What is an Asbestos inspection?
Jim’s Building Inspections are New Zealand’s leading experts in the inspection and sampling of asbestos containing materials.
Asbestos containing materials come in all shapes, sizes and colours. There are three main types of raw asbestos found in New Zealand – blue, brown and white asbestos – and each type was consistently used in New Zealand building products from the 1940s through until the 1990s.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral rock made up of many small, strong fibers. These fibers are highly resistant to heat, fire and chemicals which once made it a popular material for:
1. Wall cladding (fibrolite)
2. Lagging (on pipes and boilers)
3. Water tanks
4. Asbestos insulating board
5. Vinyl flooring and backing
6. Textiles and composites
7. Textured decorative coatings, flat and stippled plaster
Once the health risks of asbestos became known, the use of asbestos was gradually stopped, and other materials used instead. However, products and appliances with asbestos content may still be around, particularly in New Zealand homes built before 1984. It is actually estimated that roughly half the houses in New Zealand, particularly in Auckland and Christchurch, do contain some asbestos containing materials.
(source: http://www.health.govt.nz)
Who needs an Asbestos inspection?
If your home was built before 1984, it is essential that before starting any renovation or maintenance work on your home, a visual asbestos inspection and possibly asbestos sample testing is conducted to identify where the asbestos is in your house and to understand what condition it’s in.
Jim’s Building Inspections conduct asbestos inspections that are non-destructive, visual inspections of the property, specifically looking at :
1. Exterior and interior roof spaces and materials
2. Under the floor area including foundations, framing, insulation and ground moisture
3. Interior/exterior of the property including windows, floors, ceilings and any specific services and systems
4. Other structures on the site such as sheds and garages
5. The site itself, including factors like drainage, retaining walls, driveways and fencing.
If asbestos is identified visually then further sample testing of the material would be recommended. Jim’s Building Inspections New Zealand uses certified laboratories for the testing of suspected asbestos containing materials.
What we provide you with?
Your Jim’s Building inspector will provide you with a report of the visual inspection and the opportunity to discuss the findings with the inspector over the phone.
The report will include:
1. Identification of building materials suspected to contain asbestos
2. Description of the condition of the suspected asbestos containing materials
3. Identification of urgent and serious safety hazards
4. Detailed photographic information
If you are present when the inspection is taking place, we will speak with you about any suspected Asbestos containing materials which may be in a condition that means that they are an immediate and urgent safety hazard.
If the inspection includes Sampling services, Jim’s Building Inspections New Zealand will take small samples of the material and seal the area that is affected by this.
Lab analysis of samples may take 1-3 working days after which a full report including the findings from the lab will be provided. In this report, we will discuss safe asbestos management and recommendations regarding safe removal of asbestos.
If it is suspected that asbestos fibers may have become airborne, Jim’s Building Inspections New Zealand can arrange air monitoring to gauge and mitigate the issue.
Jim’s Building Inspections New Zealand have building inspectors throughout Auckland, Christchurch and surrounding areas and look forward to assisting you with your asbestos inspection and sampling requirements.
Can you put a price on the safety and wellbeing of your family?
To discuss your property with the experts at Jim’s Building Inspections call 0800 454 654 or click here for a free online quote.