Asbestos Removal

It can be difficult to identify asbestos, as it is often mixed with other materials. You can't actually see asbestos fibres as they're 50 to 200 times thinner than a human hair.  They are so small and light that once in the air, they can remain floating for days. Asbestos looks different depending on the materials it is mixed with.

If you think it is asbestos, treat it like it is. Contact a licensed asbestos assessor before repairing or renovating.

It is advised that you never attempt to remove Asbestos yourself.  Asbestos fibers are microscopic and when disturbed can easily become airborne, which makes them easy to inhale or ingest. Inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers can lead to serious illnesses including cancer.  We recommend using licensed professional removalists like Morecroft who will also dispose of it in accordance with government regulations.

Talk to your local council to find out where to find a tip (rubbish dump) that accepts asbestos waste and complies with the Resource Management Act. We recommend that you call several days ahead to let the tip know that you will be arriving with asbestos waste, so that they can prepare for its disposal. The reason for this is that asbestos waste needs to be disposed of in a special way.

Houses built, or that had work done, between 1950 and 2000 are quite likely to contain asbestos.

• before the mid-1980s: it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing products
• between the mid-1980s and 1990: it is likely that it has asbestos- containing products
• after 1990: it is unlikely that it has asbestos-containing products.

The best way to know if something in your home contains asbestos is by testing for it.  We recommend More Enviromental as a IANZ Accredited testing service.