Weatherboard Queenslanders = asbestos???

To all those familiar with renos or knock down and rebuild in Queensland (specifically close to brissy)....

Do weatherboard and older housing stock (post war product) contain asbestos like they do in sydney?

TIA

 

Not the weatherboards, but it is usually in the material in the ceilings and internal walls. Also in old insulation. My guide is to assume it is asbestos until proven otherwise.

 

Yes they do. Also look at the roof as well. A tin roof covered in a black mould is a sign of asbestos as well.

 

Do you guys consider asbestos when looking at a deal?

 

Consider it? Certainly. However it really depends on what you want to do. Factor in the removal costs if you are going to pull down a part or all of the property. If you are only going to clean the surfaces and repaint them, then not an issue. Others here will know more about the costs involved.

 

Asbestos sheeting rooves are obvious, they look like rolling sheets of fibro. Obviously fibro.

 

Pretty sure this is one:

 

Hi - not planning to knock down ourselves but there is always the possibility after resale so i try to keep that in mind but in the short term (while we own one) is tenants and potential damage which could expose asbestos in the cavities....contaminate the rest of the house and potentially expensive to fix. Am i being silly here lol? Has this happened to anyone?

 

Just about every older build would have asbestos in it, so it would be pretty hard to avoid. The best thing to do is just treat it (by painting over), which will prevent it from posing any danger.

Fibro roofing pre-1980s would be super-6 asbestos. These pose problems over time as the surface layer weathers and the fibres become exposed, so if it's in poor condition it may be expensive to replace/dispose. Post 80s fibro is probably Hardiplank, which is asbestos free as would be marked accordingly.