Brisbane Homeowners Urged to Check Older Roofs for Asbestos Before Cleaning or Renovation

Brisbane Roofing Co highlights Queensland asbestos requirements as ageing asbestos-cement roofs remain on older homes across the city

BRISBANE, QUEENSLAND, AUSTRALIA, August 13, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Brisbane homeowners with older corrugated cement roofs are being encouraged to establish whether asbestos is present before undertaking cleaning, repairs, solar installation or renovation work.

Asbestos-containing building products were widely used throughout Australia during the twentieth century. While the manufacture, import and use of asbestos was banned nationally from 31 December 2003, asbestos-containing materials remain in many older Australian homes and buildings.

Queensland Government guidance advises that homes built before 1990 have a good chance of containing asbestos somewhere on the property.

Corrugated asbestos-cement roofing is one of the materials that can still be found on older Brisbane houses, garages, sheds and other structures.

Brisbane Roofing Co says homeowners should not automatically assume that the presence of asbestos means a roof is immediately dangerous or must be removed straight away.

Asbestos-cement roofing is generally classified as non-friable, or bonded, asbestos. When it remains in good condition and is left undisturbed, the risk of fibres becoming airborne is considerably lower than when the material is damaged, deteriorating or disturbed.

Problems can arise when asbestos roofing is drilled, cut, sanded, broken or cleaned using inappropriate methods.

High-Pressure Cleaning of Asbestos Roofing Is Prohibited

One of the most important precautions for owners of older properties is avoiding high-pressure cleaning of asbestos-containing materials.

Queensland regulations prohibit the use of high-pressure water blasting on asbestos.

In 2026, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland issued a safety alert after high-pressure cleaning of an asbestos roof resulted in asbestos-contaminated dust and debris spreading beyond the roof area, including onto neighbouring properties and a public roadway.

High-pressure cleaning can damage the cement matrix that binds asbestos fibres within roofing sheets, potentially releasing fibres and spreading contaminated material across a wider area.

Homeowners with older corrugated cement roofing should therefore identify what material is present before arranging pressure washing, roof restoration or other work that may disturb the surface.

Licensed Asbestos Removal

Queensland regulates who can undertake asbestos removal work.

Businesses and contractors removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos must hold an appropriate Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence. Removal of friable asbestos requires a Class A licence.

Because most residential roof areas are considerably larger than 10 square metres, asbestos roof replacement normally requires appropriate licensing and procedures for removal, handling, transport and lawful disposal.

Brisbane Roofing Co provides asbestos roof removal and replacement services throughout Brisbane and surrounding areas.

The company lists QBCC Licence 15308647 and Asbestos Removal Licence 2330000.

Not Every Asbestos Roof Requires Immediate Replacement

The condition of the roofing should be considered when deciding whether replacement is required.

An asbestos-cement roof that remains intact and in suitable condition may sometimes continue to be managed in place. Factors such as deterioration, cracking, leaks, storm damage and planned renovations should form part of the assessment.

Homeowners should avoid breaking, drilling or otherwise disturbing roofing material in an attempt to determine whether asbestos is present.

Professional assessment before cleaning, renovation or roof replacement can help identify potential asbestos materials and allow any necessary work to be planned appropriately.

Brisbane homeowners considering replacement of an ageing asbestos-cement roof can find further information at:

https://brisbaneroofingco.com.au/asbestos-roof-replacement-brisbane/

About Brisbane Roofing Co

Brisbane Roofing Co provides roof replacement services across Greater Brisbane, including replacement of ageing metal, tile and asbestos-cement roofing.

Website: https://brisbaneroofingco.com.au/
QBCC Licence: 15308647
Asbestos Removal Licence: 2330000
Phone: 1300 634 100

Martin Waite
Brisbane Roofing Co
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