Shingle Roofers holds WorkSafe NZ Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences the highest level of certification for asbestos work in New Zealand. We provide safe, fully compliant asbestos removal for homeowners across Auckland, Northland, Tauranga, Waikato, and Christchurch, handling everything from pre-removal survey to licensed disposal and clearance certification.
In Plain English
If your home has an old fibrous cement or "super6" roof, it almost certainly contains asbestos. You cannot legally remove it yourself above certain limits it must be done by a licensed removalist like Shingle Roofers. We handle everything safely, legally, and professionally: remove it, bag it, dispose of it at a licensed facility, and give you a clearance certificate. Your family stays safe, and you get a new roof ready for replacement.
Class A vs Class B Asbestos What's the Difference?
Under the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, asbestos is classified into two categories based on risk:
- Class B (non-friable) asbestos: This is bonded asbestos where fibres are locked into a matrix material such as asbestos cement roofing sheets, super6 corrugated sheets, and fibrous cement flat sheets. While less immediately hazardous than friable asbestos, Class B materials can release fibres when cut, drilled, or broken. Removal above 10m² requires a WorkSafe NZ Class B licensed removalist. This is the most common type found on NZ residential roofs built before 1990.
- Class A (friable) asbestos: This includes loosely bound asbestos materials where fibres can become airborne easily such as spray-applied asbestos insulation, asbestos rope seals, and some pipe lagging. Class A removal requires strict containment, negative pressure enclosures, full PPE, and a WorkSafe NZ Class A licence. This is the more hazardous type and requires more extensive safety protocols.
Shingle Roofers holds both Class A and Class B licences, ensuring we can handle any asbestos situation on your property safely and legally.
NZ Asbestos Regulations What You Need to Know
New Zealand's Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 set strict requirements for asbestos work. Key points for homeowners:
- Any removal of more than 10m² of Class B (non-friable) asbestos must be carried out by a WorkSafe NZ licensed Class B removalist.
- All Class A (friable) asbestos removal must be carried out by a WorkSafe NZ licensed Class A removalist, regardless of amount.
- DIY removal of asbestos above these thresholds is illegal and subject to significant WorkSafe NZ penalties.
- A clearance inspection must be carried out after removal before the area can be re-occupied.
- Asbestos waste must be disposed of at a consented disposal facility not in general household waste or landfill.
Visit WorkSafe NZ ↗ for full regulatory guidance on asbestos in New Zealand.
Our Asbestos Removal Process
- Site survey and risk assessment: We identify the type, extent, and condition of asbestos before any work begins.
- Asbestos Management Plan: We prepare the required documentation including the asbestos removal control plan.
- Site preparation: Establishment of exclusion zones, barriers, and (for Class A work) negative pressure containment enclosures.
- Safe removal: Wet methods to suppress dust, careful removal to avoid fibre release, double-bagging all asbestos waste in certified bags.
- Licensed disposal: Transport and disposal at a WorkSafe NZ consented facility.
- Clearance certificate: Air monitoring and independent clearance inspection before you re-occupy.
Did You Know?
An estimated 30% of NZ homes built before 1990 contain asbestos roofing or building materials many homeowners are completely unaware until they attempt renovations or re-roofing. If your home was built in this era and still has the original roof, it is very likely to contain asbestos. A professional assessment from Shingle Roofers will confirm.
Did You Know You May Be Able to Claim This on Insurance?
If storm damage, earthquake, or another insurable event has damaged your asbestos roof, the removal and replacement costs may be partly or fully covered by your home insurance including under EQCover for natural disaster events. Shingle Roofers guides you through every step of the NZ insurance claims process.
Learn About Insurance Claims →Why Choose Shingle Roofers for Asbestos Removal?
- WorkSafe NZ Class A and Class B licensed
- Full compliance with Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016
- Licensed disposal at consented facilities
- Clearance certificate provided
- Insurance claim guidance included
- Experienced across NZ Auckland, Christchurch, and all regions
Our 3-Step Process
Initial Inspection
Comprehensive site survey to identify asbestos type, extent, and condition before we proceed.
Advice and Pricing
Clear explanation of the removal requirements, Class A or B classification, and transparent, competitive pricing.
Project Execution
Safe, fully compliant removal, licensed disposal, clearance certificate and insurance guidance where applicable.
Common Questions About Asbestos Removal in NZ
Related Services
Get a Free Assessment
Free site survey and obligation-free quote from licensed Class A & B removalists.
Book Free Assessment 022 196 9021Our Credentials
- WorkSafe NZ Class A Licence
- WorkSafe NZ Class B Licence
- Fully insured
- NZ-wide coverage