The 30 Minute Reno: Asbestos must-knows

What is it?

The generic name for a number of naturally occurring silicate mineral fibres is Asbestos. Asbestos is classed as being either bonded or friable.

Bonded asbestos takes form within other materials such as cement. It can be found in cement sheeting and corrugated asbestos cement roofs. This is also known as “Super Six”.

Friable asbestos is dusty and crumbly. It can be reduced to powder very easily. Friable asbestos has been used as coating or insulation.

Why was it used?

Asbestos is classed as a hazardous material and in the past was widely used in building materials for residential homes because of its ability to withstand heat, decay and erosion.  It is also fire and water resistant, so was very popular. Once the dangers became known, it was phased out in the 1980’s and its use has been nationally banned since December 2003.

However, building materials containing asbestos are obviously still very evident in our communities today, as so very many post-war homes were built or renovated with asbestos-containing materials.  Linoleum and carpet underlay are also on the must-be-aware list.

The risks

The presence of asbestos in a house (or sheds, laundry, outhouses, fences etc) is not considered a health risk if it is in a bonded form and is in good condition. It can however pose a risk when asbestos fibres are released into the air and are inhaled or ingested. Inhaling asbestos can result in diseases of the lungs and other organs that in most cases don’t become apparent until many years after the exposure. This can only happen if the asbestos is broken or disturbed so that the particles become airborne. DIY renovators and tradesmen are most at risk to asbestos exposure so awareness and knowing the appropriate safety precautions are imperative.

Safe removal

Although asbestos can be removed by a DIY renovator it is definitely and very strongly recommended you seek professional advice before doing so. There are certain procedures that must be taken, and information has been provided in the link below to help you decide if you will attempt the job yourself or hire a professional to do it. 

Other helpful links have also been included for your information:

https://www.health.qld.gov.au/asbestos/home_renovators/default.asp
https://www.renos.com.au/resources/asbestos-in-carpet-underlay/
https://www.asbestosawareness.com.au/

Disposal

Once asbestos has been removed it must be disposed of in the correct manner. Asbestos waste must be double wrapped in thick plastic, taped up and labelled with the appropriate warnings. There are council approved sites where asbestos can be disposed of safely.  You most certainly can’t just put it in a skip bin or bury it in the back yard!

Your wellbeing and the wellbeing of your family and others around you is too important to be ignorant about the dangers of disturbing asbestos. Turning a blind eye or “not worrying about it” is not smart. 

Information resources and affordable asbestos removal services abound, so make yourself aware and make the right moves.

About The Reno Kings
“From over 70yrs combined experience & $40million in property holdings, Reno Kings Paul Eslick, Justin Eslick & Geoff Doidge show you how to make money in property."

The Reno Kings have been successful in property for over 35 years – and it hasn’t been by taking risks!  And for 12 years now they’ve been showing people from all over Australia how to buy exceptional property deals, cleverly add tremendous value to residential properties through cosmetic renovation and development and to safely and successfully create wealth by building a property portfolio. 

Justin has been teaching alongside Geoff and Paul for the past 5 years and his town planning and professional buying skills are so very powerful that they won’t touch a property without Justin first giving it the ‘go-ahead’.  Others have come and gone, but the Reno Kings have always been there, powering along, using their safe and secure formulas to build up $40million worth of property.  Thriving – not just surviving – through 35 odd years of property cycles proves that what they’re doing is right!   And that’s why they get so many questions from property investors and why the media always go to them for help on property and renovation stories.  The Reno Kings are the trusted name in property education