When you imagine home improvement or some outdoor maintenance, asbestos may not be the first thing that comes to your mind. But your shed, garage, or any other outbuilding constructed before the 1990s may well be harbouring a silent killer, asbestos.
With thousands of homes in Australia having older structures in the outdoor area. It is more important to know about the outbuilding asbestos risk and how to check these areas.
In this blog, we will walk you through all you need to know about asbestos inspection and garage asbestos testing, such as where asbestos may be located. The warning signs to watch out for, and what actions to take in case you suspect its presence.
What is the Problem with Asbestos in Outdoor Buildings?
In Australia, asbestos used to be a favourite construction material, highly valued. It is because of its strength, fire retardancy, and insulation. It has now become notorious for its severe health hazards, particularly when the fibres go airborne and are breathed in. There are diseases that are caused by long-term exposure. It also includes asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Although most homeowners know about asbestos in interior walls or ceilings. It is also far fewer who know about the asbestos in outdoor buildings, such as:
- Garden sheds
- Detached garages
- Workshops
- Storage rooms
- Backyard studios
Structures constructed or changed before the ban on asbestos in 2003 (and also before 1990). It may still consist of bonded asbestos cement sheeting or asbestos insulation in loose-fill form.
Common Places Asbestos Hides in Sheds & Garages
The first step towards being safe is to know where asbestos could occur. When performing a shed asbestos inspection or garage asbestos testing, asbestos professionals will examine:
- Roofing works and sheeting works
A large number of old sheds and garages have corrugated asbestos cement roofs or walls. These often appear in the form of grey, hard-looking cement panels. When they crack or get worn out, they may exude harmful asbestos dust.
- Eaves/Soffits
Sheds and garages used to have asbestos cement built in the eaves and soffits to avoid fire damage. These remnants can be left to appear strong but are dangerous when disturbed.
- Insulation
Older outdoor rooms can contain asbestos as insulation, either behind walls or in ceilings. It was used to heat up the space, but it is much more hazardous when it is damaged or introduced into the air.
- Switches and electrical backboards
Asbestos was employed as a flame-retardant material to ensure that the electrical switches and the fuse boxes were insulated in aged outdoor structures. Such backboards can still be there and can emit asbestos dust when tampered with or even broken.
Common Signs of Asbestos in Outdoor Structures
You may not be able to see with your naked eyes to identify a material’s ability to contain asbestos. But a few pointers to show that your shed or your garage may contain ACMs are
- Corrugated cement sheeting: It is very common to find it being used as a roofing method, and it can contain bonded asbestos.
- Flaking or cracked panels: Worn-out walls or ceiling fibre cement with any usage that is old and worn, perhaps around a screw or joint.
- Pipe lagging or insulation: In older garages with a hot water system or electrical work, there may be insulated piping that contains asbestos.
How does the Inspection Process Work?
When you call specialists to inspect shed asbestos or garage asbestos tests, this is what to expect:
Step 1: Site Visit and Inspection with the Eye
One of the licensed people will visit your property. The shed or garage will be examined with caution. They test walls, roofs, and other materials to determine whether there are any indications of the possible presence of asbestos.
Step 2: Collection of samples (optional)
In case the inspector suspects asbestos, he or she will gather a tiny amount of it safely. They are specifically shielded when they do this. The sample is then subjected to a lab to determine whether, indeed, there is asbestos there.
Step 3: Lab Testing
The sample is tested at the lab to determine that it does contain asbestos. They also determine the type of asbestos involved. The common ones are chrysotile, amosite, or crocidolite. This assists in the operation of the next action.
Step 4: Reporting and Recommendations
You must receive a clear report on whether asbestos was recorded and where. It will also make recommendations on what to do next, either to leave it as it is and seal it or remove it. This recommendation varies according to the state and the place of the material.
Ending Note
Worried that asbestos is present in your shed, garage, or any external building? Don’t wait. Asbestos Victoria provides licensed and professional shed asbestos inspection and garage asbestos testing in the area. They offer you safety and peace of mind, as they have years of experience and access to the appropriate laboratories.
If you have failing roofing or want to make sure an older outbuilding is safe, Asbestos Victoria can inspect the asbestos outbuilding risk without fuss and delay.