Frequently Asked Questions

Costs of Asbestos Removal

1) Size and Difficulty Of the Job. Clearing a roof with a big pitch, for instance, is harder than taking apart a simple asbestos fence.

2) Tipping Costs And Transport Distance Tipping costs can vary depending on the type of materials involved.

3) Size of Pieces Large pieces that are easy to pick up, are easier to remove than smaller, awkward pieces. As a general rule of thumb.

4) Site Access Jobs with good site access can take less time and take less resources, thereby reducing our costs (and yours).

Get a quote by calling us or request a quote / call back at the bottom of the page.

How Can I Know If My Home Is At Risk?

It’s estimated that over 60% of the production of this dangerous fibre and 90% of all its consumption has occurred in the cement manufacturing industry, and these products have been used extensively in both New Zealand & Australia’s construction industry of the past.

Since the materials were highly durable and inexpensive, they were extensively used in the industry. After World War II until 1954 a little over half the houses built were built with AC cement in one way or another. Up until the sixties, a quarter of all new houses in Australia alone wer clad in ACP. Its estimated that 78% of all homes constructed between 1950 & 1976 in Auckland contained ACP (probably mostly wall sheeting), and that a fifth of the domestic roofs contained asbestos on that period.

While asbestos hasn’t been widely used in domestic building materials since the 1980's, the substance and all products containing it were only banned in New Zealand in the 2000's.

Currently, it is illegal to store, supply, import, sell, install, utilize or reuse such materials. The ban, of course, does not apply to materials containing asbestos (ACP) which were installed before that date, such as the asbestos in many Kiwi houses today.

In any way, if your house was built or renovated in the eighties or earlier, it probably does contain at least one form of ACP – especially cement sheeting.

How Can I Identify It?

It is hard to tell if a certain material contain asbestos just by looking. While many building materials installed before the late 80s may contain it, you can only be sure if you have a sample of it analyzed by a laboratory – and it’s important that you confirm that before performing any general maintenance, demolition or renovation activity. If you do not wish to pay for testing, you should treat the material as though it contains it, otherwise you might be exposing yourself to severe health risks, especially if the material might contain loosely bound asbestos.

Tightly Bound (Bonded) explained

Materials containing bonded materials are those with a percentage of asbestos fibres embedded into a hardened cement matrix. These are the most common asbestos-containing materials used in residential housing. Commonly named ‘fibre’, ‘AC sheeting’ and ‘asbestos cement’, these materials tend to contain 10-15% of asbestos, but may contain up to 40%. Nowadays, cellulose fibres are used instead of bonded asbestos.

Materials containing bonded asbestos are known to be less risky than loosely-bound materials, and they can be handled with more ease. However, firmly-bound materials can become loose and start falling apart due to degradation, and thus they would need to be handled with extra care.

Firmly bound fibres are also found in insulating boards that are used for heat and sound isolation as well as fire protection. These can be found in commercial, industrial and even in residential properties, and they are used in ceiling tiles, electrical panels, circuit boards and wall linings, with an asbestos content of approximately 20% to 45%.

Can A New Building Contain It?

Since the 2000's, ACP has been banned in New Zealand, as well as all and any products containing it. It is illegal to store, supply, import, sell, install, utilize or reuse materials containing it. Once again, the ban does not include products installed prior that date.

Since the eighties, cellulose fibres are used in place of asbestos in building materials, and fibres such as glass are used in insulation problems. There are still some harmful health effects associated with said products, such as throat and skin irritation that can occur when one inhales the dust that cutting said products create.

Is it important to get a licensed contractor for cheap asbestos removal?

Cheap or not, asbestos removal requires the proper licenses. In fact, there are many reasons for you to check the credentials.

Insurance companies will not cover damage and liability if the contractor doesn’t have licenses. Asbestos handling is a delicate matter, and a lack of training can cause serious problems.

Amateurs without licenses or piggy backing another companies license; performing an indoor removal may risk fibres being released. Without proper containment, these will spread and attach to you and your home. Clothing, bedding, carpets, curtains, and more will need to be disposed of.

This scenario is less prevalent with licensed professionals, as they undergo rigorous training and certification. Even in the event of a mishap, insurance coverage will provide protection from liability and give you more peace of mind. Necessary repairs and decontamination are covered.

To illustrate, let us give you an image of the scale.

From one household with asbestos, it is possible to contaminate an entire block. All of this from a few broken sheets and the right conditions. Most of this comes from amateurs or DIY attempts to remove the material, or demolition and renovation crews failing to identify it beforehand.

It is therefore imperative to get licensed, reliable asbestos removal companies on the job.

Loosely-Bound (Friable) explained

Not ordinarily found in residential properties, loosely bound products were used mostly in industrial and commercial settings for fire and sound proofing and general insulation, which, nowadays, are done by using glass fibres instead.

Loose fibres can rarely be found in old stoves, domestic heaters and hot water systems, and they can contain up to 100% asbestos. Since they’re so loose, the material can turn to dust when light pressure is applied to it, making it especially dangerous.

Loose fibres can become airborne very easily, and they should only be removed and handled by a licensed asbestos removal professional.

How do I check if a company has the right licenses for cheap asbestos removal?

If you're unsure if a company that has quoted you holds a valid license you can check here:

https://worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/asbestos/licensing/licence-holder-register/

To see our license on the same website click here:

https://worksafe.govt.nz/the-toolshed/registers/asbestos-licence-holder-register/awm-ltd/

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