Blog

 

How to Remove Asbestos Cladding Safely Before Renovating in Auckland (And Why You Should Never DIY It)

How to Remove Asbestos Cladding Safely Before Renovating in Auckland

If you’re planning to give your Auckland home a facelift and it was built before the 1990s, chances are that your exterior walls could be hiding asbestos cladding. It might look like harmless old cement sheet, but once you start drilling, cutting, or sanding — you’ve got a serious health hazard on your hands.

Let’s talk about how to remove asbestos cladding the right way, and why calling a licensed asbestos removalist is not just smart — it’s the law.

🧱 What Is Asbestos Cladding?

From the 1940s through the late 1980s, builders all across New Zealand used asbestos-cement sheets as exterior cladding.
They were tough, cheap, weather-resistant, and fireproof — everything a homeowner could want… until we learned how deadly the dust was.

These sheets contain asbestos fibres that become airborne when broken, drilled, or sanded — and when inhaled, those microscopic fibres lodge in your lungs permanently.
Diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma can develop decades later — even from low-level exposure.

⚠️ Why DIY Asbestos Cladding Removal Is a Terrible Idea

Many Kiwis still think, “I’ll just do it myself and save a few bucks.”
Here’s why that’s one of the costliest mistakes you can make:

❌ 1. You’ll Break the Law

Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, only a licensed Class B removalist can remove non-friable asbestos cladding.
DIY removal is illegal beyond very small quantities — and WorkSafe can issue heavy fines.

❌ 2. You Can’t See the Risk

You can’t tell by looking whether your cladding contains asbestos.
Even if it looks like normal fibre-cement, it might still contain up to 15% asbestos.

❌ 3. You’ll Contaminate Your Home & Yard

One broken sheet can scatter invisible fibres into the soil, window frames, and even inside the house.
Once that happens, cleanup can cost thousands — and your home may be flagged for contamination.

❌ 4. You’ll Void Insurance

If your insurer finds out unlicensed asbestos removal was done, they can decline claims related to contamination or injury.

✅ How Licensed Professionals Remove Asbestos Cladding Safely

Here’s what a proper removal looks like when handled by a WorkSafe NZ licensed removalist:

Step 1: Testing and Assessment

  • A qualified asbestos assessor takes samples of your cladding.

  • They send them to an accredited lab to confirm asbestos content.

  • You get a written report before any work begins.

Step 2: Site Setup and Containment

  • The area is fenced off, and warning signs are posted.

  • Plastic sheeting (200 µm) is laid around the work zone to catch debris.

  • Power tools are avoided — removal is done by hand.

Step 3: Safe Removal Technique

  • Cladding sheets are lightly wetted to reduce dust.

  • Screws and nails are removed manually.

  • Each sheet is carefully lifted off and lowered intact, not dropped.

Step 4: Secure Disposal

  • All waste is double-bagged, sealed, and labelled “CAUTION – ASBESTOS.”

  • Licensed transporters take it to an approved asbestos landfill (such as Redvale or Hampton Downs).

  • You get disposal receipts for your records.

Step 5: Decontamination and Clearance

  • Workers decontaminate at the worksite using HEPA vacuums and wet wipes.

  • A licensed asbestos assessor performs a clearance inspection and issues a certificate before the site is reopened.

💰 Typical Costs for Asbestos Cladding Removal in Auckland

Costs depend on access, height, and total square metres. On average:

  • Testing: $250 – $400

  • Removal (Class B): $25 – $50 per m²

  • Clearance inspection: $200 – $500

It’s not cheap — but compare that to the cost of a WorkSafe fine or a contamination cleanup, and it’s a no-brainer.

🧠 Why You Should Always Hire a Professional

  1. Compliance – Licensed removalists know the WorkSafe asbestos regulations inside-out.

  2. Safety – They have proper PPE, negative-pressure equipment, and disposal protocols.

  3. Documentation – You’ll get testing reports, clearance certificates, and disposal proof for your property file.

  4. Peace of Mind – You can renovate without risking your health or your home’s value.

✅ Final Word

If you’re renovating in Auckland and suspect asbestos cladding, don’t take chances.
Call a licensed asbestos removalist, get it tested, and let the experts handle it safely and legally.

Renovating your dream home shouldn’t end with a health nightmare — protect your family, your neighbours, and your investment.

Make Enquiry