Firstly, what is fibro asbestos?
Fibro is short for Fibrous Cement Sheeting and is made of a reinforced, thin cement sheet. During the period of widespread asbestos use, fibro was among the materials that contained it (between 1930 and 1990). The asbestos fibres are within the fibro, making it a contaminated material that requires expert removal and disposal. However, modern fibro can exist without asbestos, and, of course, asbestos can exist without fibro.
If you don’t know what material you’re dealing with by having a careful look at it, have a quick chat with one of our licensed Ryno’s Group asbestos experts, and we can help diagnose the case. With Ryno’s, your safety always comes first.
Fibro vs. Asbestos: Key Differences
Both fibro and asbestos look similar in their fibrous forms, and both were used in cement sheeting for their properties.
What Does Fibro Look Like?
Older fibro (containing asbestos) appears white or grey in colour, sometimes showing mottling or a powdery texture and a distinct dimpled underside similar to what you might see on a golf ball. If you notice these signs, be wary that your fibro sheeting might contain asbestos.
Modern fibro (asbestos-free) appears smooth and consistent on both sides, forming the cement sheeting.
If you have fibro in the building you want to disturb, it is vital to have it professionally tested for asbestos. However, in terms of what the materials are fundamentally made from, there are plenty of differences.
Fibro is a type of material made of cement and fibres, including, but not limited to, asbestos. Its use became widespread for its efficiency in constructing ceilings, walls, and corrugated roofs, and was particularly popular in Australia and New Zealand due to its cost-effectiveness (since materials had to be imported into our relatively remote country, cost-cutting was preferred).
Is There Asbestos In Fibro?
Asbestos is a hazardous, fibrous material that is part of a range of materials, particularly in building. This is typically found in insulation, roofing, flooring and cement sheeting.
The fibres in asbestos are longer and thinner than the fibres in fibro and tend to be more flexible. You can also see the fibres in fibro a little more clearly, with the eye, than asbestos (where you would need a microscope).
Fibro sheeting constructed before 1980 used asbestos fibres, specifically chrysotile, in the cement to reinforce it. You won’t find these hazardous fibres in modern fibro construction, but if you’re unsure of your building's age, always be cautious.
Do it right with Ryno’s Group. We will give you the best answer if you’re unsure - Talk to our licensed asbestos professionals for the right answer. If needed, we’ll provide the necessary testing at an accredited lab for your safety and peace of mind.
Or, read our article on Everything You Need To Know About Asbestos.
Does all Fibro have Asbestos in it?
No. Like all asbestos use, its use in fibro was phased out in the late 1980s when asbestos stopped being manufactured and imported in Australia. However, because it still exists in current buildings as a legacy material, it is vital to have it professionally tested for asbestos.
Trust a Licensed Expert To Keep Your Property Asbestos-Safe
Do you have fibro in your home or building, and are you planning to demolish or renovate? Call us today for expert testing, consultation, and safe removal and disposal of asbestos.
Ryno’s Group are triple ISO certified asbestos experts who put your safety first. We’ve been protecting Newcastle and surrounding areas from construction and material hazards for more than a decade, providing end-to-end services from testing to removal to disposal.
We provide comprehensive guides on how to deal with asbestos in the home. Not knowing what it is or how to contain unexpected exposure could leave you in a difficult situation. Discover how to protect yourself before you expose yourself to the hazard.
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