Insulation

Revolve Asbestos Solutions: Specialising in Asbestos Insulation Management

At Revolve Asbestos Solutions, we specialise in expert insulation removal services for both residential and commercial properties. Although asbestos insulation is very uncommon in NZ properties there is rare occasion it was used.  Our experienced team is dedicated to ensuring a safe and healthy environment by effectively eliminating asbestos hazards. With a commitment to safety and precision, we assess, remove, and dispose of asbestos insulation according to industry-leading standards, giving you peace of mind and a secure space.

What Is Asbestos Insulation and Why Is It Hazardous?

Asbestos insulation refers to a type of building material that historically included asbestos fibers, known for their heat resistance, durability, and insulating properties. For decades, asbestos was widely used around the world in various insulation products, including pipe and boiler insulation, spray-on coatings, and fireproofing materials. In New Zealand, asbestos was less commonly used in insulation compared to other countries but can still be found in some older buildings, especially those constructed before the 1990s when its use was phased out.

Common Types of Asbestos Insulation in Residential and Commercial Properties

Asbestos insulation comes in various forms, each designed for specific applications within buildings. These types were commonly used in both residential and commercial properties and can still be found today in older buildings. Here are the main types of asbestos insulation and where they are commonly located:

1. Asbestos Block Insulation

  • Description: Asbestos block insulation consists of dense, rigid blocks containing asbestos, often used for high-temperature applications.
  • Common Locations: This type is typically found in industrial settings but can also be present in boiler rooms or near large machinery in commercial buildings, where it was applied around boilers, furnaces, and other heat-generating equipment.

2. Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation

  • Common Locations: Most often found in attics or wall cavities, loose-fill asbestos is rare in New Zealand homes but may still be present in some older residential properties.
  • Description: This form consists of loose asbestos fibers or particles that were blown into cavities, attics, or other hard-to-reach spaces as thermal insulation.

3. Asbestos Pipe Insulation

  • Common Locations: Asbestos pipe insulation is often found around hot water pipes, especially in commercial buildings, schools, and older residential properties with large heating systems.
  • Description: This insulation type was applied as a thick layer around pipes, either wrapped with cloth or directly sprayed onto the pipes.

4. Spray-On Asbestos Insulation

  • Description: Spray-on asbestos insulation was applied to beams, walls, and ceilings to provide fireproofing and insulation.
  • Common Locations: Commonly used in commercial buildings, industrial sites, and some residential properties, especially in garages or basements, spray-on asbestos insulation is typically seen on structural beams or in ceiling spaces.

5. Asbestos Blanket Insulation

  • Description: This material resembles a blanket or mat and was used for wrapping around heat-generating equipment.
  • Common Locations: Often found around boilers, turbines, and ductwork in industrial or large commercial facilities, it is less common in residential properties.

6. Asbestos Cement Insulation (Transite Panels)

  • Common Locations: Found on walls, ceilings, or as partitions in industrial and commercial buildings, it is rarely seen in residential properties.
  • Description: Transite, a type of asbestos cement, was molded into panels used for insulation in specific areas, particularly for fireproofing.
Asbestos Insulation Services in NZAsbestos Insulation Services in NZ

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How to Identify Asbestos Insulation in Your Property

Identifying asbestos insulation in buildings can be challenging, as it often resembles other, non-hazardous materials. However, certain characteristics can help you determine if you need to call in a professional for inspection.

In Residential Properties:

  1. Look for Insulation Around Old Pipes and Boilers
    Asbestos insulation was commonly used to wrap hot water pipes and boilers, especially in properties built before the 1980s. It may appear as a white or greyish wrap or coating around pipes or tanks. If the material looks old, cracked, or friable (easily crumbled), it may contain asbestos.
  2. Check Attics and Crawl Spaces
    Loose-fill asbestos insulation, while rare in New Zealand homes, can sometimes be found in attics or wall cavities. This type appears as a fluffy or granular material, often grey or white. Avoid disturbing loose insulation and contact a professional for an assessment.
  3. Examine Ceiling Textures and Panels
    Asbestos was sometimes added to textured ceilings and wall panels for fireproofing. If your home has “popcorn” or textured ceilings or old cement sheeting, especially from the 1950s–1980s, it’s worth having it inspected.
  4. Look for Duct or Furnace Insulation
    In older homes, asbestos insulation may be wrapped around ductwork or furnaces. This type of insulation may appear as a paper-like or fabric-like wrap and often looks aged or fragile.

In Commercial Properties:

  1. Check Around Mechanical Rooms
    Commercial buildings often have asbestos insulation around boilers, furnaces, and hot water pipes. Look for dense block insulation or thick-wrapped materials in areas with high-temperature equipment. This insulation often appears greyish-white and may feel rigid.
  2. Look for Spray-On Coatings
    Many older commercial buildings used spray-on asbestos insulation for fireproofing, particularly on structural beams and in ceiling spaces. This type of insulation can have a rough or pebbly texture, typically grey, brown, or off-white, and can become airborne if disturbed.
  3. Inspect Older Cement Panels or Transite Sheets
    Cement panels, known as transite sheets, were sometimes used for insulation and fireproofing in commercial buildings. These flat, greyish panels may look like typical cement but often contain asbestos if installed before the 1990s.

 What Does Asbestos Insulation Look Like? Key Identifiers

Provide visual and situational cues to help owners identify potential asbestos insulation in their property.

Pipe Asbestos Insulation

Pipe Asbestos Insulation
Asbestos Insulation

Block Asbestos Wall Insulation

Block Asbestos Wall Insulation

The Importance of Professional Asbestos Insulation Removal

Having asbestos insulation professionally removed is critical to protect the health and well-being of families, tenants, or employees in both residential and commercial environments. Asbestos fibers, when disturbed, can become airborne and pose serious health risks, making professional removal essential for several reasons:

1. Health Hazards of Airborne Asbestos Fibers

  • Long-Term Health Risks: Inhaling asbestos fibers is dangerous because they can lodge in lung tissue, causing severe diseases over time, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These conditions often develop slowly, taking years or even decades to manifest, but they are typically irreversible and can be fatal.
  • Risks from Disturbed Asbestos: Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are not always hazardous if left intact and undisturbed. However, handling or disturbing asbestos insulation during renovations, maintenance, or demolition can release microscopic asbestos fibers into the air, putting occupants and workers at immediate risk.

2. Compliance with Health and Safety Regulations

  • Stringent Regulations in New Zealand: In New Zealand, the removal of asbestos is strictly regulated to protect public health. Only licensed professionals can legally remove asbestos-containing materials, as they follow protocols to control fiber release and prevent exposure. Professional removal ensures that the process complies with these laws and minimizes liability risks for property owners and employers.
  • Safe Work Practices: Licensed asbestos removal professionals use specialized tools, protective equipment, and containment methods that minimize fiber release. They also follow strict protocols for disposal, transporting asbestos waste to authorized facilities, reducing the risk of contamination and health hazards.

3. Protecting Indoor Air Quality

  • Containment and Controlled Removal: Professionals create sealed containment zones and use negative air pressure units to prevent asbestos fibers from contaminating the building’s air. These measures protect indoor air quality, ensuring fibers don’t circulate to other areas during the removal process.
  • Comprehensive Decontamination: After removing asbestos insulation, professionals use HEPA vacuums and other decontamination methods to clear any remaining fibers, making the area safe for reoccupation.

4. Preserving the Health of Families, Tenants, and Employees

  • Protecting Vulnerable Individuals: Families, tenants, and employees often include vulnerable individuals like children, elderly people, or those with pre-existing health conditions who are more susceptible to the harmful effects of asbestos exposure.
  • Maintaining a Safe Environment for Business and Productivity: For commercial properties, ensuring a safe environment is essential for business continuity and productivity. Employee health directly impacts productivity, and reducing health risks from asbestos contributes to a safe and positive work environment.

5. Avoiding Cross-Contamination

  • Proper Disposal: Professionals carefully bag and label asbestos waste to prevent contamination during transport and disposal. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper containment and disposal can lead to cross-contamination, where fibers spread to other areas of the property or even outside, posing risks to the wider community.
  • Preventing Future Exposure: By ensuring complete and thorough removal, professionals help prevent future asbestos exposure risks. They can also conduct follow-up air quality tests to confirm that the property is safe.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure for Residential and Commercial Occupants

Exposure to asbestos fibres is dangerous because these fibres can be inhaled and lodge in lung tissue, causing severe and often irreversible health problems. The risk exists in both home and workplace settings, where disturbed or deteriorating asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release fibres into the air.

  • In Homes: Residential exposure is particularly concerning for families, as asbestos may be present in older insulation, ceiling textures, or wall panels. Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause conditions like asbestosis, a chronic lung disease, as well as mesothelioma and lung cancer, which can take years to develop. Children and elderly individuals are especially vulnerable, as prolonged exposure increases long-term health risks.
  • In Workplaces: For employees, asbestos exposure risks are often found in buildings with old pipe insulation, ceiling coatings, or spray-on fireproofing materials. Regular exposure in commercial or industrial settings, even in small amounts, significantly raises the risk of asbestos-related illnesses over time. Workers in construction, renovation, or maintenance are especially at risk, as they may disturb ACMs if the materials aren’t managed properly.

In both home and workplace environments, professional handling and removal are essential to minimize exposure and prevent these serious health outcomes.

Certifications and Safety Standards for Commercial and Residential Work

Revolve Asbestos Solutions is proud to hold ISO 45001 and SiteWise Gold certification, underscoring our commitment to the highest standards of health and safety in all our asbestos removal projects.

  • ISO 45001 Certification: This international standard for Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management systems reflects our dedication to providing a safe and healthy workplace. By following ISO 45001’s stringent requirements, we ensure all asbestos removal procedures are conducted with precision and care, minimising risks to both our team and our clients.
  • SiteWise Gold Certification: As a SiteWise-certified contractor, we meet rigorous New Zealand safety and compliance standards across residential, commercial, and industrial properties. Our SiteWise Gold certification guarantees that we follow best practices in health and safety, from initial assessment to final cleanup.

With these certifications, Revolve Asbestos Solutions demonstrates our commitment to excellence and safety, ensuring compliant, reliable, and professional asbestos removal for every property type.

Serving All of New Zealand’s Residential and Commercial Properties

We operate out of Whangarei, Auckland & Waikato.

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