Renovating an older home can be an exciting journey, especially when it comes to transforming a classic property into something new. But, if you’re working on a house built before the late 1980s, particularly in regions like Macedon Ranges and surrounds, Ballarat, or Greater Bendigo, there’s an important consideration you can’t afford to overlook: asbestos.
Asbestos was commonly used in Australian building materials up until the 1980s, and it’s still found in many older homes today. If your renovation project involves disturbing these materials, it’s essential to know how to handle asbestos safely to protect yourself, your family, and your workers. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to know before you get started.
1. Where Can Asbestos Be Found in Older Homes?
Asbestos was valued for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties, making it a popular choice in many areas of home construction. Here are some common places where asbestos might be hiding in older homes:
- Roofing: Asbestos cement roofing sheets and insulation were commonly used.
- Ceilings: Textured coatings, such as “popcorn” ceilings, often contain asbestos.
- Walls: Cement sheets, wall cladding, and joint compounds could contain asbestos.
- Floors: Some vinyl flooring tiles and their adhesives may have asbestos.
- Bathrooms: Water pipes, lining behind tiles, and backing on vinyl flooring.
- Kitchens: Older stoves, splashbacks, and certain kitchen benchtops.
- External Cladding: Asbestos cement sheeting was widely used on the outside of homes.
It’s important to remember that asbestos isn’t always visible. While some areas of the home may show obvious signs of ageing, like old roofing materials or wall cladding, asbestos can also be hidden within the structure, behind walls, or under floors.
2. Is It Safe to Renovate with Asbestos Present?
Asbestos is not immediately dangerous if left undisturbed. However, when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are damaged or disturbed, asbestos fibres can be released into the air. These fibres, when inhaled, can lead to serious health conditions, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Renovation activities, such as knocking down walls, drilling, sanding, or cutting into materials, can disturb ACMs and release harmful fibres. That’s why it’s crucial to identify whether asbestos is present before beginning any renovation work.
3. The Importance of an Asbestos Inspection
Before starting your renovation project, the first step should be to arrange a professional asbestos inspection. A licensed asbestos assessor will inspect the property and take samples of suspected materials to determine if asbestos is present.
Here’s why an asbestos inspection is important:
- Peace of mind: You’ll know exactly where asbestos is located and whether it’s safe to proceed with your renovation plans.
- Avoiding exposure: Identifying asbestos early on means you can plan to have it removed safely, minimising the risk of exposure to harmful fibres.
- Legal compliance: In Victoria, strict laws govern asbestos handling and removal. Failing to follow these regulations can result in hefty fines or health risks.
4. What to Do If Asbestos is Found
If asbestos is identified in your home, it doesn’t mean you have to cancel your renovation plans, but it does mean you need to take the right precautions.
- Hire a professional: Asbestos removal must be carried out by licensed professionals. DIY removal is illegal and highly dangerous. Myers Asbestos Removal, serving Riddells Creek, Ballarat, and Greater Bendigo, is fully licensed to handle both friable and non-friable asbestos removal. We’ll ensure the asbestos is safely removed and disposed of in accordance with Victorian regulations.
- Plan your project carefully: After the asbestos is removed, your renovation can continue safely. Depending on the scope of the removal, you may need to adjust your project timeline slightly to accommodate the necessary precautions.
- Don’t disturb undamaged asbestos: In some cases, if the asbestos is in good condition and won’t be disturbed during your renovations, you might be able to leave it in place. However, this should always be determined by a professional assessor.
5. Asbestos Removal and Safety Regulations in Victoria
In Victoria, asbestos removal is strictly regulated to ensure public safety. There are two types of asbestos removal licences:
- Class A for removing all types of asbestos, including friable asbestos, which can easily crumble and release fibres.
- Class B for removing only non-friable asbestos, which is bonded within other materials like cement or vinyl tiles.
For larger or more complex jobs, a Class A licensed removalist is required. At Myers Asbestos Removal, we are qualified to handle both types of asbestos removal and follow all WorkSafe Victoria guidelines to ensure the safety of your home, your family, and our workers.
6. Common Mistakes to Avoid During Renovation
When it comes to asbestos in older homes, there are a few common mistakes that renovators make, often with serious consequences:
- Skipping the inspection: Not getting an asbestos inspection before starting work is risky. You might unknowingly disturb asbestos-containing materials.
- Attempting DIY removal: Never try to remove asbestos yourself. Not only is it illegal, but without the proper equipment and training, you’re putting yourself and others at serious risk.
- Underestimating the risks: Some homeowners assume asbestos is only a problem if it’s visible or crumbling. However, even asbestos hidden behind walls or in flooring can be dangerous if disturbed.
Avoid these mistakes by partnering with a trusted asbestos removal company and ensuring that your renovation project follows all safety protocols.
Final Thoughts
Renovating an older home can bring new life to a property, but if asbestos is present, you need to proceed with caution. Knowing where asbestos may be hiding, getting a professional inspection, and engaging licensed removalists will ensure that your renovation goes smoothly and safely.
At Myers Asbestos Removal, we have extensive experience in identifying and removing asbestos in homes across the Macedon Ranges, Ballarat, Greater Bendigo, and surrounding areas. If you’re planning a renovation and are concerned about asbestos, get in touch with us today. We’ll provide a thorough inspection and a tailored plan to safely remove any asbestos from your home, so you can move forward with your dream renovation without worry.
Contact Myers Asbestos Removal to book your asbestos inspection before your renovation begins.