Asbestos-cement cladding – too close to or in ground contact

Causes

Installed too close to the ground

Gardens have been built up

Path or paving laid against the cladding

Listed under: Exterior, cladding, walls, asbestos, wall cladding, asbestos-cement cladding

Cause

Installed too close to the ground

Repair

  • if you are not sure whether a fibre-cement cladding contains asbestos, you can get a small piece (about the size of two $2 coins, or approximately 2 x 3 cm) tested at one of the labs listed on our asbestos page

  • aim for a minimum 30–50 mm gap between the base of the cladding and the ground to prevent moisture uptake. The easiest way to achieve this may be by lowering the soil or garden level so it is clear of the cladding – the bottom of the cladding must be able to dry completely. Ensure that lowering the garden level does not lead to rainwater flowing under the house

  • breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious or even fatal illnesses. Do not carry out any activity (sanding, sawing, water blasting etc.) that may release fibres from the cladding into the air.

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Cause

Gardens have been built up

Repair

  • if you are not sure whether a fibre-cement cladding contains asbestos, you can get a small piece (about the size of two $2 coins, or approximately 2 x 3 cm) tested at one of the labs listed on our asbestos page

  • lower the soil/mulch level so it is clear of the cladding – the bottom of the cladding must be able to dry completely. Leave a minimum 30–50 mm gap between the base of the cladding and the ground to prevent moisture uptake. Ensure that lowering the garden level does not lead to rainwater flowing under the house

  • breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious or even fatal illnesses. Do not carry out any activity (sanding, sawing, water blasting etc.) that may release fibres from the cladding into the air.

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Cause

Path or paving laid against the cladding

Repair

  • if you are not sure whether a fibre-cement cladding contains asbestos, you can get a small piece (about the size of two $2 coins, or approximately 2 x 3 cm) tested at one of the labs listed on our asbestos page

  • where possible, break up and remove concrete or paving. Reform the ground surface so there is a minimum 30–50 mm gap between the base of the cladding and the ground and ensure that rainwater will flow away from the building

  • breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to serious or even fatal illnesses. Do not carry out any activity (sanding, sawing, water blasting etc.) that may release fibres from the cladding into the air.

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