Ripping Off That Asbestos Roof? Here’s What Every Kiwi Homeowner Needs to Know

Blog:

Is Your Roof a Hidden Health Hazard? Let’s Talk Asbestos

If you’ve got a house built before the 1990s in Aotearoa, chances are you’ve got a bit of history over your head — and not the good kind.

We're talking about asbestos roofing, mate.
Yep, those wavy cement sheets or flat panels that have been sitting up there for 40+ years could be loaded with Class B asbestos.

And before you get the ladder out for a quick fix — hold up.
Removing that stuff is serious business. Here’s the lowdown on how to do it right.

🧱 What the Heck Is “Class B Asbestos” Anyway?

In NZ, asbestos gets classed into two buckets:

• Class A (friable): Crumbly, powdery, and airborne — the worst kind.

• Class B (non-friable): Bonded into building materials like cement sheets, roofing panels, soffits, and weatherboards. Still dangerous if disturbed.

Asbestos roofing? That’s almost always Class B, and when it's cracked, aged, or broken — those deadly fibres can escape.

🔍 SEO Keyword: Class B asbestos roof removal NZ

🛑 Can I Just Get Up There and Do It Myself?

Technically? Nope.
Legally? Only if the area is under 10 square metres, which let’s be honest, no full roof ever is.

The Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 are pretty clear:
Over 10m²? You must use a licensed Class B asbestos remover.

Do it yourself and you could end up inhaling invisible fibres that stick around in your lungs for life — not to mention facing fines from WorkSafe NZ.

💸 How Much Does It Cost to Remove an Asbestos Roof in NZ?

Let’s break it down by average house size:

This usually includes:

• Licensed asbestos removal crew

• Full site setup and safety gear

• Water misting to suppress dust

• Removal of all roofing sheets

• Safe bagging and disposal

• Clearance certificate (optional but recommended)

🔍 SEO Keyword: asbestos roof removal cost NZ

🛠️ What’s the Proper Way to Remove an Asbestos Roof?

Here’s the no-BS step-by-step:

1. Inspection & Testing

Don’t assume — test it. A quick sample to the lab will confirm it’s asbestos.

2. WorkSafe Notification

For most removals, WorkSafe must be notified 5+ days before the job starts.

3. Site Setup & Containment

The area gets locked down with barriers and warning signs. It’s all about keeping fibres in and people out.

4. Wet It Down

No dry removal here — the roof is constantly misted to stop fibres flying.

5. Sheet-by-Sheet Removal

Every panel is unscrewed gently. No breaking, no cutting — just slow and safe.

6. Double Bagging & Disposal

Everything is wrapped in 200um plastic, labelled as ACM, and taken to a licensed landfill.

7. Decontam & Final Clean

The site and crew get a deep clean. A clearance test may be done to verify safety.

🔍 SEO Keyword: safe asbestos roof removal NZ

🧠 Why Bother Doing It the Right Way?

Because asbestos is the kind of problem you don’t see until it’s too late.
Inhaling fibres can cause:

• Lung cancer

• Mesothelioma

• Asbestosis

These don’t show up for 20–30 years — but once they do, there’s no turning back.
Plus, if you stuff it up, you could be slapped with fines of $10,000 or more.

🏡 What Should You Do Next?

If your roof looks like it’s from the Cold War era, here’s your action plan:

1. Stop touching it.

2. Call a licensed Class B asbestos remover near you.

3. Ask for a quote and removal plan.

4. Sleep easy knowing it’s gone for good.

This is one job that’s worth doing right — for your health, your home, and your future.