The rules in NSW
Under NSW rules, a homeowner or tradesperson may remove less than 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Removing more than 10 m² — which is every roof — or any friable asbestos must be done by a licensed asbestos removalist. The removalist has to notify SafeWork NSW and track the waste to a licensed facility.
Asbestos was banned in Australia from 31 December 2003. If your home was built or extended before about 1990, assume the roof, eaves or wall sheeting could contain it until a test says otherwise.
Never water-blast, sand or drill an old cement roof to “clean it up”. That's exactly how fibres get released.
How we run an asbestos re-roof
- Inspection and sample testing if the material hasn't been identified yet.
- Removal by a licensed removalist, with SafeWork notification, wetting and wrapping, and disposal at a licensed facility.
- Clearance where required before roofing work continues.
- New battens, sarking and COLORBOND® roof installed straight after, so the house isn't left exposed.
- Paperwork: you get the disposal records for your files and for any future sale.
Sheds, garages and carports too
Old fibro garages and sheds in suburbs like Mayfield, Waratah, Wallsend and Shortland often have corrugated asbestos-cement roofs. They're usually quick jobs, and a new steel roof brings an old shed back into use.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if my roof is asbestos?
You can't tell for sure by looking. Grey, fibrous-looking corrugated sheet on a pre-1990 building is a common sign. A sample test by a qualified assessor confirms it, and we can arrange one.
Is it dangerous to leave an asbestos roof in place?
Bonded asbestos in good condition is low-risk if it's left alone. The risk comes when it's weathered, broken, drilled, cut or water-blasted. If your sheeting is cracking or crumbling, or you're planning work on the roof, it's time to replace it.
Who do I call with questions about asbestos rules?
SafeWork NSW runs an asbestos line on 1800 272 378, and asbestos.nsw.gov.au has the official guidance for homeowners.
Sources
Figures and rules on this page come from the following. Prices are market ranges, not our quotes; your written quote is fixed.
