Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre. It can be positively identified with a special type of microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
Using real job data, combined with expert consultation, we’ve built our estimators to give you a ballpark cost for a range of projects. It’s a great tool to explore when considering how materials, size and other choices impact the price of your project.
REQUEST A QUOTEAsbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre. It can be positively identified with a special type of microscope. In the past, asbestos was added to a variety of products to strengthen them and to provide heat insulation and fire resistance.
Studies have shown that people breathing high levels of asbestos fibres in factories and shipyards have an increased risk of lung cancer.
Most people exposed to small amounts of asbestos do not develop these health problems. However, if disturbed, asbestos material may release asbestos fibres inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos material that would crumble easily if handled or that has been sawed, scraped, or sanded into a powder, is more likely to create a health hazard.
The risk of lung cancer increases with the number of fibres inhaled and if you smoke. The symptoms of this disease do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first asbestos exposure.
Residential properties | Wall cladding |
Commercial properties | Exterior materials |
Soil | Fences |
Roofing | Ceilings |
We Cover The Whole Process From Start To Finish. With the new regulation for asbestos coming into full effect by April 2018, asbestos workers must not only be licensed but shall also be H&S compliant.
Just because you have asbestos located on your property doesn’t mean you’re at a higher health risk. But it does mean you need to ensure the material is well maintained to minimize the release of fibres or cause cross-contamination issues.
Popcorn ceilings, also known as ‘textured’ ceilings, are fairly common in older New Zealand homes. For several years, asbestos was used as a component in creating the effect.
Not all popcorn ceilings contain asbestos; you’ll need to get a sample to find a conclusive answer. There’s no need to worry – even if your ceiling does contain asbestos, it may not be causing any immediate danger.
Buildings built before 1985 are likely to have asbestos in them somewhere. The walls and roofing are the most likely areas, though rooms that require insulation are also plausible, sometimes drainage pipes also have asbestos. Even if there has been a renovation, that is no assurance that there is no more asbestos.
The fact is there are a lot fewer textured ceilings to remove now, and those applied after 1983 do not have asbestos in them anyway. The good news is the cost to remove these are substantially less than those with asbestos.