How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
If your home was built or renovated before 2003, there’s a reasonable chance it contains asbestos materials. Asbestos was commonly used in a wide range of building products including fibro sheeting, roofing, eaves, vinyl floor tiles, bathroom linings, and fencing. However, you cannot identify asbestos just by looking at it—the only way to know for certain is through professional testing. We offer inspection and sampling services with laboratory analysis by NATA-accredited facilities to give you a definitive answer.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
In most cases, yes. Asbestos materials that are in good condition and remain undisturbed pose minimal risk. The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed through cutting, drilling, sanding, or breaking. This releases tiny fibres into the air which, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems. If your asbestos materials are intact and in good condition, they can often be safely managed in place. However, if you’re planning renovations, demolition, or if materials are damaged, professional removal is strongly recommended.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
In Victoria, homeowners may be permitted to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from their own residential property, subject to strict conditions. However, we strongly advise against DIY removal. Asbestos removal requires proper safety equipment, containment procedures, and disposal at licensed facilities. Without the right knowledge and equipment, you risk exposing yourself, your family, and your neighbours to dangerous fibres. Professional removal ensures the job is done safely and compliantly, with full documentation for your records.
How much does asbestos removal cost?
The cost of asbestos removal depends on several factors including the type of material, quantity, location, accessibility, and condition. Small jobs like removing a single sheet of fibro fencing will cost less than large-scale projects like full roof replacements. We provide free, no-obligation quotes tailored to your specific situation. Our pricing is transparent with no hidden fees—what we quote is what you pay. Contact us with details of your project, and we’ll provide a competitive quote within 24 hours.
What’s the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
Friable asbestos is material that can be easily crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. It poses the highest risk because fibres are more easily released into the air. Examples include loose-fill insulation, sprayed coatings, and pipe lagging. Non-friable (or bonded) asbestos is material where asbestos fibres are firmly bound in a matrix such as cement or vinyl. Examples include fibro sheeting, roof tiles, and vinyl floor tiles. Non-friable asbestos is generally lower risk when undisturbed but becomes dangerous when cut, drilled, or broken. As Class B licensed removalists, National Asbestos specialises in the safe removal of non-friable asbestos from residential properties.
How long does asbestos removal take?
The duration of an asbestos removal project depends on the scope of work. Small jobs like removing a garden shed or section of fencing may be completed in a few hours. Larger projects like full roof replacements or whole-house cladding removal may take several days. During the quoting process, we’ll provide an estimated timeframe based on your specific project. Our team works efficiently to minimise disruption to your home and daily life while never compromising on safety.
Do I need to leave my home during asbestos removal?
For most residential removal projects involving non-friable asbestos, you don’t necessarily need to vacate your home. Our team uses appropriate containment and safety measures to isolate the work area and prevent fibre spread. However, we may recommend staying away from the immediate work zone during active removal. For larger or more complex projects, we’ll discuss the best approach with you during the planning stage and create an asbestos control plan based on the situation.
What documentation will I receive after removal?
Following the completion of your asbestos removal project, you’ll receive a clearance certificate (if required) confirming that the work has been completed in accordance with Victorian regulations, along with a waste disposal certificate showing that the asbestos waste has been properly disposed of at a licensed facility. These documents are important for your records and may be required for insurance claims, property sales, or council approvals.
Can asbestos be encapsulated instead of removed?
In some situations, encapsulation (sealing or coating the asbestos material) may be an option for managing asbestos in place rather than removing it. This is typically considered when the material is in good condition, in a low-traffic area, and unlikely to be disturbed. However, encapsulation is generally a temporary measure and doesn’t eliminate the asbestos—it simply contains it. We can assess your situation and advise whether encapsulation is appropriate or whether removal is the better long-term solution.
What areas do you service?
National Asbestos provides residential asbestos removal services across Victoria, including Melbourne metropolitan areas, the Mornington Peninsula, Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland, and regional communities throughout the state. Contact us with your suburb and postcode, and we’ll confirm our ability to service your area and provide a quote.
How do I prepare for asbestos removal?
Prior to our arrival, we’ll provide you with specific preparation instructions based on your project. Generally, this may include clearing personal belongings from the work area, ensuring vehicle access to your property, securing pets, and informing neighbours about the upcoming work. Our team handles all technical setup including containment and safety signage. We’ll guide you through everything you need to do to ensure a smooth and efficient removal process.
Is asbestos testing included in the removal quote?
If you already know or strongly suspect that your materials contain asbestos, we can provide a removal quote based on the information you provide and/or a site inspection. If you’re unsure whether your materials contain asbestos, we recommend testing first. Testing and removal are quoted separately, as not all materials suspected of containing asbestos actually do. This ensures you only pay for the services you need.