Don’t DIY Demo that Asbestos Shed

Asbestos could be anywhere in a pre-1990s home, and you need to be aware! Especially for renovators, the risks need to be clearly understood.

Most commonly, many older properties contained asbestos cladding in sheds and bungalows, often used as outdoor laundry areas, bathrooms and storage sheds.  With time, many of these buildings have deteriorated, with broken and damaged cladding leaving occupants potentially exposed to asbestos contamination.  This can be from broken cladding, insulation, roof leaks, pipes, wall and floor tiling, furnace insulation, and floor and wall sheeting, just to name a few.

Each week 13 Australians die of asbestos-related diseases – 12 from malignant mesothelioma. Another 13 are diagnosed with this incurable cancer and the average survival time following diagnosis is just 10-12 months.

Australia was among the highest consumers of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the world. Multiple products still lie hidden in one-third of Aussie homes built or renovated before 1987 including brick, weatherboard, fibro, clad homes, flats, and apartments.

Australians are also very keen on DIY and home renovations. There has been an increase in this after many lifestyle programs such as “The Block” has encourage home owners to improve their homes. Looks easy when you see a couple renovate a bathroom in 24hrs!

Asbestos Clad sheds such as the one above, have not been maintained, and broken sheets can release asbestos particles into the air.  Each time more damage occurs, more abestos can be released into the environment. It is critical that asbestos sheds are well maintained, and that asbestos is encapsulated safely; and not disturbed. Or otherwise, safely removed entirely.

This is too much of a risk to save a few dollars on a reno. Particularly for families with small children.  A worksite can leave a child playing with materials and sweeping up dust that can contain Asbestos.

Most Australians would be surprised at where they might find the hidden danger of asbestos. Asbestos can be found:

• under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles
• behind a wall and floor tiles
• in cement floors,
• internal and external wall cladding
• ceilings and ceiling space (insulation).
• eaves & roofing
• garages, outdoor toilets & laundries, backyard sheds, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
• chimney flues and around hot water pipes,
• fences
• extensions to homes.

Our Jim’s Licenced Asbestos removalists can safely remove asbestos containing materials and provide a clearance certificate to make sure your family is safe.  Call us anytime on 131 546 or book a free quote online 24/7.