In Australia, asbestos cement materials were heavily used in residential construction from the mid-1940’s up until the late 1980’s, with The Australian Government’s Department of Health stating that any home built before the mid-1980’s is highly likely to contain asbestos products. While homes built after 1990 are less likely to contain asbestos, there is still a risk for any homes built up until December 2003, when a total ban on asbestos use in Australia was made effective.
Because asbestos materials are so prevalent in Australian homes, it is extremely important to carry out asbestos testing before any renovation or demolition work commences, or if there are any areas of the home starting to degrade (such as in old sheds, basement or attic areas). Not only is it illegal to remove certain types and amounts of asbestos yourself, but it creates a huge health risk to your family, neighbours and yourself if you begin messing with materials that may contain asbestos.
Asbestos Removals Australia (ARA) are licensed professionals who can comprehensively test and check your Brisbane, Toowoomba, The Sunshine Coast or Gold Coast property to accurately identify where any asbestos may be contained. ARA can then provide the right advice, should asbestos be found in your home, to ensure 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 your property for asbestos is the best way to secure peace of mind that you and your family are safe from danger.
Where is Asbestos Found?
There are two kinds of asbestos to look out for. When conducting asbestos testing on a home and surrounding property, ARA thoroughly check for both types of asbestos.
Friable asbestos can be found in:
- Insulation on hot water pipes, heaters and stoves.
- Backing material on floor tiles or vinyl flooring
- Spray-on insulation or soundproofing
- Heat-resistant fabrics
- Textured paints or coatings
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 risk of not removing asbestos, it is a small price to pay for peace of mind that your family is safe. 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.
Contact an expert from ARA today to organise asbestos testing in Brisbane, Sunshine Coast or the Gold Coast.