Asbestos Questions

Hello Tony,

I’ll investigate this a bit more and get back to you. My initial thoughts would be no as its not sprayed or usually friable, however it probably will pose a hazard similar to synthetic mineral fibre and glass fibre materials. But as I said I will investigate some more. Thanks for the query.

Hi Joana

Asbestos containing material is rated for risk on a few things but basically if it can crumble between your fingers and is in your face that’s when its a significant risk. So a painted and sealed asbestos cement sheet is not a problem unless  you drill it and have your face unprotected near it. But something like pipe lagging can be hazardous in place as its surface can be dry and worn.  So to assess the risk  firstly is it friable or non friable ( can you crush it with your fingers to powder)?, is it painted or sealed? is it exposed to weather or enclosed inside, how enclosed is it in regards to breathing spaces all those things have bearing on the risk. But basically don’t create or release  asbestos fibres from it and don’t breathe them in. Everybody is now used to masks and you can get a basic P2 asbestos mask from a hardware store which also brings down the risk.

Let me know if that answers you question or if you have a specific ACM in mind you want to talk about. Thanks
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Hi sandhya, I meant like any other problem  with a house for example with cracked walls which needed stabilising or ants needing treatment. Many people like yourself are scared off by a house with an asbestos problem- even identifying it could mean securing a discount at purchase or knowing someone like a licenced asbestos removalist who can sort the problem out quickly and easily.  Since 2019 the Australian tax office has been offering tax deductions for Asbestos Removal ( check with your accountant) Whats the mantra- buy a house with a problem and solve it!

That’s all I meant- especially since most people see it as too hard or too scary- yet in NZ you also have to test for mould and drug labs and that,s mandatory! Hope that helps.
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Okay firstly is the roof sealed or painted? That’s your first option if it isn’t than painting or sealing will slow the deterioration of the entire roof surface which will continue to erode due to reaction to acidic pollution. Before you do that for the specific cracks seal them with liquid nails/sealant or similar if possible. You will need to follow asbestos safety precautions to do that – mask, PPE etc. To actually repair the sheets liquid nail or screw in cover panels of sheet metal remembering not to drill and following asbestos safety precautions.

In the sealing area there a number of options – you can just paint it but it will take a lot of paint as it soaks in and make sure its a UV resistant paint otherwise there is no point – it will be just as bad in 6 months time if you don’t use UV resistant. You can chemically treat it which usually involves two treatments one to clean it and then has to be safely drained and then treated. or you can polymer treat it which seals it up like plastic coating. These last two options though are so costly you may as well remove it. Remember you can get a TAX DEDUCTION for removing asbestos! Not the replacing of the roof just the removal part so you seriously should consider as five years is too long as it will continue to disintegrate as long as you have it in place. Also there is the extra insurance premium each year you pay for having an asbestos roof which due to all the storms is always increasing and add that over 5 years to the cost of maintenance. Also you run the risk of legal/tenant problem if it isn’t maintained – gutters in good condition and downpipes that go under ground etc. You haven’t said if its a house or commercial property so I’m presuming its a house as there are different laws for a commercial property you must follow. if you were only keeping it two or so years I’d say repair/seal for five or more years replacement may be the better option.
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