ASBESTOS CEMENT AND MODERN FIBRE CEMENT: 
HOW TO TELL THE DIFFERENCE

When you begin Refurbishment or Demolition work on a structure built before the year 2000, you may come across fibrous building materials, which could be Asbestos cement or modern fibre cement substitutes. It is very important to know which material is present. If you are wrong it could be very costly for both your health and your wallet!

In reality, the only certain method of finding out if any material contains Asbestos is to have it tested.

Keep reading to find out the main differences between Asbestos cement and their modern substitutes.

WHAT IS ASBESTOS CEMENT?

For many years, cladding made of Asbestos fibre cement was utilized in the United Kingdom and other parts of the world. Although it was very popular until the 1980s, it is frequently found in buildings constructed until the year 2000.

They were sold under brand names such as ‘super six’, ‘Panel sheet' and to this day can still be found in thousands of structures and homes across the UK. The health risks associated with Asbestos cement are minimal when it is left alone in situ and maintained in good condition.

Usually, it only becomes dangerous when it is broken, damaged or cracked exposing fibres that can become airborne and lead to a variety of health issues.

WHAT IS MODERN FIBRE CEMENT?

Asbestos was originally present in fibre cement, which was used to build both residential and commercial facilities. It was present in almost every construction until its ban in 1999. The relationship between the two still remains as if you mention fibre cement, many still associate it to containing Asbestos.

Modern cement products don’t contain Asbestos, as they haven’t for many years. Knowing that this building material typically only comprises of cellulose fibres, cement, water and sand, and is safe for use without risk of Asbestos-related hazards.

The use of fibre cement is popular in interior floor, ceiling and wall lining as well as exterior cladding in both residential and commercial construction.

What does asbestos cement look like?

HOW TO TELL IF YOUR CEMENT PRODUCTS CONTAIN ASBESTOS?

As mentioned earlier, testing is the only method to fully determine whether any area of your property has asbestos. There is no alternative for a test, but by keeping an eye out for a few of the items listed below,  you might be able to get a general idea of the material present on your property or worksite.

BRANDING / STAMPED LOGOS

Look out for any brand names, which are normally located on the rear, if you are able to without disturbing the Material.

A quick Google search will reveal some useful information about the brands or substance you're working with because certain asbestos items were labelled. Lack of labelling, however, does not guarantee that the item doesn't contain asbestos.

TEXTURE

In some cases, the ACM have a golf ball-like texture which is less popular on new fibre cement materials. Nevertheless, if the construction material pre-dates the year 2000, the absence of texturing does not imply the absence of Asbestos.

AGE

There may be a cause of concern if your residential or commercial property was constructed before 2000, as it can be presumed that at least some part of the construction may contain Asbestos.

COLOUR

When comparing building materials on a new and an old structure, you can typically tell which is newer and which is older only by looking at the colour and general condition. The same is true with fibre cement. If a material looks very old and worn this might make it more likely that it contains Asbestos.

RECOMMENDATION

There’s simply no way to know with absolute certainty if something does or doesn’t contain asbestos just by looking at it. Before you get renovations undertaken, take a moment to consult an asbestos surveying company. They can provide helpful advice, perform testing, and even remove asbestos materials if you receive a positive test result

Don’t gamble with your life! Instead, when it's time to do renovations, repairs, or demolition work, contact knowledgeable asbestos specialists for assistance.

Our company works tirelessly to reduce peoples exposure to Asbestos. Our teams can assist with any of the following asbestos-related works -

• Asbestos Surveys near me

•  Asbestos Removal near me

• Asbestos Sampling near me

• Asbestos in Soils

• Re-Inspection and maintenance near me

  
  

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