As the use of asbestos is being phased out, the asbestos cement industry has been forced to look for a viable substitute. Non-asbestos cement sheets and boards are increasingly being used as asbestos-free alternatives for roofing and piping insulation. With a little guidance, you can identify the difference between asbestos and non-asbestos cement sheets and make smarter decisions.
Asbestos was once prevalent in construction projects due to its desirable properties, such as heat resistance and durability. However, exposure to this hazardous material is hazardous and can lead to serious health problems, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer.
Following the ban on its use across the country, companies are now forced to replace asbestos-based products like corrugates asbestos and fibre cement with safer alternatives. It can be challenging to find the difference between asbestos fibre cement and non-asbestos fibres.
Asbestos cement products
Asbestos is a thin mineral fibre used to make asbestos-containing cement products like asbestos cement sheets and pipes for roofing and siding. It is more commonly known as “fibro.”
Asbestos cement sheets, or fibro cement, were once synonymously called ‘fibrous cement sheets.’ It was a rugged solution for builders because its manufacturing costs were low. Its high durability, resistance to fire and chemicals, and poor electrical conductivity made it a better alternative than concrete.
Types of asbestos-containing materials
Asbestos fibre cement was commonly used in construction during the 1980s. With the 2003 ban in Australia, the manufacturing of asbestos fibres was halted. However, fibre cement continues to be found in buildings across residential and commercial spaces across the country.
Corrugated asbestos sheets
These are the most commonly used asbestos products. Corrugated asbestos sheets were a cheap alternative to metal panels and were seen mostly in roofing constructions in farms and factories. The thin fibro sheet allowed for low insulation, and its corrugated shape permitted maximum air ventilation.
Asbestos Flat sheets
The most common problem in a residential building is the dampening of walls over time. To protect the walls of your house, using an asbestos cement sheet was the best choice. Its high water resistance properties appealed to homeowners.
Asbestos Lumber
Interestingly, asbestos lumber did not contain any wood. It exhibited wood properties, and since asbestos is a thin mineral, it was a malleable and easy replacement for wood. Asbestos fibres were made to form the base and underlayment in roofing and flooring constructions.
Dangers of living with asbestos cement products
Since the 1980s, asbestos cement sheeting slowly started to lose its popularity as people learnt about the health risk associated with it. In 2003, the Australian government banned the use of asbestos and made manufacturing asbestos-containing products illegal. However, asbestos cement still continues to be in use around different parts of the world.
Asbestos exposure has dangerous ramifications for one’s health. Workers involved in manufacturing products that contain asbestos have the highest chance of succumbing to asbestos-related diseases. Finding the difference between asbestos and non-asbestos cement is difficult, so homeowners are often left in the dark of its use.
Asbestos-related diseases due to exposure to asbestos
One of the most important reasons behind the ban of asbestos fibres is the huge number of health risks and asbestos-related diseases. Some of the most common asbestos-related diseases include:
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
- Ovarian Cancer
- Pleural Effusion
- Asbestosis
If you believe that the roofing in your residential building or commercial space may have used asbestos cement products or materials that contain asbestos, you should seek professional medical help immediately.
To get your building checked for asbestos-containing products that may have asbestos fibres, seek our professional service at Total Asbestos for inspection and asbestos removal service.
Replacement to asbestos products
Manufacturing asbestos products is now illegal in Australia. Building materials are now produced with safer alternatives than fibrous cement products. Corrugated asbestos roofing, fibro cement sheeting and other cement products that used bonded asbestos are now manufactured using cellulose fibres.
Since the 1980s, asbestos cement is no longer in use to make building materials. Asbestos manufacturing companies have been taking additional measures to protect their workers and customers from asbestos exposure.
Tips for identifying products that contain asbestos
It isn’t easy to find the difference in anything that contains asbestos, from cement sheets to fibre cement. Asbestos cement and products that contain cellulose fibres are next to impossible to understand.
The only way to ensure that your residential or commercial building does not have asbestos fibres is to collect a sample and run tests in a laboratory. Total Asbestos has been in the business for years, identifying and removing asbestos cement products in residential and commercial spaces.
Accredited across Australia, Total Asbestos is an expert in removing and disposing of fibre cement containing asbestos or fibro products. With over 40 years of experience, the team at Total Asbestos is equipped with the necessary skills to conduct asbestos removal and demolition jobs.
No job is too big, and we provide the safest and most affordable demolition and removal jobs for bonded asbestos, corrugated asbestos panels, fibro pipes and other fibro products. If you can’t understand the difference between asbestos & non-asbestos cement sheets, we’ll help you figure it out. Call us today for a FREE quote!
FAQ’s
Is it better to use non-asbestos cement sheets?
Asbestos fibres are extremely harmful and can cause a variety of diseases. Non-asbestos cement sheets are equally strong and have proven to be a great construction material. Replacing all asbestos cement sheets with non-asbestos products can be a substantial health benefit. Non-asbestos products can include concrete, pipes and other corrugated materials.
Does my house contain asbestos?
Several products ranging from pipes to the concrete used to build your roof can contain asbestos. With the help of professional asbestos removal and demolition service, you can reduce the health risk that can arise from asbestos fibres in your home.
Is safety ensured during the asbestos removal service?
We first offer a site inspection to search for ways to remove asbestos by causing the least amount of damage to your building. The asbestos removed is then packed and disposed of in council approved dumping sites. All kinds of concrete and construction material are inspected for asbestos and then demolished to be removed with the highest safety standards.