Moulded structures plastered into interiors. Aesthetic designs may vary. Will not break as easily as plasterboard-type equivalents.
More likely in structures of inter-war period to mid-1940s.
Early to mid-20th century
Housing
Offices
Disturbance and breakages around fittings – lights etc.
Panels and tiles may be perforated with holes or solid with no perforations.
May be constructed from AC sheeting, but often made from low density board (LDB) when installed in commercial structures to achieve fire rating. Refer to LDB information page.
Perforations provided an acoustic insulation. Number and pattern of perforations may vary between manufacturers and product specs marketed.
May be fixed in place with sheer point nails, adhesive or clicked into position on suspended frames for access to ceiling space for air conditioning ducts etc.
Duralux is also a current brand name for a fibre board product manufactured in Australia with no asbestos
Since May 2021, LDB is classified as friable in all circumstances in Queensland.
1950s – 1970s
Perforated acoustic panels marketed to children’s, family rooms and utility areas
Office spaces, community buildings, schools and other government buildings, commercial offices with suspended ceiling systems
Removal process hazardous if not undertaken with care due to low density of product matrix that tears and damages easily. Must be removed by a qualified and/or licensed asbestos removalist.
LDB estimated asbestos content is up to 70%.
Asbestolux was advertised as ‘…protection from fire, sound, heat, cold and condensation.’
Designed to be cut to size for edging etc. Exposed fibres would result.
Appearance can be identical to seamless plasterboard (non-ACM) ceiling sheets.
Older ceilings may have AC or wooden battens over jointing. Butted jointing of sheets may have v-edging with shear point nail heads (clouts) visible.
Early to mid-20th century ceilings may have moulded patterns such as rectangles or diamonds. Usually installed in conjunction with AC cornices and walls.
Commercial buildings built from late 1960s onwards may have aluminium moulded jointing strips.
See also: Low Density Board
Duralux is also a current brand name for a fibre board product manufactured in Australia with no asbestos
Prior to 1990
Offices, community and government buildings, workshops, factory structures etc
A ceiling lower than normal height or suspended tiles/panel system in an older building may still have original AC sheeting in place.
