With its excellent properties, asbestos was widely used in residential and commercial products. It is durable, resistant to heat and wear, with strong fibres and can be woven and used as a binding agent.
Although asbestos can be found in many types of materials, this toxic mineral is mainly used in construction and insulation products in the 20th century. According to Asbestos.com, the common types of asbestos products include the following [1]:
Asbestos has several distinct physical and chemical properties that make it an ideal material for different products.
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Asbestos cement sheets, such as asbestos corrugated roofing, sheathing and flat sheets, were largely used in Australia until they were banned in 1989 [4]. These products were a mixture of cement and asbestos fibres. The term ‘asbestos cement sheet’ was used synonymously with ‘fibrous cement sheet,’ and it has also been generically called ‘AC sheet’ and ‘fibro.’
Asbestos lumber. This fireproof and electrically nonconductive material is a better alternative to wood. It’s not made of wood, but it’s soft enough to work like natural lumber. Asbestos lumber was utilised as a base for roofing and siding materials, such as roof shingles and false brick facing.
It’s on the way they were manufactured and the effect of such a process. The former becomes more prone to weathering due to the process needed to make it corrugated. Unlike the flat sheets, the corrugated cement sheets are rarely being painted (especially when used in roofing applications) which then results in the breaking down of the cement-bonding agent. Painting helps seal the asbestos fibres. With the weather elements harshly affecting the corrugated cement sheets on the roof, they become easily worn out, and asbestos fibres are released. Nonetheless, under normal condition or in the absence of weathering, corrugated asbestos cement sheets will not release fibres because their asbestos fibres bind strongly to the base material matrix.
Asbestos cement sheets can be easily distinguished from other forms of corrugated materials and galvanised metal roofing. Unless they are painted, they are grey and have a noticeable fibrous look on them. However, in Western Australia, modern-day asbestos-free corrugated cement ‘fibro’ fencing material can be confused with asbestos cement ‘Super 6’ corrugated ‘fibro’. This product, which is known as ‘HardieFence’, is only sold and used in Western Australia [5].
Nowadays, the asbestos-free fibres in cement sheets are typically a composite of sand, cement and cellulose, a natural macromolecule in plants.
The presence of asbestos cannot be determined merely by visual inspection. They do not have a particular smell also. When identifying whether your roof has asbestos sheeting, a general rule used in Australia is that if the building was built [2]:
If nothing is known about the materials used in a building and whether a building has asbestos is unsure, better assume that it does have asbestos and ensure precautionary measures are in place. Asbestos experts can also be consulted so they can assess the building and obtain materials to be tested by NATA accredited laboratories.
With regard to new building materials, those manufactured after 31 December 2003 do not contain asbestos. On that day, the use of asbestos and all asbestos-containing products has been banned. Asbestos has also not been used in building materials since the late 1980s. Instead, cellulose fibres are now used. For insulation products, glass and other non-asbestos fibres are also being utilised.
If there’s any concern over possible asbestos in your roof, the best way to identify it is by having the roof surveyed or inspected by a specialist. These professional asbestos surveyors have knowledge about proper
asbestos identification, handling and removal. They can provide a homeowner or a building owner with an expert’s advice on what to do next and the dos and dont’s if asbestos is identified.
Asbestos roofing can last for 25-40 years, and it’s usually left in position longer than this. After a survey and an assessment, the asbestos sheeting can be left alone if it’s still in good condition, not damaged or deteriorating, located in a part of the home that isn’t used too much or isn’t easy to access, and its location, type and condition are good [6]. Generally, it won’t be dangerous because it won’t release fibres into the air. Asbestos sheeting is not 100% asbestos, and its fibres are considerably large to be released. With the asbestos fibres encased and contained in the cement of asbestos sheeting, the risk is negligible [7]. However, asbestos should always be treated with care under any circumstance. Here are some things that shouldn’t be done with asbestos sheeting even if it’s in good condition [5].
In some cases where there is no high-risk damage to the cement sheet or the asbestos is in good condition, there are also acceptable options to manage it, including enclosure and encapsulation [8].
Enclosure is the building of an air-tight barrier around the asbestos-containing material to confine any dust or fibre inside the enclosure. This abatement method is appropriate when removal is not feasible, fibres can be completely contained within the enclosure, and disturbance or entry into the enclosed area is unlikely.
Encapsulation involves the covering of the asbestos surface using a coating or a sealant. The process repairs and protects any damaged asbestos. It can also be used to seal any exposed, raw asbestos edges. Encapsulation is applicable when removal is not feasible, the material still retains firm bonding to the substrate, damage to the material is unlikely, the accessibility to the material is limited and the structure has a short remaining life span.
As the asbestos cement sheeting deteriorates with ages, it should be removed. Although enclosure and encapsulation can be done, asbestos removal is a better option to prevent further damage and extra cost. Removal is appropriate under the following conditions [6, 8]:
Asbestos removal is a high-risk activity that should never be considered a DIY job. Instead, it should be performed by a licensed professional. In his manual Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal Manual, Jamie Richardson [7] described the following processes for the safe removal and disposal of asbestos roof sheets.
Prior to asbestos abatement, he also recommended having a risk assessment and mitigation plan because each site can present different challenges.
For the removal process, an asbestos PPE kit should include disposable coveralls (Type 5), respiratory protective equipment or disposable face mask, safety goggle or protective eyewear, safety gloves, safety footwear and a hard hat. Meanwhile, the equipment and materials needed are a Class H vacuum cleaner, plastic bags, asbestos warning labels, duct tape and a water sprayer.
Asbestos sheeting should be removed and disposed of safely. If you suspect that there’s asbestos in your place, have it checked by a professional.
If you are looking for a fast and reliable asbestos removal company for asbestos sheeting removal in Sydney, contact Fastest Asbestos Removal. They offer a complete range of services from asbestos identification and inspection to removal and disposal.
References:
[1] King, Daniel. “Asbestos Products.” Asbestos.Com, 25 Mar. 2021, www.asbestos.com/products.
[2] “Asbestos a Guide for Minor Renovation.” Queensland Government Asbestos, www.asbestos.qld.gov.au/sites/default/files/asbestos-home-renovators-trades-guide.pdf.
[3] “Asbestos Composition.” Mesowatch, mesowatch.com/asbestos/composition.
[4] Kang, Daniel. “Asbestos Cement Sheets.” Asbestos.Com, 16 Feb. 2021, www.asbestos.com/products/asbestos-sheets.
[5] “Asbestos Cement Corrugated Roofing, Wall & Fence Paneling.” Bernie Banton, www.berniebanton.com.au/asbestos-awareness/about-asbestos/asbestos-cement-corrugated-roof-wall-and-fence-sheeting.
[6] “Asbestos.” VIVID, www.vividhomes.co.uk/my-home/looking-after/asbestos.
[7] Richardson, Jamie. “Asbestos Roof Sheet Removal Manual.” Shelter Cluster, Aug. 2017, www.sheltercluster.org/sites/default/files/docs/asbestos_removal_manual_002.pdf.
[8] “Handling of Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings.” Environmental Protection Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, www.epd.gov.hk/epd/sites/default/files/epd/english/resources_pub/publications/files/pn97_2.pdf.
[9] “Environmental Protection Department The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.” Health and Safety Executive, www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/guidance/a14.pdf.
[10] “Safe Practices For Homeowners Repairing or Removing Small Amounts of Asbestos Materials.” Asbestosawareness.Com.Au, asbestosawareness.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/Fact-Sheet-2-Detailed-Asbestos-Management-1.pdf.