External Asbestos Wall Removal: A Guide for Geelong Homes

If you’re a homeowner planning renovations and need asbestos removal in Geelong, knowing what’s hiding behind your external walls is essential. Asbestos was once a popular building material, particularly in homes built before the late 1980s, and many properties still contain it in their walls, roofs, ceilings, and fences. In this guide, we walk you through a real-world process of removing asbestos from an external wall—safely, legally, and with minimal disruption.

Why External Wall Asbestos is a Hidden Risk

For decades, asbestos cement sheeting was used to construct external house walls. It was cheap, durable, weather-resistant—and, as we now know, hazardous to health. If disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne and, when inhaled, pose serious long-term health risks such as mesothelioma and lung disease.

This is particularly relevant for those looking to renovate older homes. External walls may appear solid and harmless, but hidden behind the paint or render could be asbestos cladding waiting to be disturbed.

Step 1: Identifying the Presence of Asbestos

The first step in any asbestos removal job is identifying whether asbestos is present. In Geelong, many homes built before 1990 are at risk. A professional asbestos inspection or sampling is the only way to confirm its presence.

Using professional asbestos inspection services in Geelong ensures the process is safe, reliable, and compliant with local regulations. These inspections are particularly useful for identifying potential hazards in external house walls containing asbestos before beginning any renovation work.

Step 2: Planning the Removal Safely

Once asbestos has been confirmed, a licensed removalist needs to develop a removal plan. This includes:

Site preparation
Notification to WorkSafe Victoria (if applicable)
Safety measures for residents and neighbours
Waste disposal arrangements

Safety comes first. The work zone is isolated to prevent contamination, and all professionals involved wear PPE, such as approved respirators and disposable coveralls.

Step 3: Removing the Asbestos Wall Sheeting

This stage is where expertise truly matters. Professionals begin by carefully loosening the asbestos cement sheets without breaking them. The goal is to minimise dust and disturbance.

Each sheet is dampened and removed intact where possible. Following safe asbestos wall removal procedures is essential to keep fibres from becoming airborne. By trusting trained professionals who can professionally remove asbestos external cladding, you significantly reduce the risk to yourself and your family.

All removed materials are immediately sealed in approved containers or wrapped in thick plastic sheeting to avoid contamination during transport.

Step 4: Decontamination and Cleanup

After the physical removal of asbestos, thorough decontamination is vital. Surfaces are wet-wiped, vacuumed with HEPA filter systems, and any residual dust is safely removed.

Even the smallest trace of asbestos can pose risks. Therefore, proper clearance inspections are conducted to ensure the area is completely safe before any re-occupation or rebuilding begins.

Step 5: Legal Disposal and Certification

Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a licensed facility. In Geelong and across Victoria, strict environmental laws govern how asbestos is to be handled.

Choosing certified asbestos disposal in Geelong not only ensures compliance with safety standards but also provides peace of mind. Reputable providers understand asbestos waste removal regulations in Victoria and will supply a clearance certificate at the end of the job.

When Should You Consider Asbestos Wall Removal?

There are several situations where removing asbestos from your external walls should be a priority:

You’re planning to repaint or renovate the exterior of your home
You’re upgrading or replacing old weatherboards or wall cladding
You’re buying a property and want to ensure it’s safe and asbestos-free
You’ve noticed cracks, damage, or signs of wear in your external wall panels

Because asbestos was so widely used in older building materials, it’s easy to miss signs of it in areas like external walls. Even if your home appears modern or freshly painted, the layers beneath could still contain hazardous materials. As more people learn about the health dangers of asbestos exposure, homeowners are increasingly seeking qualified professionals to ensure safe and thorough removal.

Trust Aussie Asbestos Solutions for Safe, Legal Removal

When it comes to asbestos removal in Geelong, experience matters. At Aussie Asbestos Solutions, we bring over 25 years of industry knowledge to every project. Our fully licensed team follows strict safety procedures in line with Worksafe Victoria guidelines and OH&S regulations.

We take pride in delivering complete end-to-end solutions—from inspections and safe removal to legal disposal and documentation. No matter how small or large your project is, our friendly experts are here to help you make your home safe again.

Need expert advice or a free quote? Contact Aussie Asbestos Solutions today and discover why we’re one of Geelong’s most trusted names in asbestos removal.