Erin's Energy Blog

If you plan to remove asbestos from your home, you must hire qualified contractors familiar with the stringent regulations that apply. This ensures that the process is undertaken safely. Here are some general pointers about asbestos and its removal.

Two Forms of Asbestos: Friable and Non-Friable

There are two forms of asbestos that you may have removed from your home, friable and non-friable asbestos, and one is more threatening than the other. Friable asbestos is loose and can be crushed by hand, such as in ceiling insulation. This type is especially hazardous, as the fibres can readily float into the air and be inhaled by someone breathing.

Non-friable asbestos is more stable, as the fibres can't become loose so easily. For example, cement sheets can contain asbestos bound within other materials. However, disturbing non-friable asbestos by cutting a fibro sheet, for example, can release the fibres and create a dangerous situation.

Some contractors are licenced to remove both types of asbestos, while others can only handle non-friable forms, the less dangerous variety. Those with a Class A licence can manage both types, and a contractor with a Class B licence can handle only non-friable forms and must comply with additional rules.

Hidden Asbestos

Asbestos was used in diverse ways in construction before the 1980s, so it's hidden in many parts of a building. Thus, you can't assume a house is asbestos-free because it doesn't have fibro or fibrous cement sheeting, a common source.

Asbestos was used in tile glue, carpet underlay, and for insulation or lagging around pipes. Thus, it could be under the flooring or in the walls. For this reason, it's wise to arrange for an asbestos inspection and removal before you renovate or buy an older home.

Sometimes it's not evident during an assessment if a building material contains asbestos, so a sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing. After an inspection, you will receive a report explaining what was found and recommending a course of action.

Safety After Asbestos Removal

After removing asbestos, you can feel assured that the air in your home is safe, as an independent contractor will conduct air quality tests. Your home will only be reopened if the results are clear, and you will be issued an inspection clearance certificate. This must usually be provided by a company that isn't connected financially or contractually to the company that removed the asbestos, which ensures the integrity of the inspection.

For more information, contact an asbestos removal company near you.