Asbestos Bathroom Removal Melbourne

Asbestos Bathrooms

Asbestos products were used a lot in construction prior to the mid-1985, when they were phased out around 1990 after the dangers of asbestos came to light. Prior to this, asbestos products were widely used because they were extremely strong, non-corrosive, insulating and fire proof.

One of the main area’s asbestos can be found is in the bathroom. It was also extensively used in the bathroom as waterproof panelling under floor tiles and behind wall tiles.

Asbestos cement compressed, also known as ‘thick’ sheet commonly used as outdoor walkway material, can also be found in bathrooms. It is very hard, strong, and heavy.

That’s why it’s important to identify asbestos products in your bathroom before you start renovating and have them removed safely to reduce the risk.

Where asbestos is found in bathrooms

Bathrooms in homes built before the mid 1980s are one of the most common places to find asbestos. Fibro sheeting was used as a wet area lining because it handled moisture well, and it was often hidden behind tiles. Before a bathroom renovation, it is worth checking:

Wall sheeting behind wall tiles and around the shower
Ceiling sheets, often with cover strips
Vinyl floor tiles or sheet vinyl, and the backing underneath
Compressed sheet flooring used under tiles in some homes
Window reveals, splashbacks and old exhaust fan surrounds

Original bathrooms in post-war homes around Frankston, Chelsea and Dandenong often contain one or more of these materials. Bathrooms and laundries are frequently renovated together, and we can also help with asbestos kitchen removal and asbestos wall removal elsewhere in the house.

Our asbestos bathroom removal process

We aim to hand your builder a clean, safe room ready for the new fit out:

Identify: we confirm which materials contain asbestos, using asbestos testing where needed.
Coordinate trades: your plumber and electrician disconnect fixtures and power before we start.
Seal off the room: doorways and vents are sealed with plastic and the area is signed.
Remove linings whole: wall and ceiling sheets come off with tiles attached, rather than chipping tiles off.
Lift flooring carefully: vinyl, tiles and underlays are removed with methods that limit dust.
Clean the frame and floor: surfaces are HEPA vacuumed and wet wiped.
Dispose and clear: waste goes to an authorised facility, and a clearance certificate can be arranged.

Planning your bathroom renovation around removal

Asbestos removal is usually one of the first steps in a bathroom renovation, straight after fixtures are disconnected and before your builder starts demolition. Booking the removal early helps avoid delays, particularly if your tiler, plumber and cabinet maker are already scheduled. Let your builder know what materials have been identified so they do not start stripping walls or floors themselves. Think about how the bathroom connects to other rooms too. Laundries, separate toilets and hallways often share the same era of linings and floor coverings, and it can be more efficient to deal with them in one visit. Once removal and cleaning are complete, the room is handed back to your builder ready for the new fit out.

What affects the cost

Bathroom jobs are quoted after we see the room. Main cost factors include:

The size of the bathroom and the number of surfaces involved
Whether walls, ceiling and floor all contain asbestos
Layers of tiles, adhesives and underlays
Access through the house and to the street
Any linked laundry, toilet or hallway areas included in the job

Your safety and compliance

It can be tempting to start pulling tiles off yourself, but tiles are often glued to asbestos sheeting and breaking them releases fibres into the home. In Victoria, WorkSafe requires a licensed removalist for more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos and a Class A licence for any friable asbestos. A full bathroom with walls, ceiling and floor can easily pass the 10 square metre limit.

Once removed, EPA Victoria requires the waste to be securely packaged and taken to a facility authorised to accept asbestos. Standard builders’ skips are not suitable for asbestos waste. We are registered with the EPA in Victoria and take care of disposal.

We remove asbestos from bathrooms across Melbourne, including Brighton and Mornington. Get a free quote for your asbestos bathroom removal.

Asbestos bathroom removal: common questions

How do I know if there is asbestos behind my bathroom tiles?

If your bathroom was built or renovated before the mid 1980s, there is a fair chance the wall lining behind the tiles is fibro. You cannot see it without removing tiles, so testing is the safest way to find out. We can take a sample from a discreet spot and have it analysed before your renovation starts.

Can the new bathroom go straight in after asbestos removal?

Yes, once the room has been cleaned and, where required, cleared by an independent inspection. We aim to leave a clean frame and floor so your builder can begin the rough in and new linings. We are happy to coordinate timing with your builder to keep the project on schedule.

Do vinyl floor tiles in old bathrooms contain asbestos?

Some older vinyl floor tiles and the backing on some sheet vinyl contain asbestos. They are usually low risk while intact, but scraping, sanding or breaking them can release fibres. Testing will confirm the material, and we can remove it safely as part of your bathroom job.

Can I still use my other bathroom during the work?

In most homes, yes. We seal off the bathroom being worked on and keep our waste route separate where possible. If the only toilet or bathroom is part of the job, we will talk through timing with you so the disruption is as short as possible.

KEEP YOUR BATHROOM FREE FROM ASBESTOS

When it comes to removing asbestos from your bathroom, the first thing you need to do is identify where the asbestos is located. It may be in the ceiling, flooring, or walls. Once you’ve located the source of the asbestos, you must remove it carefully. If you have an older home or are planning a bathroom rebuild, it’s critical that you check for asbestos to safeguard yourself, your family, and any tradespeople or home renovators who may be working in the house.

We’re experienced professionals who will leave no trace of asbestos behind after the job is done. We’re also friendly and reliable, so you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

Look no further than Aussie Asbestos Solutions! We provide complete asbestos removal services, from initial assessment and testing to final disposal. We have a team of certified professionals who are experienced in handling all aspects of asbestos removal, so you can rest assured that your property is in good hands. We use state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to safely and efficiently remove asbestos, ensuring your property is free of any health hazards.

Bathroom Asbestos Removal