Evaluating a Potential Rental Property: Is It a Fibro Dwelling and Should You Be Concerned?
When considering a new rental property, it’s essential to assess its construction quality, safety, and potential health risks. Recently, a prospective tenant shared a series of photos and questions regarding a property they are interested in renting, raising concerns about the building’s materials and safety, specifically whether it is a fibro house and if it poses any health hazards such as asbestos exposure.
Understanding Fibro Houses: What Are They?
Fibro is a colloquial term commonly used in Australia to describe homes constructed using fibro cement cladding, which consists of asbestos-cement sheets. These were popular in mid-20th century construction due to their affordability and durability. However, as awareness of asbestos health risks grew, many fibro structures have been replaced or renovated, especially considering asbestos’s carcinogenic potential when disturbed.
Identifying Fibro Construction
Based on the photos shared (which depict external walls with a textured, sometimes wavily appearance, common in fibro houses), there is a possibility that the property is constructed with fibro cement sheeting. Some visual cues that can help identify fibro include:
- External panels that appear to be flat, corrugated, or textured
- Visible joins or seams, often with signs of age or deterioration
- The presence of fibro cement strips or patches, sometimes with distinctive orange-colored plastering or reinforcement strips
What About Those Orange-Coloured Plaster Strips?
In the provided images, orange-colored strips appear to be present along certain joints or seams of the building. These are likely expansion joint fillers, patching or reinforcement strips, or part of a maintenance or repair process. The orange color could be indicative of specific materials used during repairs or construction—possibly a type of reinforcing plaster or sealant. Sometimes, retrofitting or reinforcement work involves painting or sealing joints with specific compounds, which may have distinctive colors.
Health and Safety Concerns: Is This a Dangerous “Fibro” Dwelling?
The primary health concern associated with fibro houses is the presence of asbestos. Asbestos becomes hazardous when its fibers become airborne, which can occur during renovation, demolition, or if fibers are disturbed over time due to deterioration.
Assessing the Risks:
- If the house was built before the 1980s, there’s a higher chance that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present.
- If the fibro cement sheeting is intact, undisturbed, and not damaged or broken, the risk of asbestos exposure is minimal.
- Any renovation work or repairs could disturb asbestos fibers, increasing health risks.
- Professional asbestos inspection and testing are the only definitive methods to determine if asbestos materials are present and whether they pose a health risk.
Should You Be Concerned About Living in Such a Property?
It’s understandable to feel apprehensive about potential asbestos exposure. However, living in an undamaged, well-maintained fibro house with no ongoing renovations generally presents minimal risk. Still, precautions should be taken:
- Avoid disturbing the external cladding or internal materials.
- If you plan to undertake renovations or if the building shows signs of deterioration, consult licensed asbestos professionals before proceeding.
Conclusion
Before making any decisions, it’s advisable to:
- Have the property inspected by qualified asbestos professionals.
- Request documentation or records of any asbestos removal or renovation work.
- Consider the overall condition of the home and the likelihood of asbestos disturbance during occupancy.
Being informed and cautious ensures your safety and peace of mind. If in doubt, consult with building inspectors or health and safety experts specializing in asbestos management to make an educated decision about your potential new home.
Disclaimer: This article provides general information and should not replace professional inspections or advice. Always consult licensed experts when assessing homes suspected of containing asbestos.
