The Importance of Asbestos Testing and Sampling
Considering asbestos materials are so prevalent in Australian homes, it is extremely important to carry out asbestos testing before you begin any renovation or demolition work. This is especially important if there are any areas of the home starting to degrade (such as old sheds, basements or attic areas). Not only is it illegal to remove certain types and amounts of asbestos yourself, but it creates a huge health risk for your family, neighbours and yourself if you begin messing with materials that may contain asbestos.
Asbestos Removals Australia (ARA) are licensed professionals who comprehensively test and check properties throughout Brisbane, Toowoomba and the Gold Coast, to accurately identify if there is any asbestos in your home and where. ARA can then provide the right advice, should asbestos be found in your home, and then take action to ensure that the dangerous material is removed safely and legally. Even the smallest exposure to asbestos can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, such as lung cancer, so testing for asbestos in your property is the best way to secure peace of mind that you and your family are safe.
There are two kinds of asbestos to look for:
Friable (Class A) – This class of asbestos refers to any material found beneath ground level. It also refers to certain older kinds of insulation found in home stoves and heaters and in ceiling insulation. Commercial buildings are where asbestos-containing ceiling insulation was generally used. In more modern insulation products, the asbestos has been replaced by glass fibres.
Friable asbestos can be found in:
- Insulation on hot water pipes, heaters and stoves.
- Backing material on vinyl flooring.
- Spray-on insulation or soundproofing.
- Heat-resistant fabrics.
- Interior wall and ceiling cladding (Low Density Board)
- Textured paints or coatings.
Bonded (Class B) – This class of asbestos is less immediately dangerous and is part of a fibre-cement product. The asbestos is in bonded sheets where it’s deeply embedded in a hardened matrix. The sheets may be flat, corrugated or tubular.
Bonded asbestos can be found in:
- Roofing.
- Exterior and interior wall cladding.
- Eaves.
- Fencing.
- Water or flue pipes.
- Thermal boards around fireplaces.
Cost to Remove Asbestos
Asbestos removal can be quite expensive, with large removal jobs costing up to several thousand dollars. However, when you compare that cost with the potential cost of not removing asbestos, it is a small price to pay. Asbestos removal requires expertise and skill to ensure every last trace of asbestos fibre is removed and disposed of correctly.
Locations We Serve
Asbestos Removals Australia can provide asbestos testing and removal services throughout Brisbane, west to Toowoomba and south to the Gold Coast. If you are not sure whether asbestos was used in your home or building’s construction, don’t try and inspect for asbestos yourself – the last thing you want to do is accidently disturb asbestos and inhale the deadly fibres!
There may be situations where you may suspect, but are unsure, whether a roof, wall, floor, pipe covering or other item contains asbestos. Don’t take the chance with this deadly carcinogen, contact an expert from ARA today to organise asbestos testing in the Brisbane, Toowoomba or the Gold Coast region.