The average pre-2000s home in New Zealand could contain dozens of different building materials with asbestos. After all, thousands of asbestos-containing building products were manufactured before we learned how dangerous this natural substance could be.

As a result, any time a homeowner decides to undertake renovations, they must be mindful of the harmful materials lurking where they least expect them. There’s also another issue they have to contend with: what to replace asbestos-containing materials with.

If you’re exploring eco-friendly building, you may like to explore these sustainable construction alternatives:  

Cellulose Fibre Insulation

Cellulose fibre insulation is a recycled paper insulation product that has been chemically treated for fire resistance and reduced moisture. This can be a great alternative if your home has previously had asbestos-containing insulating products. Most cellulose fibre-based insulation products are up to 85% recycled.

Cellulose fibre and cellulose powder are also ideal thickening agents for mortar. Mortar with added cellulose can be easier to work with due to its stiffer nature.

Thermoset Plastic Flour

Look at your average electrical panel from pre-2000, and you might be surprised by how much asbestos could be present. Electrical panels used to be made with asbestos wire insulation, cable wrap, and electrical paper. Fortunately, we’ve come a long way since then, much to the relief of electricians.

If you’ve been exploring eco-friendly and asbestos-free electrical insulation, thermoset plastic flour may tick all the right boxes. This product is made by heating powder-formed liquid and moulding it into shape. It’s a versatile and flexible product for a range of applications.  

Polyurethane Foams

Asbestos was once prized for its temperature regulation and heat control. We’ve now needed to find healthier, safer alternatives. Polyurethane foam might tick that box.

Often used in the roofing industry, polyurethane foam as a spray product can insulate and seal to protect structures from harsh weather.

Timber Ceilings

If your big renovation plans involve removing a popcorn ceiling and replacing it with an eco-friendly alternative, consider sustainably grown and sourced timber. Timber can stand the test of time, is easy to maintain, and doesn’t emit carbon dioxide into the atmosphere or your home once cut. It’s also a much safer and more aesthetically pleasing option than popcorn ceilings with asbestos.

Natural Stone

Asbestos cladding can be problematic. It must remain in excellent condition to be safe. Once cracked, broken, split, chipped, drilled, or altered in any other way, it can be hazardous to health. As a result, if your home has asbestos cladding and it’s in poor condition, now’s the time to consider replacing it!

Depending on your home’s structure and your preferences, natural stone might be an eco-friendly option worth exploring. Stone is sound-absorbent, low-maintenance, and fire-resistant.

Flour Fillers

Before the 1980s, caulk manufacturers used to put asbestos in their all-purpose sealant products. This means that if someone ever used a pre-1980s sealant to fix cracks, seal windows, and fill joint gaps in your home, there’s a chance the product they used contained asbestos.

Fortunately, times have changed! We have many wonderful eco-friendly sealant options, such as flour fillers. Flour fillers are made entirely from natural materials like pecan shell flour, rice hull ash, and wheat and rice flour. They can be used to fill cracks and crevices, and you don’t have to worry about any toxic ingredients.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is commonly made from recycled glass bottles that have been melted down and mixed with binding agents, sand, borax, limestone, and soda ash. It becomes a highly fire-resistant material, making it desirable for many applications.

In residential construction, it’s a common building material used for insulation. It can keep rooms warm in winter and cool in summer by trapping pockets of air. It’s also relatively environmentally friendly for featuring recycled glass.

Bricks

It’s easy to overlook bricks. They don’t look like they’re eco-friendly, nor do they look like they’d be an ideal alternative to asbestos-containing materials. However, they tick both of those boxes! For example, if you currently have an asbestos fence, you could put a brick fence in its place! Brick is also a popular house cladding option.

Bricks are low-maintenance, easy to clean, and great for energy use reduction. When combined with the right thermal insulation, they can keep your home at a nice temperature in summer and winter.

Why Replace Your Asbestos-Containing Building Materials?

Making any changes to your home can sometimes require a great deal of thought and planning. However, here are some great reasons to consider replacing your asbestos-containing building materials with eco-friendly ones:

• Safer for your home’s occupants

• Increase the home’s value

• Enjoy less maintenance and worry

Learn More About Appropriate Building Materials from Chemcare

Are you getting ready for an exciting eco-friendly home renovation? Contact the team at Chemcare today! We can take care of asbestos testing and removal and even suggest alternatives for asbestos-free building materials. We’re excited to help you get stuck in!