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Bituminous membranes for non-roofing applications

Description

Bitumen (asphalt) based flat sections supplied in flexible rolled lengths. Asbestos may be contained in a layer of the bituminous roll or applied separately as a felt layer first with an asphaltic membrane covering.

Used for weather and water proofing.

Usually applied by rolling out the membrane onto a surface and applying heat (flame) to partially melt the compound and provide adhesion to the surface being applied to.

May be inserted into expansion joints.

Brands/products

  • Nurolite

Years of production/use

Prior to 2003

Residential uses

  • Paved areas, apartment block surrounds, moisture proofing of interior areas such as cellars and split level flooring.

Industrial uses
  • External mezzanines, decks, upper floor walkways on commercial buildings, concrete pavements, driveways, brick wall expansion joints between extensions, flashing
Be aware

Exposed edging and sections subject to waterflow may be a point of increased deterioration, exposing fibres.

Learn the history of the site – asbestos containing bituminous membranes may have been encapsulated.

Non-ACM bituminous membranes are still widely used.

Compressed flat asbestos cement sheeting

Description

Compressed, high density AC sheet with double face, commonly thicker than AC flat sheeting. Sold in square or rectangular panels. Smooth surface both sides or with single side non-skid patterned surface.

Internal and external use. Developed for weather-proof, moisture-proof applications.  

A dense, high strength, durable building product for bathroom/toilet partitions in commercial premises and public buildings, spandrel panels and porch flooring. Advertised for curtain walls, balustrades on bridges and balconies, stairtreads, bathroom floors, a base for tiles, suspended decks, sun louvres, windowsills, laboratory bench tops and permanent formwork applications such as bridge decking .

Six thickness profiles ranging from 6mm to 24mm.

Brands/products
  • Fibrolite
  • Compressed thick sheets
Years of production/use

1970s-1980s

Residential uses

Decks, landings, flooring, balustrades on multi-storey apartments

Industrial uses

Balustrades on bridges, toilet and changeroom partitions

Be aware

Weathering combined with direct contact such as foot traffic, will have increased damage effect.

Concreting and support formwork

Description

AC sheeting or pipes used as formwork or shuttering for shaping, reinforcing or underlaying concrete pours. Permanent formwork or temporary. AC products left in-situ as permanent formwork may not be visually apparent as AC due to the similar colour to concrete, particularly if painted.

Hardie’s marketed a 2.7m set shaped slab edge for DIY concreters.

Up until around the 1940s, Hardie’s manufactured AC Hollow Floor Blocks, an alternative to (Coal) coke breeze blocks, which were a popular method used in the late 1800s into the 20th Century to reinforce concrete.  Breeze was small cinders and cinder-dust (extinguished partially burned coal). This was mixed with cement, cast in wooden moulds, and made into blocks. The AC product provided other advantages as advertised.

Brands/products
  • Any brand product
  • Fibrolite
Years of production/use
  • Slab edges – produced to mid-1980s 
  • Hollow floor blocks – Late 1920s-1940s
  • Ad-hoc use of other material is an ongoing issue 

 

Residential uses

BBQs, DIY construction, framework support

Industrial uses

Ad-hoc concrete infills, older bridges

Be aware

DIY construction decisions may dictate use in unexpected situations.

Painted AC may display dimpling pattern.

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Email: enquiries@asbestossafety.gov.au

Phone: 1300 326 148

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The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency acknowledges the traditional owners and custodians of country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the elders past, present and emerging.

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