Asbestos Removal on the Sunshine Coast

Where asbestos turns up in older homes

Queensland guidance says a home built before the mid 1980s is highly likely to contain asbestos, and one built up to 1990 is likely to. On the Sunshine Coast that often means fibro wall sheeting, eaves, corrugated roofs, wet area linings, vinyl floor backing and old fences. You can't tell by looking, so anything suspect should be treated as asbestos until it has been tested.

Class A or Class B?

Queensland splits asbestos licences into two classes. A Class B licence covers more than 10 square metres of non friable asbestos, such as bonded fibro sheeting. Friable asbestos, the kind that crumbles to powder by hand, needs a Class A licence. Ask to see the licence before you agree to anything.

How removal usually runs

The removalist seals off the work area, wets the material to keep fibres down and takes sheets off whole where possible. Waste is wrapped and carted to a site that is able to take it. After licensed removal a clearance certificate is issued, and that document matters if you are selling, renovating or handing the block to a builder.

Asbestos before a demolition

Queensland rules require asbestos likely to be disturbed in a home to be identified before demolition, and removed where that is reasonably practicable. So on most older houses it comes off first, then the demolition starts. Your house demolition quote should say who is handling it.

Disposal on the Sunshine Coast

Asbestos can't go in the normal tip run. Sunshine Coast Council and Noosa Council each nominate where it is accepted and ask for notice in advance, so your contractor needs to plan this into the job.