Asbestos can be found in many older homes across Sydney, particularly properties built or renovated before the late 1980s. It may be present in walls, roofs, ceilings, bathrooms, kitchens, flooring and other building materials. The material can remain relatively low-risk when it is intact, but disturbing asbestos can release fibres that are hazardous when inhaled.
If you suspect asbestos in your home, knowing when to hire a professional is important. Professional residential asbestos removal in Sydney can help ensure the material is identified, removed and disposed of using appropriate safety procedures.
Your Home Was Built Before 1990
Older homes are more likely to contain asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos was commonly used in Australian building products from the 1940s through to the late 1980s, including asbestos cement sheeting.
If you own an older Sydney property and are planning renovation, demolition or significant maintenance, consider having suspected materials assessed before work begins.
You should not assume that a material is safe simply because it looks like ordinary cement, board or sheet material.
You Are Planning a Renovation
Renovations are one of the most common situations where hidden asbestos can become a concern.
Removing walls, ceilings, bathroom fittings, flooring, roofing or old external cladding can disturb materials that may contain asbestos. Drilling, cutting, breaking or other activities can release fibres into the air if asbestos-containing products are present.
Before starting major renovation work, arrange an appropriate asbestos assessment where required. Identifying asbestos before demolition or renovation can help you plan the work safely and avoid unexpected delays.
You Find Damaged or Deteriorating Material
Asbestos-containing materials can become more concerning when they are damaged, broken or deteriorating. Non-friable asbestos is bonded with another material, but damaged or deteriorated material can present a greater risk of fibre release.
For example, you may discover damaged asbestos cement sheets in a shed, broken wall panels, deteriorating roofing or damaged fencing.
If you suspect the material contains asbestos, avoid disturbing it and contact a qualified professional for advice.
You Suspect Friable Asbestos
Friable asbestos is asbestos-containing material that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because it can release fibres more readily, it requires specialist handling.
In NSW, any amount of friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist.
This can include certain damaged materials, loose asbestos insulation and other products where the asbestos is not firmly bonded.
The Amount of Non-Friable Asbestos Is More Than 10 Square Metres
NSW has specific licensing requirements for non-friable asbestos removal.
A licensed asbestos removalist is required when removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos. A Class B licence covers non-friable asbestos removal, while a Class A licence can cover both friable and non-friable asbestos.
Although limited removal of less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may be permitted without a removal licence in certain circumstances, it is recommended that homeowners use a licensed asbestos professional for any amount of asbestos removal.
You Are Planning Demolition
Complete or partial demolition of an older house can expose asbestos-containing materials that may not be obvious during a normal inspection.
If asbestos is suspected, it should be addressed before demolition begins. A professional can help identify materials that require controlled removal and ensure the work follows applicable NSW requirements.
This is particularly important when multiple building materials are being removed at once, as uncontrolled demolition can potentially disturb asbestos and spread contamination.
You Want Safe Disposal
Removing asbestos is only part of the process. Asbestos waste also needs to be handled and disposed of correctly.
Asbestos waste must be disposed of at an appropriately licensed landfill that accepts asbestos waste. Additional tracking requirements can apply to larger quantities of asbestos waste.
A professional asbestos removal company can manage the removal and disposal process according to the applicable requirements, reducing the risk of asbestos waste being handled incorrectly.
What to Look for in an Asbestos Removal Company
When hiring a professional in Sydney, check that the contractor has the appropriate NSW asbestos removal licence for the type of work required.
You can also ask about:
- Previous residential asbestos removal experience
- The type of asbestos involved
- Removal procedures and safety controls
- Waste disposal arrangements
- Required notifications
- Clearance requirements
- Insurance and relevant qualifications
For licensed work, NSW has specific requirements around supervisors, removal procedures and clearance inspections. For example, clearance inspections for friable asbestos work must be conducted by an independent licensed asbestos assessor.
Don’t Disturb Suspected Asbestos
If you discover a material that you think could contain asbestos, avoid drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or otherwise disturbing it until you have obtained appropriate advice.
This is especially important during DIY renovations. Contacting a licensed asbestos professional can help you assess or remove asbestos safely, even where the quantity is below the licensing threshold.
Final Thoughts
Residential asbestos can be difficult to identify simply by appearance, particularly in older Sydney homes. If you are renovating, demolishing, repairing damaged materials or dealing with suspected friable asbestos, professional assistance can help manage the work safely and in accordance with NSW requirements.
The key is to identify potential asbestos before disturbing the material. If you are unsure whether a product contains asbestos, stop work and seek advice from a qualified asbestos professional rather than taking the risk of disturbing it yourself.
For Sydney homeowners, planning ahead can make asbestos removal safer, more organised and less disruptive to your renovation or property project.