Unfortunately, it’s a question professional builders and homeowners have had to deal with for over 50 years…

How do you identify asbestos?

Before it was known to be harmful, this inexpensive to manufacture, easily accessible material had a long list of other benefits, making it very popular in the Australian construction industry prior to the late 1980s. Its use was so widespread it will still take decades to completely remove. 

Asbestos fibres are very fine, making them difficult to distinguish, but there are 3 ways you can identify products that contain asbestos…

Identify When The Building Was Constructed

The Queensland Government Asbestos website states that If your house was built:

• Before the mid-1980s it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing materials
• Between the mid-1980s and 1990, it is likely that it has asbestos-containing materials
• After 1990 it is highly unlikely that it has asbestos-containing materials. However, it is possible some houses built in the 1990s and early 2000s may still have used asbestos cement materials until the total ban in December 2003.

Find Out What Materials Were Used in Constructing The Building

Think about the main construction materials. Due to the waterproofing qualities and hardiness of asbestos, it was used in materials such as:

• Cement sheet
• Corrugated cement sheeting/roofing
• Vinyl wall and floor tiles 
• Pipes that carry water or sewage

Inspect For Asbestos 

Carry out a full inspection of all rooms and structures, take photos and note down of any manufacturer information.

Then always assume materials contain asbestos or get it tested when:

• The material cannot be identified
• Suspect material cannot be accessed
• You otherwise cannot be sure it does or does not contain asbestos

Once you’ve taken these steps and you have identified materials that could contain asbestos, it’s important to engage a professional who will carry out further analysis, organise removal and help with renovation decisions.

Asbestos is not easy to identify, but now you have 3 ways to help you identify materials that contain asbestos.

If you’re concerned about asbestos in your roof, the team at Roo Roofing can help. Get in touch.