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Is Your House Wrapped in Asbestos? What NZ Homeowners Need to Know About Cladding Removal”

Asbestos Cladding? Yeah, That’s a Problem — But Here’s How to Handle It

You’ve just bought a charming old villa or state house. Solid bones. Big backyard. Plenty of potential.
But what’s that grey, flat cladding on the outside?

Spoiler alert:
If it was built before the 1980s — there's a good chance it's asbestos cement cladding. And yup, that’s Class B asbestos.

Don’t freak out — but don’t grab the crowbar just yet either. Here’s what you need to know about getting rid of asbestos cladding safely and legally in New Zealand.

🧱 What’s “Class B Asbestos” and Why Should I Care?

In NZ, asbestos comes in two flavours:

  • Class A (friable): Crumbles like old Weet-Bix. Nasty stuff.

  • Class B (non-friable): Bonded into things like cement sheets, roofing, fencing, and — you guessed it — house cladding.

Your cladding might look solid, but once you start drilling, hammering, or ripping it off, it can release microscopic asbestos fibres. And those things don’t play nice with your lungs.

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🚫 Can I Remove Asbestos Cladding Myself?

In short: probably not legally — and definitely not safely.

If the area is over 10 square metres (which it definitely will be for most houses), the Asbestos Regulations 2016 say you must use a licensed Class B asbestos remover.

Doing it yourself can lead to:

  • Lung damage from fibre exposure

  • Big fines from WorkSafe

  • Your neighbours calling the council (not ideal)

💸 What’s It Gonna Cost to Remove Asbestos Cladding?

Costs depend on the size and complexity of the job, but here’s a rough Kiwi estimate:

Cladding AreaEstimated Cost (NZD)
Small section (10–20m²) $1,500 – $2,500
One wall (30–50m²) $2,500 – $4,500
Whole house (80m²+) $6,000 – $10,000+


Includes:

  • WorkSafe notification

  • On-site containment (barriers, signs)

  • Removal and dust suppression

  • Certified asbestos disposal

  • Optional clearance certificate

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🛠️ Step-by-Step: How Safe Asbestos Cladding Removal Works

1. Testing

A lab test confirms if it's asbestos — don’t guess.

2. WorkSafe Notification

Required for most jobs over 10m² — removal can’t start until it’s been filed.

3. Site Setup

The pros set up fencing, plastic wrap barriers, and put on the proper PPE.

4. Misting & Removal

They mist down the cladding so fibres don’t go airborne, then remove panels whole (no breaking!).

5. Double-Wrapped & Dumped

Cladding goes into double 200μm plastic wrap, clearly labelled, and off to a certified dump.

6. Final Clean

A full washdown and optional air test to make sure the site’s safe for you and the kids.

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🧠 Why Does This Matter?

Asbestos causes:

  • Mesothelioma

  • Asbestosis

  • Lung cancer

And it can take decades before you know anything’s wrong. That’s why WorkSafe NZ takes it so seriously.

On top of that — future buyers might run for the hills if your LIM report still shows "asbestos-containing materials on site."

👷‍♂️ What You Should Do Next

If your cladding looks suspicious (fibrolite, hardiflex, or anything cementy from the 1950s–80s), here’s your checklist:

  1. Don’t touch it.

  2. Call a licensed asbestos remover for a quote.

  3. Get it removed right — once and for all.

This isn’t a weekend DIY project. It’s a job for pros. And once it’s done, you’ll sleep better knowing you’ve protected your health and your home value.

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