Asbestos in and around the home
- In WA, most asbestos building products are over 50 years old and nearing the end of the product’s life.
- If you have asbestos cement sheeting on your property, such as roofs and fences, consider replacing it with safer, non-asbestos materials.
- Handling asbestos materials without proper precautions is an offence because it can release dust containing asbestos fibres into the air.
- You cannot sell any asbestos cement products.
- You cannot use high-pressure water or air on asbestos products.
If your home was built before 1990 then it likely contains asbestos in some building products. Asbestos cement in good condition is generally safe if left undisturbed. However, handling, cleaning or repairing it without care can release harmful fibres.
If these materials are heavily damaged (due to fire, strong winds, or accidents), they pose a higher risk of fibre release and contamination. The Department recommends the removal of any damaged, derelict, or unused structures that contain asbestos.
For anyone buying, renting or selling a house built before 1990, you can ask that asbestos containing products are included in a building inspection report (external site).
Homeowners can also read the Asbestos safety for householders and home renovators guideline (external site).
By law, asbestos can only be:
Where asbestos is found around a home
Asbestos cement, which contains 10-15% asbestos, was widely used in building materials. In older homes, asbestos products may still be present beneath newer renovations, like walls, floors, and ceiling spaces. If you’re renovating an older home, check for hidden asbestos products before starting.
Inside the home
- Wall and ceiling panels especially in kitchens, bathrooms, toilet and laundry
- Vinyl floortiles
- Linoleum floor backing
- Backing for wall tiles andsplashbacks
- Insulation in stoves, domesticheaters, roof cavities and around hot water pipes
- Textured paint (popcorn ceiling)
Outside the home
- Roof sheeting, gutters, downpipes and ridge capping
- Eaves lining
- electrical switchboard backing
- Wall cladding
- Garages and carports
Backyard
- Fences
- Garden sheds, outdoor toilets and dog kennels
- Buried construction waste materials
Maintaining, painting, or sealing asbestos products
Becasue of their age, many asbestos roofs and fences are brittle and deteriorating and it’s better to replace rather than try to clean or paint them.
Cleaning asbestos cement roofs can release fibres. Cleaning methods need to be non-abrasive and care is necessary to ensure waste coming off the roof is collected and disposed as asbestos waste..
Prioritising removal of your roof is recommended because:
- moss and algal growth on the surface prevent safe surface cleaning
- you cannot use a high-pressure hose to clean sheeting as this will release and spread asbestos fibres
- asbestos cement roofs become brittle with age and can be more easily damaged and unsafe to walk on
- removal costs are higher for roofs in poor condition because licensed removalists need to take more care to remove them
- fire or wind-damage roofs cause widespread contamination, with increased exposure risks to airborne asbestos fibres, and extremely high clean-up costs.
If you choose to keep and maintain asbestos products that are in good condition:
- Don’t break or damage them.
- Avoid plants or other items rubbing against surfaces.
- Check gutters and downpipes are working properly and undamaged.
- Dispose of any waste from cleaning gutters and drains in heavy duty plastic bags at licensed disposal sites.
- Check soakwells are in place to collect asbestos cement roof run-off water from downpipes.
Painting or sealing
In the past, applying a good quality surface coating or sealant was recommended to extend the life of an asbestos cement fence or roof and improve its appearance. However, many products are now to worn for this to be effective.
Don’t use nonpenetrating or poor-quality paint as it may peel or flake and spread contamination.
Given their age, most often it is best to remove and replace asbestos cement products.
Caution: it is highly recommended that you seek the services of a licensed asbestos removal contractor (external site) for any removal work.
More information
Last reviewed: 15-12-2023
Acknowledgements
Public Health
This publication is provided for education and information purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice. Information about a service, product or treatment does not imply endorsement and is not intended to replace professional advice. Readers should note that over time currency and completeness of the information may change. All users should seek advice from a qualified professional for answers to their questions.
