Asbestos was the choice material for construction in the 18th century and 19th century. Among the benefits that made it excellent for building are heat and electrical resistance. As such, asbestos were commonly featured in roofs, ceilings, floors and thermal pipes.
However, research during 1980s turned the tide of its popularity. It emerged that asbestos was carcinogenic, as the inhalation of its fibres put many at risk of contracting cancer.
What followed was its ban, and many countries prohibit its use. In this vein, many people want to get rid of the asbestos used in constructing their houses. An expert from Pro Asbestos Removal talks about the cost of asbestos removal nowadays. Plus, useful tips in finding the best asbestos removal company.
History of Asbestos Usage in Australia
Most developing nations around the world started adopting the use of asbestos in the 1880s. This is after taking note of its many advantages in the construction sector.
During the first world war, the gas masks were an asbestos-derivative. In Australia, the use of this material began in the 1920s. At this time, many people were moving into the country, resulting in the post-World War 1 building boom.
Asbestos was heavily marketed, at this time, as being very reliable. Fireproof, lightness and robustness were among asbestos’ selling points, and many people bought into the notion.
Its usage once again peaked in the post-World War 2 building boom, where more houses came up than the previous boom. Additionally, the discovery of blue asbestos led to its mass exploitation. Extensive use of asbestos continued into the late 1980s, hence, you are likely to find it in both commercial and residential units built during or before this time.
Ban on Asbestos
As early as 1899, there was speculation that asbestos had negative effects. Researchers noticed that asbestos miners died early, mostly due to lung problems. Postmortem studies found traces of asbestos on the lungs of the deceased.
By the 1930s, there was fear that asbestos had serious effects than earlier imagined. There were more reported deaths due to its exposure. In Australia, the concerns peaked in the 1970s after having many casualties.
Concerned officials started to phase out its use gradually. The government banned asbestos mining in 1983. Six years later, it phased out the use of asbestos in construction. The total ban on asbestos use was passed in 2003.
The Cost of Asbestos Removal
Following its ban, many people are doing away with structures featuring asbestos. A thing to know about asbestos is that there are friable and non-friable types.
The former means that it can crash when dry, converting it to powder and releasing its fibres. Non-friable asbestos does not easily crumble under pressure. As such, the Environment Protection Agency (EPA) deems it safer. However, with time, it can degrade to become friable.
How much does it cost to remove asbestos? An agreeable fact is that getting rid of the asbestos structure needs you to break the bank. Considering it is for your health’s benefit, it is a worthy course.
While removing it is expensive, you should not try doing it yourself, especially if you do not have the right qualifications. Improper handling of this material can expose you to serious health hazards.
Why is the Removal of Asbestos Expensive?
Doing away with asbestos is costly because it is a fragile material. It needs qualified personnel with the right gear to handle it.
The cost will vary depending on many factors, for example, the location of your residence and the city you are in. You also consider how much asbestos you have to remove. The more structures to deal with, the more you have to pay.
If you are dealing with friable asbestos, it will require a lot of work, including decontamination of the surrounding soil. This will hike the cost of removing it.
Typical Asbestos Removal Costs
The typical costs include consultation fees, an inspection of the area, then removal and disposal of asbestos. Inspection will include identification of the material and its extent. After its removal, the company you select may make post-removal visits to recheck the area.
Cost Breakdown
To remove your roof, you will have to part with an average of $4000, though this cost may also include replacement.
For an asbestos ceiling, the cost ranges between $50 and $120 per square meter. Eaves cost an average of $2000.
You have to part with an average of $30 to $50 for one sheet of asbestos fencing material. Replacement of the floor can cost you up to $800, depending on its area. Cladding removal is quite costly, with external removal being around $3500 to $4500.
For internal cladding, you will have to part with an average of $2000. If you have asbestos on your soil, excavation and disposal is roughly $200 per ton.
Getting Prices and Quotes
If you find a reliable asbestos removal firm, they will give you their quote during consultation. The quote may include the consultation fees. You can pay a deposit and clear the balance upon completion of the job.
How to Find a Good Asbestos Removal Expert
You need an expert when you want to deal with your asbestos problem. A professional will assure you of a clean environment without any traces of this carcinogenic material.
You can find one on online listings, where you should pay attention to their reviews. At times, word of mouth can refer you to a asbestos specialist in your area that will do a great job.
Conclusion
Asbestos came from being one of the prominently used building materials to one of the most feared. The fear comes from its negative health effects, which can lead to cancer and respiratory issues.
If you have an asbestos structure near you, you have to be very careful when in or around it and also let the concerned authorities know. If you own such a structure,ensure to look for a qualified asbestos handling firm to take care of the problem.
While removal is costly, dealing with asbestos health complications can be costlier.
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