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Class B Asbestos Cladding Removal Auckland – The Hard Truth Homeowners Need to Know Before Renovating

Class B Asbestos Cladding Removal – What Auckland Homeowners Must Know Before Pulling Those Sheets Down

If your house in Auckland was built before the mid-1990s, those flat grey cladding panels on the exterior walls might not be harmless cement — they could be asbestos cement sheets. Back then, asbestos was mixed into building products for strength and fire resistance. Today, it’s a serious health hazard that’s tightly regulated under WorkSafe NZ’s Asbestos Regulations 2016.

That’s where Class B asbestos removal comes in — the safe, legal way to remove and dispose of non-friable (bonded) asbestos materials like wall cladding.

What Is Class B Asbestos Removal?

New Zealand law separates asbestos removal into two categories:

  • Class A = Friable asbestos – crumbly, dusty, and extremely high risk.

  • Class B = Non-friable asbestos – solid and bonded (such as cement cladding, soffits, and roof sheets).

If you’ve got asbestos cladding, it’s Class B work — because the fibres are locked inside the cement. But once you crack, saw, or drill those sheets, the fibres become airborne. That’s when you cross the danger line.

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Step-by-Step: How Professionals Remove Asbestos Cladding Safely

1️⃣ Inspection and Testing

You can’t tell by looking — even experts don’t guess.
A licensed asbestos assessor takes samples from the cladding and sends them to a certified lab for testing.

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2️⃣ Planning and Control Setup

Once asbestos is confirmed, a Class B Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) is written.
It covers everything from how the site will be sealed to the type of PPE and tools used.
Fencing, barriers, and warning signs are installed around the house to keep neighbours and pets clear.

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3️⃣ Careful Sheet Removal

  • The cladding is lightly wetted to stop fibres escaping.

  • Sheets are unscrewed and lifted whole – never broken or cut.

  • Workers wear P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, and gloves.

  • Each sheet is immediately double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic and labelled for disposal.

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4️⃣ Clean-Up and Decontamination

After removal, the area is cleaned with HEPA-filtered vacuums and wet wipes.
Even the ground and window ledges are checked.
Waste is stored in sealed containers until it can be safely transported.

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5️⃣ Waste Transport and Disposal

All asbestos waste is taken to an approved hazardous waste facility, not the local dump.
It’s tracked with a manifest record, meeting both HSNO and WorkSafe NZ requirements.

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Why You Should Never DIY Asbestos Cladding Removal

It’s tempting to think, “It’s just a few sheets — how hard can it be?”
But DIY asbestos work is a fast track to contamination and fines.

Here’s why you should leave it to the pros:

  • Breaking asbestos cladding releases fibres instantly.

  • Those fibres can stay airborne for hours and settle into your soil, garden, and lungs.

  • WorkSafe can fine you for unauthorised asbestos work.

  • Insurance won’t cover damage or contamination caused by DIY.

Licensed contractors have training, equipment, and insurance to remove asbestos safely. They also notify WorkSafe before starting the job and provide you with a clearance certificate when it’s done.

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Signs Your Cladding May Contain Asbestos

  • Flat grey cement boards installed before 1990.

  • Stamped brands like “Hardiflex”, “Fibrolite”, or “Super Six”.

  • White fibres visible on broken edges.

  • Houses built between 1950 and 1985 are most at risk.

When in doubt, test before you touch — it’s cheap insurance for your family’s health.

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The Bottom Line for Auckland Homeowners

If you’re planning to renovate or re-clad your home, check first for asbestos.
If it’s there, you’ll need a licensed Class B asbestos removalist to do it legally and safely.

They’ll handle everything — testing, containment, removal, waste, and clearance — so you can get on with your project without risking your health or your wallet.

Peace of mind is worth every cent when it comes to asbestos.

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