people in New Zealand alone, die of asbestos-related diseases every year due to asbestos exposure. It is dangerous to inhale the fibres, as they can become lodged in your lungs and cause problems. Due to the harmful nature and health risk of asbestos, it is recommended you have testing or surveying completed if you suspect your property contains it. There is the old saying ‘it is better to be safe than sorry‘ which refers to taking action early to avoid possible unpleasant consequences later on. In this case, it is always better to be safe than sorry.
How much does asbestos testing cost?
Your asbestos inspection cost varies based on how many samples are taken. Our Betta Asbestos Consultancy pricing starts at $299 + GST for the first sample, and every sample after this is $159 + GST.
How should asbestos be removed from your home?
In New Zealand, it should only be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. This does not stop people from removing the harmful product themselves, which is why the Ministry of Health has written a guide on removing asbestos from your home.
What happens if asbestos is discovered from testing?
So your results have come back positive, now what? if the material is still in good condition, or you don’t plan on renovating or demolishing your home, it’s likely you can leave it be. However, if you plan on renovating, or demolishing your home or the asbestos-containing material is damaged, then it is crucial you get it removed. As noted before, you will need to use a professional to remove it. Our team can help you identify whether your property contains asbestos, but they cannot help you remove it.
The important thing to take away is that asbestos is dangerous, and it should be taken seriously.