Asbestos inspections is commonly found only in older buildings constructed in the 1990s. Asbestos can break down into fibre-like particles that can remain airborne for days when disturbed.
Since 2003, the use of asbestos in construction has been banned in Australia. This ban came about because exposure to asbestos particles suspended in the air can cause health risks. If humans inhale this air, they are susceptible and vulnerable to respiratory issues, cancer, and more.
It is critical to remove asbestos from your surroundings to eliminate this risk. This article will give you an overview of the factors affecting the Asbestos removal cost.
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral made of thin fibres, popularly used for many purposes. After mining it from its natural sources, it is then processed to develop industrial materials.
Previously, asbestos was most popularly used in building materials. Owing to its excellent fire resistance qualities and electrical insulating feature, it found its use in construction materials.
Factors Affecting Asbestos Removal Costs
It is highly recommended not to try DIY measures to remove asbestos audits. In fact, in some states, DIY asbestos removal is illegal. It should only be done by a licensed professional who takes necessary precautionary measures.
● Area Size
In some houses, asbestos may be found in the roof shingles, ceiling and wall lining, guttering, and other locations. Further, asbestos may be found only in specific areas and not the entire house in other cases.
In cases where asbestos is not easy to reach, the cost of removal may go up. Asbestos may be found in hazardous places like a small attic or a space that can be reached by crawling. In both cases, it may make the removal costs more expensive.
If sealing the area after removing the asbestos is difficult, it will drive up the Asbestos removal cost.
● Labour
It takes a team of licensed individuals to remove asbestos, seal the area, and finally remove it. It takes at least 7-8 hours for 2 workers to complete the entire process. Labour can cost you anything between $70 to $200 per worker per hour.
● Equipment
The equipment used to remove asbestos will also significantly affect the price you pay for it. The larger the space that has to be worked on, the more equipment will be required. Extra equipment will be needed to seal the large area, and consequently, the cost will go up.
Workers require safety equipment like goggles, protective suits, gloves, boots, and more while handling asbestos.
● Costs Before Cleaning
The set-up required to remove asbestos is elaborate and time-consuming. This step is vital to ensure the safety of workers and people in the home. Inhaling airborne asbestos can be dangerous.
The workers will have to set up a decontamination area and seal the area. They will also have to arrange disposal containers.
● Testing
If you have suspicions of asbestos in your living space, you might want to get it checked first. Hire qualified specialists to conduct the initial tests – visual and laboratory tests.
Wrapping Up
Depending on the size and complexity of the task at hand, the average Asbestos removal cost could range from $50 to $250. The harmful effects of inhaling asbestos usually show after a few years. Therefore, if you find hints of asbestos, it is essential to remove it immediately and eliminate the cause for concern.