Asbestos Sheeting

Asbestos Sheeting

Asbestos Sheeting Removal in Sydney

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 duct connectors: Fabric connecting HVAC system parts
  • Asbestos construction mastics and gunning mix: Used to repair or fill industrial materials such as furnaces, tile or flooring
  • Asbestos adhesives: Roofing sealant, duct tape, furnace cement and glue for flooring, ceiling tiles, wall panels and interior fixtures
  • Asbestos electrical components: Electrical shielding, wire insulation, flash guard paper and cable wrap
  • Asbestos fireproofing: Firefighter gear and spray-on fireproofing
  • Asbestos gaskets: Heat-resistant seals for joining valves, hoses and machine parts
  • Asbestos felt: Used in roofing, flooring and paper mills
  • Asbestos plastics: Used in cookware, appliances, tools and vehicles
  • Asbestos insulation: Loose-fill insulation, block insulation and spray-on insulation
  • Asbestos textiles: Protective clothing, upholstery and fire blankets
  • Asbestos vinyl products: Floor tiles, sheet flooring and wallpaper
  • Asbestos sheets: Corrugated and flat cement sheets, drywall and asbestos lumber.

What Makes Asbestos a Good Material?

Asbestos has several distinct physical and chemical properties that make it an ideal material for different products.

  • Fibrous: Asbestos ore can be pulled apart into woolly consistency and be used as a fibre. Asbestos fibres are 50-200 times thinner than human hair. They can float in the air for a long time, but they can’t be seen by the naked eye [2]. 
  • High tensile strength: Asbestos has high pressure threshold before it breaks.
  • Thermally stable and resistant: Asbestos decreases temperature changes while safeguarding objects from high temperatures. It is a good insulator.
  • Durable: Asbestos is resistant to chemical erosion, heat and electricity. It is non-conductive and non-reactive to many caustic or oxidizing chemicals. In addition, it cannot be burnt or melted even at very high temperatures [3].

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Different Types of Asbestos-Containing Sheeting

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.’

  1. Corrugated cement sheets. These fibrous cement sheets, which were an affordable alternative to corrugated metal panels, were used in the roofing and siding of buildings. They provided better insulation and were not easily eroded.
  2. Flat cement sheets. They were common in house and business interiors, walls and underlayment for flooring.

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.

How do asbestos corrugated or fibre cement sheets differ from asbestos flat cement sheets?

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.

Difference Between Asbestos Cement Sheets and Modern-Day Fibre Cement Sheet

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.

Identifying Asbestos

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]:

  • before the mid-1980s, it is highly likely that it would have some asbestos-containing materials;
  • between the mid-1980s and 1990, it is likely that it would have asbestos-containing materials and
  • after 1990, it is highly unlikely it would have asbestos-containing materials.


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.

Handling Damaged Asbestos Cement Sheeting

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].


  1. Do not power or pressure wash it.
  2. Do not use anything abrasive, such as stiff brooms, sandpaper, wire brushes and metal scrapers, on it. They may break or damage the surface and release asbestos fibre
  3. Do not cut or break it.
  4. Do not drill it.
  5. Do not walk on it.


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

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

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.

Asbestos Sheeting Removal

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]:

  • when the material is severely damaged, crumbling or liable to further damage or deterioration,
  • the material is friable or poorly bonded to the substrate,
  • before a building or ship renovation or demolition,
  • if asbestos type, location and condition are shown to be a risk and
  • If asbestos is in a place in the home that’s frequently used or where it could easily get damaged.


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.

  1. Procurement and supply of personal protective equipment (PPE), materials and equipment
  2. Training of operative and project staff
  3. Information and awareness training for the householders
  4. Local public awareness of asbestos hazard and risk
  5. Site health and safety
  6. Safe removal of roof sheets
  7. Safe temporary onsite storage of roof sheets
  8. Site cleaning
  9. Safe transport and disposal of 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.


How to prepare the work area for asbestos sheeting removal [7, 9]

  1. Ensure safe and adequate access. This will allow for easier cleaning after work completion.
  2. Secure any ladders, trestles or scaffold that may be needed to access the roof and the roof sheet fixings.
  3. If the work requires walking on the roof, crawling boards must be in place. 
  4. Restrict access. Check that no one else is near your working area unless they are wearing PPE.
  5. Close all doors and windows to prevent drafts. Plastic sheet and duct tape can be used to seal the room or to make an entrance. This is to prevent dust and fibres from spreading to other parts of the house or building
  6. Remove all furniture, carpets, curtains and any surface or item that may collect dust. Sweep and clean the room to minimise the dust that may be removed when the work is done.
  7. Cover any surface that could be contaminated with dust, debris and fibres using plastic sheeting and duct tape.
  8. Turn off all heating or cooling systems to prevent asbestos fibres from getting into them and from spreading.
  9. Make sure to have good lighting.
  10. Remove pets and their bowls from the work area.
  11. Identify a secure and safe area away from the house or building where the sheets can be stored during removal.

Safety reminders during asbestos sheeting removal [7, 9, 10]

  1. Before starting to work, any personnel should wear PPE.
  2. Spray roof sheets with water and keep them damp to reduce the risk of dust. Hot weather will require regular spraying.
  3. Remove the roof fixings gently to avoid breaking the sheets or making dust.
  4. Carry the sheets or lower them to the ground carefully.
  5. Double wrap the sheets and seal them with a warning label between the layers.
  6. Stack the sheets and make sure that all sheets are accounted for.
  7. After removal, fully clean the site and exposed rooms with a vacuum cleaner rather than brushing to prevent creating dust.
  8. When the cleaning is done, the vacuum cleaner should be emptied and all debris should be sealed in bags which should be transported to the landfill site and buried.
  9. The disposable PPE should also be sealed in bags and left with the roof sheets to be buried.
  10.  All personnel should decontaminate themselves and dispose of the wastes with the roof sheets.


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.

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