What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos Fencing Around Your Home: A Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide

Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners Suspecting Asbestos in Fencing

If you suspect that your home’s fencing may contain asbestos, you’re right to be cautious. Asbestos was commonly used in construction and fencing due to its durability and resistance to fire and weathering, especially in materials like cement sheet fencing. However, once disturbed, asbestos fibers can become airborne and cause serious health problems. Here’s what you should do to manage the situation safely and in compliance with regulations.

Step 1: Identify Potential Asbestos Fencing

Where to Look Asbestos cement was widely used in fencing up until the 1980s. If your property is older or the fence has been in place for decades, it may contain asbestos.

• Characteristics of Asbestos Fencing:
  • Cement-like material.
  • Old, corrugated, or fibrous look.
  • Usually appears in weathered or cracked sheets.

If the fence shows signs of deterioration—such as cracking, breaking, or crumbling—there is a higher risk that asbestos fibers could be released into the air.

Important Tip: While visual inspection may give you some clues, you cannot determine if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Professional testing is required.

Step 2: Do Not Disturb the Fencing

Why You Shouldn't Touch It Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed. If fibers are released into the air, they can be inhaled and lead to severe health conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.

What Not to Do:

• Do not attempt to break or cut the fence.
• Avoid drilling into, sanding, or power washing the fence.
• Keep children and pets away from the area.

Step 3: Contact a Licensed Asbestos Inspector

Get a Professional Inspection To confirm whether your fencing contains asbestos, hire a licensed asbestos inspector. They will take samples of the material and send them to a laboratory for analysis. This ensures that the testing is done safely and according to proper protocols, preventing asbestos fiber release.

Cost Estimate: An asbestos inspection typically costs between $400 and $800, depending on the size of the fencing and the number of samples.

What You’ll Get:

• A comprehensive report detailing whether asbestos is present.
• Recommendations for removal or management based on the condition of the fence.

Key Tip: In New Zealand, inspectors should be certified under WorkSafe NZ guidelines.

Step 4: Decide on Removal or Encapsulation

Understand Your Options Once the results confirm that the fencing contains asbestos, you have two main options: encapsulation or removal.

• Encapsulation: Encapsulation involves applying a sealant or protective coating to the asbestos material to prevent fibers from becoming airborne. This is a temporary but less invasive and more affordable option if the fencing is intact and undamaged.
• Removal: If the fencing is damaged, deteriorating, or you plan to replace it, removal is the best solution. Asbestos removal must always be done by licensed professionals who follow strict health and safety procedures to ensure the safe handling and disposal of the material.

Cost Estimates:

• Encapsulation: This process typically costs between $500 and $2,000, depending on the size of the fence.
• Asbestos Removal: Removal can range from $1,500 to $10,000, depending on the extent of the job and the complexity of the site.

Key Tip: Always hire licensed asbestos removalists. Attempting DIY removal is illegal and extremely hazardous.

Step 5: Follow Legal Guidelines and Disclosure

WorkSafe NZ Compliance In New Zealand, handling asbestos comes with strict legal responsibilities. You must follow the guidelines set by WorkSafe NZ under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. If removal work is necessary, it must be performed by a licensed professional, and the waste must be disposed of at approved facilities.

Disclosure Requirements (For Selling) If you’re selling your home, you are legally required to disclose the presence of asbestos to potential buyers. This includes providing them with the inspection report and documentation of any removal or encapsulation efforts.

What You Should Disclose:

• A copy of the asbestos testing report.
• Details of any removal or encapsulation work.
• Any relevant safety certificates (e.g., clearance certificate after removal).

Step 6: Ensure Safe Asbestos Disposal

Disposing of Asbestos Waste Asbestos waste cannot be disposed of in regular rubbish. Your asbestos removal contractor will transport the waste in sealed containers to a licensed facility. This ensures that no asbestos fibers are released during transportation or disposal.

Request Documentation: Ensure that your contractor provides documentation verifying that the asbestos materials were safely and legally disposed of. Keep these records for future reference or property transactions.

Step 7: Get a Clearance Certificate After Removal

Final Inspection and Certification After the asbestos fencing has been professionally removed, a final clearance inspection is required. An independent inspector will check the site to confirm that all asbestos materials have been safely handled and removed, ensuring that the area is now safe.

Cost of Clearance Inspection: A clearance certificate typically costs around $200 to $500, depending on the extent of the work and the size of the property.

Key Tip: Keep the clearance certificate for your records—this will be crucial for future renovations, inspections, or selling your property.

Conclusion

If you think your home’s fence may contain asbestos, the first thing you should do is avoid disturbing it and contact a licensed asbestos inspector. Whether you choose encapsulation or removal, it’s essential to follow the steps outlined here to ensure the safety of your family and compliance with local laws. Always work with professionals for testing and removal to prevent exposure to dangerous asbestos fibers. With proper management, you can safely address asbestos and avoid long-term risks.

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