What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was considered a versatile product, because it can withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire- and water-resistant properties. It becomes a health risk when asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in.

Asbestos building materials is described as either “non-friable” or “friable”. Non-Friable asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Non-friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.

Asbestos fibres are contained within building materials. In essence, they were used as a reinforcing material, for example within sand and cement and were used for different building applications.

Are you looking at buying a new home or renovating a property that was constructed prior to 1990?

Asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials by materials and other products prior to being phased out by 1990 and banned nationally in Australia in 2003. Therefore:

a. If your home was built or renovated prior to 1987 it is ‘highly likely’ that it contains products incorporating asbestos.
b. If your home was built or renovated between 1987 and 1990 it is ‘likely’ that it may contain some asbestos containing materials.
c. However, if your home was built or renovated after 1990 it is ‘unlikely’ that asbestos containing materials will be present.

At least 1 in 3 Australian homes built prior to 1990 contain asbestos including and including brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes and apartments used products made from bonded asbestos cement that may have been used in the home. it was extensively used in around 3000 different building products. For this reason, most homes in Australia constructed prior to the 1990’s is likely to contain some degree of asbestos material such as:

•  Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) in walls and ceilings
• Water drainage and flue pipes
• Roofing shingles and guttering
• The backing of floor coverings

Why is it important to get an Asbestos Inspection?

An asbestos inspection and identification report is designed to document all areas where an asbestos product exists within a building or a property. Asbestos fibres microscopic and durable, once inhaled into the lungs they cannot be removed. A build-up of fibres over time causes major health issues. The risk factor will depend on the type of asbestos material and degree of exposure.

Why is an Asbestos Report needed?

The benefits of undertaking an adequate asbestos inspection and identification report is to know areas where asbestos products exist in your property, the type of asbestos, the condition the asbestos is in and recommendations on how to remove or manage asbestos that has been identified on your property.

The report is also essential prior to undertaking building works so that the risk of exposure to a hazardous material is known to trades that will be conducting renovation or building works.

Incorrectly handling of asbestos could expose not only the trades, homeowner, and adjoining properties to some degree of asbestos fibres. The surveying, identification and reporting of asbestos products should only be undertaken by suitably experienced building consultants such as Red Dog Property Inspections.

How do I book an Asbestos Report?

You can contact the building experts at Red Dog Property Inspections to arrange an onsite inspection to determine areas where asbestos products exist. Where laboratory certification is required, then samples are taken to a NATA registered laboratory where testing and certification is given in a written report.