Old Fibrolite cladding is a common sight on New Zealand homes built before the 1990s, and it's a question worth taking seriously: does it contain asbestos? The honest answer is — it might, but not always. Whether it's dangerous to remove depends on the age of the material, its condition, and how the work is carried out. Getting this wrong can have serious long-term health consequences, so it pays to understand the facts before you pick up a crowbar.
What Is Fibrolite?
Fibrolite is a brand name for fibre cement sheeting manufactured in New Zealand by James Hardie. For much of the 20th century, the fibres used to reinforce the cement were chrysotile (white) asbestos, which was cheap, strong, and widely available. From the mid-1980s onwards, manufacturers began transitioning away from asbestos fibres, replacing them with cellulose and synthetic alternatives. James Hardie now produces asbestos-free fibre cement products, but older stock is a different story.
As a general rule of thumb used in the NZ trade:
- Pre-1984 Fibrolite: Very likely to contain asbestos
- 1984–1990 Fibrolite: May or may not contain asbestos — treat as suspect
- Post-1990 Fibrolite: Generally asbestos-free, but confirm if uncertain
These are guides only. The only way to know for certain is to have the material tested by an accredited laboratory.
How to Tell If Your Cladding Contains Asbestos
You cannot identify asbestos by looking at it. The fibres are microscopic and visually indistinguishable from safe alternatives. Do not attempt to scratch, sand, drill, or break off a sample yourself — disturbing the material can release fibres into the air.
Instead, have a licensed asbestos assessor take a sample safely, or use a professional asbestos testing service. Samples are sent to an accredited lab for analysis. This is the only reliable method, and it's relatively affordable — well worth the peace of mind before any renovation or removal work begins.
Check the age of your home and any building records you have. If your house was built or clad before 1990 and you're unsure of the product, treat it as asbestos-containing material (ACM) until proven otherwise. WorkSafe NZ provides clear guidance on this precautionary approach.
Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos in good condition and left undisturbed poses a very low risk. The danger arises when asbestos-containing material is damaged, drilled, cut, sanded, or broken, releasing fine fibres that can be inhaled. Long-term inhalation is linked to serious diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer — conditions that can take decades to develop.
Fibrolite cladding is generally considered non-friable (bonded) asbestos, meaning the fibres are locked into the cement matrix and less likely to become airborne under normal conditions. However, weathered, cracked, or deteriorating sheets can become more friable over time, increasing the risk. Any cutting, grinding, or high-pressure washing of old Fibrolite should be avoided.
NZ Regulations Around Asbestos Removal
New Zealand has strict rules governing asbestos work, set out under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. Here's what homeowners need to know:
| Type of Work | Who Can Do It |
|---|---|
| Asbestos assessment and air monitoring | Licensed asbestos assessor |
| Removal of friable asbestos (any amount) | Class A licensed removalist |
| Removal of non-friable asbestos over 10 m² | Class A or Class B licensed removalist |
| Removal of non-friable asbestos under 10 m² | Homeowner may do this, with precautions |
Even where homeowners are technically permitted to remove small amounts of non-friable ACM themselves, WorkSafe NZ strongly recommends using a licensed professional. The risks are real, and improper disposal is illegal — asbestos waste must go to an approved facility, not your general skip bin or kerbside rubbish.
Always check with your local council about any notification or consent requirements before starting removal work.
Safe Practices If You're Assessing the Situation Yourself
Before any professional arrives, you can take some sensible steps without disturbing the material:
- Do not drill, cut, sand, or pressure-wash old Fibrolite cladding
- Keep children and pets away from deteriorating sheets
- If sheets are cracked or broken, avoid the area and keep it dry
- Note the approximate area of cladding involved — this helps determine the regulatory category
- Photograph the cladding condition for your assessor
Safety note: If you suspect you've already disturbed asbestos-containing material, leave the area immediately, avoid touching your face, remove and bag your clothing, shower thoroughly, and seek advice from a licensed assessor before re-entering the space.
Disposal of Asbestos Waste
Asbestos waste — including old Fibrolite sheets — must be double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic, clearly labelled, and taken to a council-approved disposal facility. Contact your local council or regional authority to find your nearest approved site. Never place asbestos in a skip bin, green waste, or general rubbish without prior approval from the facility.
When to Call a Professional
For anything beyond a very small area of intact, non-friable material, always engage a licensed asbestos removalist. This is not just best practice — for larger areas or any friable material, it's the law. A licensed professional will:
- Conduct or arrange proper testing
- Prepare a safe work method statement
- Use appropriate PPE and containment
- Dispose of waste legally
- Provide documentation for your records (useful if you sell the property)
You can find qualified, licensed asbestos removal specialists in your area right here on tradedirectory.co.nz. Choosing a local professional means faster response times and someone familiar with your regional council's requirements.
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