Removing Asbestos Fences, Sheds & Garages in NZ: A No-Nonsense Guide for Homeowners"

Got an Old Asbestos Fence, Shed or Garage in NZ? Here's How to Remove It Safely (Without Screwing It Up)

If you’ve got an old corrugated fence, dodgy-looking shed, or a garage that’s seen better days, chances are you’ve wondered:
"Could that be asbestos?"

Short answer? Yep — it probably is.
Especially if your house was built before the 1990s, it’s very likely those old cement-looking panels are made of asbestos cement — the kind that falls under Class B asbestos in New Zealand.

Let’s break down what that means, why it matters, and how to get rid of it the right way (without putting yourself or your neighbours at risk).

First, What the Heck Is Class B Asbestos?

In New Zealand, asbestos is classed two ways:

• Class A = Friable asbestos (crumbly, dusty, super dangerous — needs full enclosures and certified removalists)

• Class B = Non-friable asbestos — the solid stuff that’s still bonded into cement or sheeting (like fences, garage walls, shed roofing)

Your typical asbestos fence or shed is Class B. It won’t fall apart in your hands — but cut it, drill it, or smash it up, and those deadly fibres start flying.

Signs You Might Have Asbestos in Your Fence, Shed or Garage

🛠️ Built before 1990
🪨 Looks like old fibre cement panels
🔍 No product markings
🛑 Feels solid but brittle
🌧️ Still holding up despite decades of weather

If you’re unsure — don’t guess. Get a test done by a licensed asbestos assessor or removal company.

The Right Way to Remove a Class B Asbestos Fence, Shed or Garage in NZ

Here’s the safe, no-BS, step-by-step process:

✅ 1. Get a Test First

Before swinging a hammer, get a sample tested by a lab. Don’t assume.

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✅ 2. Hire a Licensed Class B Asbestos Removalist

If you’re removing more than 10m², it’s illegal to DIY — you must use a licensed Class B removalist under WorkSafe NZ regulations.

Even under 10m²? You’d be mad to risk it. Get a pro in.

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✅ 3. Set Up the Site Right

Your removalist should:

• Fence off the area

• Use warning signs

• Make sure no one’s near the zone (especially kids and pets)

• Get the right PPE (disposable suits, P2 masks)

This isn’t a backyard reno — it’s hazardous material removal.

✅ 4. Wet the Panels (No Dust Allowed)

Asbestos hates water — it keeps the dust down.

The removal team will lightly spray the sheets with water as they’re removing them to stop fibres from becoming airborne.

✅ 5. Carefully Remove in Whole Sheets

No cutting. No smashing. No grinding.
Just slow, steady removal — one sheet at a time.

Why? Because breaking the sheets releases fibres. Simple as that.

✅ 6. Double Bag and Label the Waste

Asbestos waste goes into approved bags, is sealed, labelled, and taken to a licensed disposal site — no dumping it in your wheelie bin.

If your neighbour does that? Call it in.

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✅ 7. Do a Final Clean-up

After the sheets are gone, the team vacuums and wipes the whole area with HEPA-rated gear. Not your average garage broom.

This step is crucial to keep microfibres from lingering.

What Can Go Wrong If You Don’t Do It Right?

• Massive fines from WorkSafe NZ

• Airborne asbestos in your backyard

• Neighbours lodging complaints

• Risking your family's health (and legal liability)

It’s just not worth the shortcut. This stuff doesn’t cause a sniffle — it causes mesothelioma and lung disease.

Bonus Tip: Rebuild Smarter

Once your asbestos garage or fence is gone, consider modern, safe materials like:

• Colorsteel fencing

• Timber sheds

• Zincalume roofing

• Non-asbestos fibre cement panels

Your property value will thank you.

Final Thoughts: Don’t DIY Asbestos — Even the "Safer" Kind

Class B asbestos might not be friable, but it’s still dangerous if mishandled.

If you’re in New Zealand and want that old asbestos fence, shed or garage gone for good, do it the legal, safe, and smart way.

Get it tested. Get it removed. Get it disposed of properly.

Then enjoy the peace of mind of having a safer home and a fresh start.