Note: This story is submitted by a reader following their renovation journey, the problems they encountered and how they fixed it.
When my family and I decided to renovate our garage, we never imagined it would turn into a nerve-wracking experience involving dangerous materials. We were excited about the renovation but soon found ourselves dealing with something far more serious than we had anticipated!
Thinking about it now, I realise that the signs were always there. Our house was built in the late ’70s, back when disco was king, and apparently, asbestos was the go-to material for building just about everything. I’d heard the horror stories about asbestos but never thought it would hit so close to home—literally.
The first time I noticed the problem, I was pulling out the old Christmas decorations from the garage. As I reached up to grab a box, a chunk of the ceiling fell right onto my head. Lovely. At first, I brushed it off, thinking it was just old age catching up with the house. But then I started noticing more and more bits falling off and the garage looking more like a scene from an apocalypse movie, which is what had actually pushed us to renovate the garage in the first place, but when we dug deep, we found that…
Our Garage Had Asbestos!
As we started planning the renovation, we noticed some worrying signs. The roof panels were cracked, and the underside of the panels had batch codes. Given the age of the garage, built in the early 1970s, we suspected that these panels might contain asbestos.
Key Signs That Indicated Asbestos
- Age of the Garage: Structures built before the year 2000 are more likely to contain asbestos.
- Cracks and Damage: We noticed several cracks in the roofing panels, which raised our suspicions.
- Batch Codes: The underside of some panels had batch codes, a known indicator of asbestos materials.
- Appearance: The panels had a fibrous, cement-like appearance typical of asbestos-containing materials.
Initially, we felt a mix of disbelief and anxiety. The thought of harmful asbestos fibres in the very place we wanted to improve was daunting. We knew that asbestos was common in older buildings, but seeing the signs in our own home was still a shock.
Time to Call in the Experts
Our research led us to understand the risks of handling asbestos ourselves. We learned that disturbing asbestos materials releases dangerous fibres into the air, posing serious health risks. It was evident that we needed professional help.
After considering our options, we decided to contact Advance Asbestos Removal service. Their expertise and positive reviews gave us confidence that they were the right choice to handle our asbestos problem.
Asbestos Removal Process
The company quickly responded to our inquiry and scheduled a visit. The team conducted a thorough assessment of our garage roof and confirmed our fears – it was indeed asbestos. They explained the removal process in detail, ensuring we understood the safety measures they would take.
The removal process was meticulous. The team sealed off the area, wore protective gear, and carefully removed the asbestos-containing panels. They disposed of the hazardous material following strict regulatory guidelines, ensuring our safety throughout the process. During the removal, they kept us informed, which greatly alleviated our concerns. Seeing the professionalism and thoroughness of their work reassured us that we had made the right decision.
Once the asbestos was removed, we felt an immense sense of relief. Our garage was safe again, and we could proceed with our renovation plans without fear. Reflecting on the experience, we realised the importance of professional intervention in dealing with asbestos. It’s not something to take lightly, and we were grateful for the quick and timely service provided by the Advance Asbestos Removal!
In the end…
Our garage renovation disaster turned into a valuable lesson. If you suspect asbestos in your property, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. The peace of mind and safety that comes with expert handling is worth it!
We hope our story encourages others to prioritise safety and reach out to professionals when faced with similar situations.
This experience has made us more vigilant about potential hazards in our home. It’s easy to overlook these dangers, but being proactive can save a lot of stress and health risks. If you’re ever in doubt about asbestos, always choose safety and consult with experts.