Asbestos Flue Removal

Where asbestos is found in flues and heaters

Many Melbourne homes built or renovated before the mid 1980s still have asbestos cement flue pipes running from a gas space heater, wall furnace or hot water service up through the ceiling and out of the roof. These grey, pipe-like sections often look harmless, but they can release fibres once they crack, weather or are cut. We regularly find asbestos in:

• Flue pipes running through ceiling spaces and roof sheeting
• Flue cowls and caps on the roof
• Heat shield sheeting on walls behind old heaters
• Rope seals, gaskets and linings inside older heaters and furnaces
• Offcuts and old flue sections left in roof spaces from past renovations

Flues are a common find in post-war homes around Frankston, Dandenong and Chelsea, where original heating was often never fully removed. If your flue sits next to an asbestos ceiling or roof, we can plan both jobs together with our asbestos ceiling removal and asbestos roof removal services.

Our asbestos flue removal process

Flue work usually happens at height and inside the ceiling, so careful planning matters. Here is how we approach a typical job:

• Check and confirm: we inspect the flue and, if it is unclear what it is made of, arrange asbestos testing before work begins.
• Make it safe: any gas appliance should be disconnected by a licensed gas fitter first, and we agree access to the roof and ceiling with you.
• Set up the work area: we isolate rooms, lay heavy plastic sheeting under the ceiling penetration and put up warning signs.
• Remove without breaking: sections are wetted down and taken out whole wherever possible, rather than cut or snapped.
• Wrap and label: every piece is double wrapped in heavy polythene, sealed and labelled as asbestos waste.
• Clean up: we clean the area with a HEPA filtered vacuum and wet wipes, then remove our sheeting as waste.
• Dispose and document: waste goes to a facility authorised to accept asbestos, and we can arrange a clearance certificate.

Signs your flue needs attention

Old flues are easy to forget because most of their length is hidden in the roof space. Watch for cracked or crumbling sections where the flue meets the ceiling, rust stains or water leaks around the roof penetration, a loose or missing cowl, and dust or debris falling from the ceiling vent. If you notice any of these signs, avoid poking or patching the area and keep the room clear until it has been checked. A quick assessment tells you whether the flue can stay for now or should be removed before it deteriorates further.

What affects the cost

Every flue is a little different, so we give a fixed written quote after we have seen the job. The main things that shape the price are:

• The length of the flue and how many sections pass through the ceiling and roof
• Roof pitch, height and safe access, including whether edge protection is needed
• The condition of the material and whether any friable seals or linings are involved
• Whether heat shields, heaters or nearby sheeting also need removing
• The volume of waste and whether air monitoring or a clearance inspection is required

Your safety and compliance

WorkSafe Victoria rules say a licensed removalist must remove non-friable asbestos when the area is more than 10 square metres, and any friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licence holder. Even small flues are best handled by professionals because they are often damaged, weathered or located in tight roof spaces where fibres can spread through the home.

Under EPA Victoria requirements, asbestos waste must be securely packaged and taken only to a landfill or facility authorised to receive it. It must never go in household, recycling or green waste bins. For commercial and industrial jobs, the waste movement is recorded through EPA’s Waste Tracker system. We are registered with the EPA in Victoria and handle this paperwork for you.

We work across Melbourne and the south east, including Mornington and Brighton. Get a free quote for your asbestos flue removal today.