Research report
15 March 2015
Asbestos cement
The Consumer guide to managing domestic asbestos.
Asbestos cement products are no longer available. However, asbestos wall or roof cladding is common on older houses.
You should not grind, waterblast, cut or remove asbestos sheet - contact the professionals.
Asbestos cement
Older homes with asbestos cement claddings do not present a health hazard provided you only apply the occasional coat of paint. Preparation should consist of a wash down rather than the normal sanding or grinding to avoid releasing asbestos dust.
Asbestos cement is extremely durable, the paint coat is decorative only. This means repainting doesn’t require the type of preparation that other materials do. There should be no need to replace asbestos cement sheet unless it has been broken – it will become brittle with age and can be damaged by impact.
Other asbestos materials
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