In its heyday, asbestos was incorporated into many materials due to its various qualities. When mixed with cement, it could produce sheets of asbestos cement that were more durable than standard drywall, but without the extra labor of pouring or hauling concrete. As such, it could be found in many construction applications from the turn of the 20th century until the late 80s. This blog is going to cover major types of asbestos sheeting and the risks to watch out for.
Types of Asbestos Cement Sheeting
Asbestos sheeting was created by spinning the asbestos into a wool-like consistency before mixing it with cement, adding to its durability and heat resistance (many asbestos materials were used for home fireproofing). The material was referred to as “asbestos cement sheet” or “fiberous cement sheet,” which was sometimes shortened to AC sheet, fibro, or the generic transite.
Corrugated Asbestos Sheets
Asbestos roofing came in two major forms, more traditional asbestos shingles, and corrugated sheets similar to corrugated metal sheeting. The asbestos versions were used on roofing and siding, touted as superior as they didn’t rust and provided insulative properties.
Asbestos Flatsheet
Used as an analog for drywall, asbestos flatsheet was used in home and businesses as more durable interior walls as well as an underlayment for floors. Asbestos was often used with traditional drywall as well, including joint compound and wall texturing.
Asbestos Lumber
Asbestos-mixed cement was also marketed as “asbestos lumber,” sometimes also known as asbestos cement sheathing. It was considered a superior alternative to wood due to its fireproofing and electrical insulation. It was used in many forms from siding and brick facing to incorporation into chimneys.
Risks of Asbestos Exposure with Cement Sheeting
Like with other forms of asbestos, asbestos cement sheets are most dangerous to people when they start to degrade or are disturbed. Both release asbestos fibers which can make their way into the lungs, causing number health concerns. This includes damage to exterior asbestos or disturbing asbestos due to demolition or renovation.
Are you concerned about asbestos sheeting and other asbestos-containing materials in your home or office? It’s time to call in asbestos remediation specialists. Companies like Fiber Control, Inc. specialize in procedures for dealing with asbestos and other hazardous materials. If you’re in Massachusetts or New Hampshire and need asbestos inspection and removal, we can help. Contact us today.
At the beginning of this blog, our very first article was about the health effects of asbestos, 