Brisbane homeowners warned to check older roofs for asbestos before cleaning or renovation

Brisbane Roofing Co is urging owners of pre-1990 homes to identify asbestos in older corrugated cement roofs before pressure washing, repairs, solar installs or renovation work. The warning reflects Queensland rules on asbestos handling and the risks of disturbing bonded roof materials.

Why it matters: - Older Brisbane homes may still contain asbestos-cement roofing, and disturbing those materials can release dangerous fibres. - Queensland regulations prohibit high-pressure water blasting on asbestos, making roof cleaning a potential compliance and safety issue. - Homeowners planning repairs, restoration, solar installation or renovation need to know what is on the roof before work starts.

What happened: - Brisbane Roofing Co is urging homeowners with older corrugated cement roofs to check for asbestos before cleaning, repairing or renovating. - Queensland Government guidance says homes built before 1990 have a good chance of containing asbestos somewhere on the property. - Corrugated asbestos-cement roofing can still be found on older houses, garages, sheds and other structures across Brisbane.

The details: - Asbestos-containing building products were widely used in Australia during the 20th century, and national manufacture, import and use were banned from 31 December 2003. - Asbestos-cement roofing is generally classified as non-friable, or bonded, asbestos. - A roof in good condition and left undisturbed carries a lower risk than material that is damaged, deteriorating or disturbed. - Drilling, cutting, sanding, breaking or cleaning asbestos roofing with inappropriate methods can create problems. - Queensland regulations ban 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 spread contaminated dust and debris beyond the roof area, including onto neighbouring properties and a public roadway. - High-pressure cleaning can damage the cement matrix that binds asbestos fibres, which can release fibres and spread contamination. - Homeowners should identify the roofing material before arranging pressure washing, roof restoration or any work that could disturb the surface. - Queensland requires asbestos removal work to be carried out by licensed operators. - Removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos requires a Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence. - Friable asbestos removal requires a Class A licence. - Most residential roof areas are larger than 10 square metres, so asbestos roof replacement normally needs licensing plus procedures for removal, transport and lawful disposal. - Brisbane Roofing Co offers asbestos roof removal and replacement services across Brisbane and surrounding areas. - Brisbane Roofing Co lists QBCC Licence 15308647 and Asbestos Removal Licence 2330000. - The company’s website links to more information on asbestos roof replacement in Brisbane. - Brisbane Roofing Co also says it provides roof replacement services across Greater Brisbane for ageing metal, tile and asbestos-cement roofing. - The company lists its website as brisbaneroofingco.com.au, along with its QBCC licence, asbestos removal licence and phone number 1300 634 100.

Between the lines: - The message is not that every asbestos roof is an emergency. - Intact bonded asbestos can sometimes remain in place if it is in suitable condition. - The real trigger for action is often damage, leakage, planned renovation or any work that could disturb the roof surface. - The warning also underscores a common risk: homeowners may try to clean or inspect an older roof without realizing that pressure washing can turn a maintenance job into a contamination problem.

What's next: - Homeowners with older corrugated cement roofs should arrange a professional assessment before cleaning or renovation. - If asbestos is confirmed, any removal work should be planned around licensing, transport and disposal rules. - Owners considering replacement can seek further information through Brisbane Roofing Co’s asbestos roof replacement page.