Amy Lamb Woods
August 2000 While used separately
in many prior successful applications, asbestos and cement were
first combined in the United States in the early 1900s to form
an innovative new building material. Asbestos-cement products were
used in a host of applications, which took advantage of its durability,
fire resistance, ease in processing, forming, installing, and overall
economic benefits. Although often tarnished by the angst associated
with asbestos, careful examination of asbestos-cement's history
and material characteristics reveal its importance as a twentieth-century
building material. In addition, references to applicable regulations
and recommendations for proper conservation treatments are addressed.
HISTORY AND MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS
Asbestos-cement is a composite material that consists of portland cement reinforced
with asbestos fibers. Before the combination of asbestos and cement, these
constituent materials were utilized independently for commercial use. Asbestos
tended to be too coarse and abrasive to be useful by itself, which led
to diverse and popular composite mixtures beginning in the 1880s. Many
experiments with asbestos fibers resulted in a variety of mixtures; however,
the combination of asbestos and cement (typically portland) proved most
useful in the building industry. The proportion of cement to asbestos fibers
varied over a range of ten to seventy-five percent by weight, depending
on the desired characteristic.1 The portland cement matrix ultimately binds
the fibers of asbestos into a hard mass, which is a durable material, mechanically
and chemically compatible with the fibers. Asbestos’ popularity
in the building industry stemmed from its inexpensive processing
and its special chemical and physical properties, which make it
virtually indestructible. Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral
that maintains chemical resistance especially to alkalis, fire
resistance, mechanical strength due to the fibers’ high length
to diameter ratio, flexibility, and good friction and wear characteristics.2
In addition, good bond to the cement matrix with no evidence of
an interfacial transition zone is attributed to the hydrophilic
surface of the asbestos fibers.3 Approximately ninety-five
percent of asbestos used in building products was in the form of
crysotile
(white asbestos), and occasionally amosite (brown asbestos) was
used.4
Other forms of asbestos, namely crocidolite, anthophylite, tremolite,
and actinolite, were not used as they were considered more hazardous
due to excessively brittle and thin fibers.5 Asbestos-cement was first
manufactured in the United States in 1905,6 introduced
first in the form of a coating. It was easily installed and assumed
to be
indestructible when applied as a covering to boilers, steam pipes,
hot blast furnaces, and stills. H. W. Johns Manufacturing Company
(later Johns-Manville) became one of the leaders in the development
of cement products containing asbestos.
![drawing showing manufacture of asbestos coverings](asbestos%20figures/fig01.jpg) |
Figure 1. Manufacture
of non-conducting asbestos-cement coverings for steam-pipes
and boilers (Scientific America, 1876).26 |
The company initially marketed
asbestos-cement coating as an agent for repairing roofs, and guaranteed
it to stop all leaks when properly applied, making seemingly worthless
roofs serviceable for many years. This product was used in joints
around chimneys, dormer windows, skylights, scuppers, shingles,
and nail holes on roofs (Figure 1). Asbestos-cement was also invaluable
for protecting beams, posts, walls, and ceilings, especially in
hotel and restaurant kitchens, or places where it was desired to
prevent the transmission of heat to adjoining rooms.7 H.
W. Johns along with other early manufacturers, such as Keasbey & Mattison
Company, Baltimore Roofing & Asbestos Manufacturing Company,
Inc., Philip Carey Manufacturing Company, and Flintkote Company,
engaged in producing a wide range of asbestos-cement products throughout
much of the first half of the century.
It was not until 1907
that the invention by an Austrian engineer, Ludwid Hatschek, made
possible the manufacture of pre-formed asbestos-cement products.8 The Hatschek machine, a wet transfer roller, was used to produce
the initial asbestos-cement sheets (Figure 2), while two other
manufacturing processes included the Mazza process for pipes, and
the Magnani semi-dry process for corrugated sheets.9 After being
formed, most products were steam cured to achieve the optimum microstructure
for strength and durability. It is these asbestos-cement building
products that have many desirable material characteristics, such
as being lightweight, impermeable to water, durable, tough, resistant
to rot, termites, soiling, corrosion, warping, and fire, and easy
to clean and maintain. Asbestos-cement also possesses low thermal
conductivity and is therefore a good electrical insulator. These
highly desirable material characteristics, apparent in the new
found material, sparked growth in manufacture of a plethora of
forms and styles to suit different needs.
|
Figure 2. Simplified
representation of a Hatschek machine for asbestos-cement
production (Wilden, 1986).27 |
With the refinement of
the asbestos and cement mixture, as well as the forming and curing
procedures, the market soon developed major commercial products
of synthetic roof and wall shingles, corrugated wall and roof panels,
flat millboard, and decorative wall and ceiling moldings. Additional
manufactured products included water pipes, simulated ceramic bathroom
tiles, facings of acoustical materials, electrical switchboard
panels, laboratory tabletops, electrical conduits, and even smaller
diameter pipes were used for purlins and trusses in wartime construction
to conserve steel and lumber.10 The principle manufactured
products used in building construction were,
in order
of their production volume: siding shingles, flat sheets, roofing
shingles, and corrugated sheets.11 These asbestos-cement
products lent themselves to rapid construction techniques and,
therefore,
were particularly useful for lightweight housing and industrial
buildings.
![advertisement showing typical asbestos-cement roofing shingles](asbestos%20figures/fig03.jpg) |
Figure 3. Keasbey
& Mattison Company advertisement showing typical asbestos-cement
roofing shingles (Sweet's Catalogue of Building Construction,
1940s). |
As early as the 1920s
the National Board of Fire Underwriters recommended that home owners
incur the additional expenses associated with fire-resistant roof
coverings as replacements to avoid the hazards associated with
wooden shingles.12 Among the various approved alternatives
were asbestos-cement roofing products (Figure 3). This was a milestone
in the public’s acceptance of the product that a nationally
reputable organization recognized and recommended its use. Originally, roof shingles
were manufactured in three typical colors: natural cement gray,
Indian red (tile), and blue-black (slate). Two primary designs
produced were Hexagonal (diamond shape) and Dutch lap (similar
to wood shingles). Each shingle is held by two nails, with the
addition of a storm nail at the apex of the Hexagonal pattern.
They are much lighter than tile or slate and weigh only a little
more than wooden shingles, allowing for a more economical substructure.
Other shapes include: Poilite Straight Cover Slating (square or
chamfered corners), Scalloped (three or five scales to a tile),
Bell's Pan (ogee shape, or a skewed pan tile), and Endurol (wave
pan tile).13 When asbestos-cement roofing shingles were properly
manufactured and installed, the shingles were so durable that the
roof would commonly outlast the functional lifespan of the building. Asbestos-cement siding
shingles imitated wood siding shingles in shape and appearance,
typically available in sizes of twelve by twenty-four inches.
These shingles originally came in nondescript tones like gray-green,
gray-pink, and Dover white. Textures such as grooved, wood-grained,
or smooth were pressed into the large asbestos-cement sheets, then
cut to the profile of the design, such as Tapertex (flat horizontal
lines), Thatched, or Waveline. They were usually predrilled for
ease of installation with two to three nails on the bottom of each
shingle to secure the panels to the sheathing. Installation was
executed from the bottom up. As one row of shingles was nailed,
the bottom lip would secure the top of the shingle from the row
below (Figure 4).14 This construction technique allowed ease in replacing
shingles, unlike wood or slate shingles that were secured at the
top of each shingle. Large flat asbestos-cement
sheets were available in sizes of twelve-feet long by four-feet
wide and thicknesses ranging from approximately an eighth of an
inch to one inch.15 Asbestos-cement flat sheets were, at one time,
manufactured only in the typical gray color of cement and usually
only accepted for industrial purposes. Eventually sheets were made
with smooth surfaces, waxed or lacquered, with a variety of colors
for use as office partition walls, kitchen walls, tabletops, acoustical
panels, and building corridors. They were often used where ease
of cleaning was important. One popular material for interior lining
was an embossed sheet with a figured pattern that could be painted
or distempered, thus providing the effect of plaster at a relatively
low cost. Another popular variation consisted of a smooth surface
and wood-grain appearance available in a range of colors. Some
sheets were glazed, thus presenting a smoother, more resilient
finish. Flat sheets were often
incorporated into composite products. ‘Transitop’ was
a typical composition board consisting of an integrally impregnated
insulating board core, faced on both sides with asbestos-cement
board. Waterproof adhesives were used to laminate the insulating
core as well as to bond the noncombustible asbestos-cement faces
to the core.16 This combination of materials provided for structural
strength, high insulation values, and maintenance-free interior
and exterior finishes in a single fire-resistant panel.
![drawing of 1940 asbestos-cement siding installation](asbestos%20figures/fig04.jpg) |
Figure 4. Asbestos-Cement
siding installation specifications (McCawley, 1940). |
With the advent of asbestos-cement
corrugated sheets, the enclosure of factory buildings, warehouses,
and train sheds was simple, economical, and effective for either
permanent or portable structures.17 Corrugated asbestos-cement
sheets were applied in the same way that corrugated iron was applied,
either nailed to wooden strips, bolted to the purlins, or clipped
directly to the purlins by clips of hoop-iron or wire. They were
available in standard sheets, twenty-seven and a half inches
wide and in lengths of four, five, six, seven, eight, and ten feet.
Two primary shapes were Trafford (with peaks), and Fibrotile
(with
waves). A series of special hardware devices was designed for
use with corrugated sheets so that buildings could be completely
encased
in the material. Corrugated asbestos-cement sheeting was also
used for decorative purposes in uniquely styled buildings of all
descriptions. During the 1940s construction
boom, a wider variety of colors became available, including a
spackled look, where the colors were impregnated throughout the
sheet so
they would not powder or peel off. When color change became desirable
after installation, owners were encouraged to paint the asbestos-cement
products. It was the “attractive home safeguarded with modern
asbestos siding, fireproof, rot proof, termite proof” idea
that intrigued many Americans during this era.18 By 1950,
approximately one billion square feet of asbestos-cement products
had been produced
for use in the building industry.19 By the time the Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) was established in 1970, the commercial
world of asbestos-cement products had expanded into many markets.
Annual use of asbestos-cement in the United States continued to
climb for another three years before reaching the peak of its popularity,
only to plummet to a quick death in 1973 when the EPA implemented
the initial ban on asbestos.20 Asbestos-cement products
are still produced in a few countries outside of the United States
and are
considered a beneficial resource; however now they carry the label “hazardous
material” and not “miracle mineral” as they once
did.
ASBESTOS REGULATIONS
Some asbestos fibers, when inhaled, constitute a health hazard leading to asbestosis,
a form of lung cancer. These health risks prompted the establishment of
strict environmental regulations on working with asbestos. Health risks
were shown to be greatest during mining and production processes, but minimal
during installation and use of asbestos-cement products.21 According to
the EPA, a material containing asbestos is deemed potentially hazardous
only in a friable state, which means when it can be crumbled, pulverized,
or reduced to a powder by hand pressure. Asbestos-cement is not considered
friable, and therefore not hazardous, because the cement binds the asbestos
fibers and prevents their release into the air under normal use conditions.
However, asbestos-cement products are classified as friable when severe
deterioration disturbs the asbestos or mechanical means are used for chipping,
grinding, sawing, or sanding, therefore allowing particles to become airborne. Maintenance and management
guidance for asbestos-containing materials has been formulated
by the National Institute for Building Science (NIBS) in their
publication "Asbestos Operations and Maintenance Work Practices," and
by the EPA in publication 20T-2003, "Managing Asbestos in
Place." The two primary institutions that regulate asbestos-containing
materials are the EPA and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration
(OSHA). Regulations are mandated by the National Emission Standards
for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP), a branch of EPA, under 40
CFR Part 61 Subpart M, and by OSHA under the Federal Register 29
CFR 1926.1101, "Asbestos in Construction Standard." These
regulations can change or be superseded by more stringent state
and local codes. It is recommended that these procedures be followed
to protect the asbestos-cement materials from becoming friable
during any restoration project. Laws established by federal
agencies for non-friable materials are minimal. NESHAP requires
no visible emission where-by if a procedure that will disturb the
material is being implemented the fibers in the air must be controlled
below a visible tolerance. For asbestos-cement, visible emission
can easily be controlled by keeping the material adequately wet
so that dust does not form. When repairing or replacing, simply
spray down the material first, keep the material wet during any
abrasive procedures, or use high efficiency particle arresting
(HEPA) equipment. Prior to and during demolition use a firehose
on the structure. OSHA regulations for disturbing non-friable materials
include frequent inspection, operation and maintenance training,
respirators (only in emergency settings), awareness training, wet
methods, and handling procedures. If the material will not be disturbed,
no hazard exists and no precautions are required; however, conducting
periodic inspections is still advised.22
![drawing of partial wall section for shingle siding construction](asbestos%20figures/fig05.jpg) |
Figure 5. Partial
wall section for shingle siding construction; shows a drip
cap and apron in place to protect the bottom edge of siding
shingles (Graf, 1985). |
CONSERVATION
Due to the abundance of buildings clad in asbestos-cement products, and the
low health risk of the non-friable material, it is necessary to know how
to preserve and rejuvenate the material back to a vibrant and usable life.
The primary conservation options for asbestos-cement building materials
are to maintain and manage in place, repair, replace in part, or abate.
The level of deterioration determines the appropriate option to be employed.
Abatement, including full removal or encapsulation, should only be used
as a final course of action. Maintain and Manage
Deterioration of asbestos-cement is inevitable, as is eventually the case with
most all materials. Maintenance procedures can decelerate deterioration,
such as conducting visual inspections to evaluate condition, keeping the
material clean, making minor repairs as necessary, and organizing treatment
practices that minimize the extent and impact on the material. Also, it
is important to maintain the environment that surrounds the structure and
protect the asbestos-cement materials. Examples of protective measures
include the planting of shrubs or flower beds between the skirt of the
wall and lawns to protect from lawnmower damage, adding a bumper material
to the bottom row of siding to reduce vulnerability to cracking and chipping
(Figure 5), and keeping branches and debris away from the roof and out
of gutters. Repair
When repair is the necessary treatment for a deteriorated asbestos-cement product,
the least amount of material should be discarded and the most possible
amount of original material should be retained. The type and extent of
material deterioration associated with asbestos-cement products depends
on the cause of the distress and therefore requires investigation and the
tailoring of a solution for each case. When repairing the deteriorated
materials the gentlest means possible should be used following applicable
asbestos regulations, along with repair techniques sympathetic to the existing
fabric. Asbestos-cement is inherently
a brittle material with low impact resistance, so even with the
added reinforcing given by the long thin asbestos fibers, the material
is susceptible to cracking and chipping as generally induced by
low impact forces, repeated cyclical loadings, or deteriorated
fasteners. In addition to this primary deterioration tendency,
manufactured asbestos-cement products can potentially discolor,
erode, spall, flake, form efflorescence, and create an environment
for biological growth. Guidance for repairing asbestos-cement products
is given here for these several distress manifestations. Cracking
If a crack forms from either impact or fatigue and mandates repair, several
techniques can be used depending on the size of the crack. For hairline
cracks, work clear epoxy into cracks with a thin object. Epoxy can be susceptible
to UV attack and may need to be restored periodically by removing and replacing.
For slightly larger gaps, use a grout of portland cement and water, mixed
to a flowing consistency, and tinted to match. For cracks greater than
an eighth of an inch, use a thicker grout consistency or add sand to the
mix. The crack may need to be widened to rake out the loose material. Soak
the crack with water, then trowel patch the grout into it. Keep the repair
damp for a week to promote slow and proper curing and reduce shrinkage.23 If the fasteners for the
asbestos-cement product have become deteriorated or have broken
from corrosion, they should be replaced with a more durable metal.
Various metals can be considered for the replacement, but should
be compatible with the sheathing. Stainless steel is generally
recommended because of its superior corrosion resistance. Fasteners
such as nails should be long enough to hold the materials securely
(self-clinching nails can help with this). Discoloration
Discoloration of asbestos-cement products stems from a build-up of surface
contamination (such as soiling), stains produced by leaching of other material
byproducts (such as corrosion run-off), or a direct change in color due
to the environment (such as ultra-violet sun bleaching). These discoloration
occurrences typically result from normal weathering, but indicate a chemical
reaction that may decrease the strength or durability of the material when
neglected over time. Discoloration should be
removed from the asbestos-cement products, and cleaning recommendations
generally suggest trying several solutions of varying strengths.
After evaluating the results of the trials select the alternative
that provides the needed results while using the gentlest means
possible without causing adverse reactions to the substrate. Mechanical
methods for cleaning can promote asbestos fibers to become airborne,
therefore should only be used following asbestos regulations. To clean light stains,
such as dirt, the asbestos-cement products should be washed with
a detergent solution or a mixture of one half cup of trisodium
phosphate dissolved in a gallon of hot water. Rinsing with plenty
of clear water helps to remove all trace of the cleaning solution.
Start the cleaning at the bottom of the wall, working upward in
small sections, rinsing immediately, and keeping the shingles below
wet, otherwise, dirty water can drip down over dry surfaces and
leave streaks almost impossible to remove later. Recommendations for stains
such as rust, are to dissolve one part of sodium citrate in six
parts of commercial glycerin. Mix part of this with inert dry clay,
such as diatomaceous earth, to form a poultice and apply as a thick
layer. When the paste is dry, replace with fresh paste or moisten
with the remaining liquid. Complete removal of the stains may require
a week or longer. A ten percent oxalic acid solution has also been
found to successfully remove rust from cementitious products. If
the substrate, metal fixtures, or other adjacent objects are causing
staining they should be cleaned and coated or replaced. If the stain cannot be
removed, another option is painting the asbestos-cement products.
Painting is an especially good solution if the material was originally
painted, but adds a maintenance factor. Oil based paints and varnishes
are not chemically compatible with cementitious materials. High
quality alkali-resistant and weather resistant exterior paint (i.e.,
100% acrylic coating) should be used on exterior asbestos-cement
materials, or use pigmented shingle stain. Before being painted,
asbestos-cement surfaces should be cleaned, then primed with an
alkali-resistant primer. Eroding, Spalling, or
Flaking
Erosion removes cement particles and can result in the release of asbestos
fibers, leaving the material with less reinforcement. Due to the high density,
low permeability, and low porosity of the material, this tendency is virtually
unnoticeable. However, erosion can become a more serious problem under regular
and extremely harsh weather conditions. If intense erosion occurs, the durability
of the material can be compromised. Although rare, spalling
or flaking occurs when elements permeate beneath the surface of
the asbestos-cement material and then expand, causing a portion
of the material to be released due to the resulting stress. As
the moisture content increases, more severe deterioration can occur.
This deterioration is more likely to occur in products that were
cured at lower temperatures and therefore are more vulnerable to
water penetration. To control eroding, spalling,
or flaking, chemical consolidants and/or breathable sealers (most
commonly silane) can be applied to strengthen the material while
adding water protection. Testing is critical since consolidants
and sealers can promote spalling if water is getting in through
the backside of the material.
A grout or latex-patch may also be considered, but must be compatible with,
and typically softer than, the asbestos-cement material to form a good bond
and not promote increased spalling. This repair procedure can be tricky and
may lead to constant patching, and may be unsightly if not done with extreme
care. For these types of deterioration tendencies, the material may be better
off left alone or partially replaced. Efflorescence
Efflorescence appears on many portland cement products that are exposed to
weathering. This form of crystalline growth indicates that water is passing
through the material, which can promote deterioration of the asbestos-cement,
in addition to making it unsightly. Generally this is seen at the beginning
of the material’s life, where rain and weathering tend to remove
it over time. To clean efflorescence
deposits, the surface should first be dry brushed with soft bristles,
not scratching the surface. If efflorescence still remains, test
to see if it is water soluble or acid soluble. If water soluble,
the wall should be wiped with a wet sponge or brush (a light detergent
can also be added). A hose can be used, but spray the water in
a downward direction as perpendicular force will drive the efflorescence
back into the material. If acid soluble, clear ‘white’ vinegar,
acetic acid, phosphoric acid, or similar proprietary products diluted
in water should be used. It is recommended to wet the surface with
solution, then apply solution more liberally on the asbestos-cement.
After two or three minutes, scrub using a fiber brush with more
solution, then rinse extremely well with clear water. Safety precautions
provided on the product labels should be followed, and again tested
before commencing extensive application as adverse effects or discoloration
may occur. Pitting from chemicals will increase dirt buildup and
water permeability, decreasing the durability of the material. Biological Growth
Biological growth on the exterior of asbestos-cement can be a problem in sheltered
environments or on northern exposures. Shade trees located close to a building
can shield sunlight and result in prolonged dampness of the asbestos-cement
building product and promote biological formations, such as moss and algae.
Not only are the growths unsightly, but they can stimulate surface disintegration,
dissolution, and staining. The presence of moss and
other fungi growth signals that the moisture content of the material
is high and therefore an attack by a more damaging biological species
could occur.24 It is not only important to remove the growth from
the asbestos-cement material, but also to remove the environment
that is causing the growth. To eliminate biological growth, a strong
mixture of weed killer and water could be tested. If unsuccessful,
a solution of four parts bleach, one part trisodium phosphate,
and twelve parts warm water is recommended. After a week or so
when the moss has turned brown and dry, it should be brushed off.
In the case of ivy this technique is sometimes not helpful in removing
the thousands of tiny roots left after the ivy has been pulled
off; a stronger product may be needed (i.e., copper sulfate). It
is important to remember that biological growths differ widely
and so do the processes for their removal. Testing various products
and selecting appropriately is highly encouraged.
![photo of cracked asbestos-cement shingle](asbestos%20figures/fig06.jpg) |
Figure 6. Asbestos-cement
products most commonly deteriorate by cracking and chipping.
These kinds of deterioration are not typically feasible
to repair, and therefore it is recommended that a non-asbestos
fiber cement piece by used as a replacement (photo
by author). |
Replacement
Since asbestos-cement products were manufactured in standard sizes, shapes,
colors, and textures, partial replacement is well suited for implementation.
This process is acceptable when part of, or pieces of, the existing asbestos-cement
building material have deteriorated to such a degree that it is much more
feasible to replace than repair (Figure 6). Since the United States no
longer produces asbestos-cement products, an alternative material should
be selected to match the original. Some materials that have been manufactured
to replicate asbestos-cement building components are non-asbestos reinforced
cement, fiberboard with asphalt, fiberglass, metal, and vinyl. For the
purposes of preservation, one of the non-asbestos reinforced cement products
is most appropriate.
![photo of replacement non-asbestos fiber cement shingles in place](asbestos%20figures/fig07.jpg) |
Figure 7. Replacement
non-asbestos fiber-cement shingles in place, before being
painted and after (photo by author). |
Many varieties of non-asbestos
reinforced cement or fiber-cement are currently available. Fibers
that have been introduced with cement include: steel, glass, polypropylene,
wood (these four being the most common), acrylic, akwara, alumina,
carbon, cellulose, coconut, kevlar, nylon, perlon, polyethylene,
rock wool, and sisal.25 Combinations of fibers are
currently undergoing research in order to get properties closely
matching
those of asbestos.
Several companies manufacture products that replicate asbestos-cement
roofing and siding shingles, flat sheets, and corrugated sheets.
Some of these manufacturers include: Supradur Manufacturing Company,
Cement Board Fabricators, U.S. Architectural Products, Inc.,
Re-Con Building Products, and GAF Materials Corp. The fiber-cement
products
replicate the size, shape, thickness, and structure, along with
texture and color of many of the asbestos-cement products previously
available. Where color matching is not found, an alternative
is to replace in size and shape then paint over the entire structure
for a uniform appearance (Figure 7). In addition, the hardware
and the installation procedures for these products are similar
to those for asbestos-cement products due to their similar characteristics
and proportions.
CONCLUSION
Asbestos-cement products were developed in an era of ingenuity for creating
easy to install and economic building materials. Although asbestos-cement
has acquired a poor reputation by association of its title, it has not
gained that reputation through a lack of durability or utility. In order
to preserve this twentieth-century material, understanding what makes,
or does not make, asbestos a hazard is truly important. In this case, no
hazard is created when asbestos-cement building materials are sound and
left in place, or when treatments incorporate non-abrasive means.
END NOTES
1D.V. Rosato, Asbestos: Its Industrial Applications (New York: Reinhold
Publishing Corp., 1959), 1, 62. This text is an excellent resource for information
on
the manufacture and production of asbestos products.
2 L. Michaels and S.S. Chissick, eds., Asbestos, Properties, Applications,
and Hazards (New York: Wiley, 1979), 1-2. Resource for various kinds of asbestos,
their properties and chemical constituencies.
3 Arnon Bentur and Sidney Mindess, Fibre Reinforced Cementitious
Composites (London: Elsevier Applied Science, 1990), 288-304. This text reviewed
long-term
performances
of asbestos-cement and concluded that “in natural weathering the composite
is excellent.” More detailed quantitative material properties are also
given in this text.
4 L. Michaels and S.S. Chissick, eds., 306-312
5 United States Department of the Interior Bureau of Mines, Materials Survey:
Asbestos, (Washington D.C.: US Government Printing Office 1952), I-1 - I-4.
6 Caleb Hornbostel, Construction Materials: Types, Uses and Applications (New
York: John Wiley & Sons, 1978), 82.
7 H. W. Johns, Patent Trademark Materials: Asbestos (New York: H. W. Johns
Manufacturing Co., 1878), 12.
8Rosato,63.
9 D.A. St John, A.B. Poole, and I. Sims, Concrete Petrography: A
Handbook of Investigative Techniques (London: Arnold Publishers, 1998), 320-322.
10"Asbestos-Cement Products for War Buildings," Asbestos (April
1942), 2-4
11 Rosato, 75.
12 The National Board of Fire Underwriters, Dwelling Houses (New York: The
National Board of Fire Underwriters, 1920), 36-37.
13 Ernest G. Blake, Roof Coverings: Their Manufacture and Application (New
York: D. Van Nostrand Company, 1925), 144-171. Resource for detailed descriptions
of many asbestos-cement roof shingle forms, styles, and hardware.
14 James McCawley, Asphalt and Asbestos-Cement Shingle Residing (New York: United Roofing ContractorsAssociation, 1940).
15 E. Lechner, “Recent Innovations in the Manufacture of Asbestos-cement,” Cement
and Cement Manufacture, 7:6 (June 1934), 180-181.
16 R.C. Smith, Materials of Construction, Third Edition (New York:
McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1979), 358-359
17 Asbestos Shingle, Slate and Sheathing Company, Asbestos Corrugated
Sheathing (Ambler, Pennsylvania: The Keasbey & Mattison Company, 1913), 1.
18 “Johns-Manville” product advertisement, Sweet’s
Catalogue of Building Construction (F. W. Dodge Corporation, 1906-1961), 8b/4.
19 Rosato, 63.
20 National Trust for Historic Preservation, "Coping with Contamination:
A Primer for Preservationists," Information Bulletin No. 70 (1993), 12.
21 Bentur and Mindness, 304.
22 Guidance given here only makes recommendations
based on national agency laws and regulations; all applicable
federal, state, and local laws and regulations must be followed
for any asbestos-containing
material
project.
23 Roger C. Whitman, More First Aid for the Ailing House (New
York: McGraw-Hill Book Company, 1977), 282.
24 Martin E. Weaver, Conserving Buildings, Guide to Techniques
and Materials (New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1993), 26.
25 D.J. Hannant, Fibre Cements and Fibre Concretes (New York:
John Wiley & Sons,
1978), 146-155. This reference give quantitative engineering properties for
asbestos-cement and other fiber-cements..
26 "The Industrial Uses of Asbestos," Scientific
American (22
April 1876), 258-259.
27 John E. Wilden, A Guide to the Art of Asbestos Cement (Winchester,
England: Taylor & Partners Translations, 1986), 108. This resource is primarily
concerned with the experience or art of producing asbestos-cement and reflects
the practical side of production.
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