In Sydney, a city brimming with beautiful, character-filled older homes, a hidden danger can often lurk right under your feet: asbestos in tile bedding. If your property was built or renovated before 1990, especially the lovely heritage ones, this is a must-read. When planning a reno, particularly flooring work, the question isn't if you'll encounter a challenge, but what kind. Have you considered the risks associated with older flooring? We're here to break down the inspection and isolation process simply and clearly, helping you keep your family safe and your project on track. The Sydney Dilemma: Why is Asbestos in Older Flooring a Big Deal? For decades, asbestos was a go-to material for builders. It was cheap, durable, and an excellent fire retardant. In flooring, it was often mixed into the cement bedding (the mortar layer) beneath ceramic or quarry tiles to add bulk and stability. This is particularly common in wet areas like bathrooms, laundries, and sometimes even kitchens of older Sydney properties. Why Should I Worry If the Tiles Look Fine? While intact tiles and bedding are usually safe, the danger emerges when the material is disturbed—think demolition, drilling, grinding, or even aggressive sanding. This releases microscopic asbestos fibres into the air, which, when inhaled, pose serious health risks. Simply put, any DIY demolition on an older floor can be incredibly dangerous. Don't risk it! The Critical First Step: Asbestos Inspection and Testing in Sydney Before any demolition dust flies, you need a professional, accredited inspection. This is non-negotiable for older homes. Our process is simple and thorough: Initial Site Assessment: A licensed assessor visits the property to identify materials that are Presumed Asbestos Containing Material (PACM). Sampling: Small, targeted samples of the tile bedding are carefully and safely collected under controlled conditions. Laboratory Analysis: The samples are sent to an NATA-accredited laboratory for testing. This scientifically confirms the presence and type of asbestos. Comprehensive Report: You receive a detailed report outlining the findings, risk assessment, and clear next steps for safe management or removal. This phase is all about certainty. Guessing is not an option when dealing with this material. Isolation and Removal: Safe Asbestos Floor Bedding Handling If testing confirms asbestos in the floor bedding, immediate, safe isolation and eventual removal are required before further renovation. This must be carried out by a licensed removalist. We follow strict procedures to protect the site and the surrounding environment: Containment: The work area is completely sealed off using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure units. This ensures airborne fibres cannot escape into the rest of your home or the neighbours' properties. Controlled Removal: The tiles and bedding are carefully removed using specialised tools and techniques to minimise dust generation. Often, the material is wet down (wetting agent applied) to suppress fibres. Clearance Inspection: Once the removal is complete, an independent, licensed asbestos assessor conducts a Clearance Inspection and air monitoring. Clearance Certificate: Only once the area is deemed safe—confirmed by a Clearance Certificate—can re-entry and subsequent renovation work begin. This meticulous asbestos isolation process ensures compliance with NSW work health and safety regulations, giving you complete peace of mind. Key Takeaways for Sydney Property Owners Renovating an older property is exciting, but safety comes first. Keep these points in mind: Assume Asbestos: If your Sydney property has pre-1990 tiles, assume the bedding contains asbestos until proven otherwise. Test First, Demolish Later: Always get a NATA-accredited test before touching the material. Professional Help Only: Asbestos removal is not a DIY job. Use a licensed professional. Ready to Renovate Safely? Don't let the fear of a hazard stop your dream renovation. Elyment Group specialises in the safe, compliant inspection and removal of asbestos in floor bedding across Sydney. We handle the hazard so you can focus on the final look. Follow us on X for updates and tips: @ElymentGroup or visit our website for more information: elyment.com.au. Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult with a licensed and accredited asbestos professional for site-specific advice.