Some old gutters contain asbestos, but age or appearance cannot confirm it. In Australia, rigid moulded box, round and eaves gutters were sometimes made from bonded asbestos cement. Guttering installed before 1990 warrants particular caution, although later installation does not rule out older reused stock. Only competent assessment and, when necessary, laboratory testing can identify the material.
Metal gutters, such as galvanised steel, Zincalume and aluminium, and plastic gutters do not contain asbestos cement. However, painted or weathered asbestos cement can resemble other materials.
Which gutters may contain asbestos?
Suspect asbestos cement guttering if it is an older, thick, rigid moulded product rather than recognisable sheet metal or plastic. Other clues include its installation history, manufacturer markings and original building records. A safe gutter inspection should use these records and ground-level observations without disturbing the material.
These clues are not proof. Non-asbestos fibre cement can have a similar profile and texture, and asbestos fibres cannot be identified by sight.
Do not scrape paint, break an edge or remove a sample. Leave associated debris, linings and damaged fragments undisturbed.
What should you do if asbestos is suspected?
Keep people away and arrange an assessment before cleaning, repairing or replacing the guttering. Bonded asbestos cement generally presents a lower risk while intact, but damage or disturbance can release fibres.
Do not:
- climb onto the roof or collect your own sample
- cut, drill, sand, scrape or break the gutter
- pressure-wash or wire-brush it
- sweep, vacuum or handle fragments or gutter debris
- allow gutter or plumbing work to begin before assessment.
Sampling should be arranged through a competent asbestos professional, with analysis by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Removal must comply with current NSW asbestos requirements. Use an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist where licensing is required.
Only after the asbestos risk has been assessed and managed should anyone consider fitting an end cap or making another gutter repair. If the gutter is leaking, keep clear and watch for signs that runoff is affecting the ground or footings.
Once an asbestos professional confirms that roof-drainage work can proceed safely, contact our leaking gutter repair team to assess the fault.