Features of sheets of flat asbestos -cement slate

Because they are inexpensive and long-lasting, flat asbestos-cement slate sheets have long been a popular option for covering facades and roofs. These sheets, which are made of a cement and asbestos blend, are well known for their resilience to fire, weathering, and pests. From the early to mid-20th century, they were extensively used in construction until worries about the health risks associated with asbestos caused many countries to gradually phase them out.

Usually, asbestos fibers are combined with Portland cement and water to make the sheets, which are then formed into flat sheets under intense pressure. The material produced by this process is lightweight and strong, making it simple to handle and install. To meet diverse structural needs and design inclinations, the sheets are available in a range of sizes and thicknesses.

The versatility of asbestos-cement slate in terms of applications is one of its main benefits. In addition to roofing, it can be used to externally clad walls, giving buildings a consistent and attractive appearance. It’s appropriate for both residential and commercial buildings because of its resilience to inclement weather, including intense downpours and extremely high temperatures.

It’s crucial to remember that asbestos use in building materials, such as asbestos-cement slate, has given rise to health concerns. Prolonged asbestos fiber inhalation can cause asbestosis and lung cancer, among other serious respiratory conditions. As a result, tight laws governing the handling, elimination, and disposal of materials containing asbestos have been put in place in many nations.

The composition of the material

Slate is a material composed of asbestos cement. Because it contains a binder, asbestos cement is sometimes referred to as chrysotile cement in the literature.

The following elements are present in asbestos cement:

• Portland cement. Everyone is used to calling this material in everyday life just a cement. As part of asbest cement, it takes up to 90%.
• Chrysotil-Assbest. Is a magnesium silicate in the form of strong fibers. This substance provides a high level of operational characteristics of the slate. The composition can contain from 10 to 20% of these fibers.
• Auxiliary additives.

Advantages and disadvantages

Numerous benefits of the material are determined by the effective fusion of the characteristics of magnesium silicate fibers with a practical form of asbestos-cement plates. You must be aware of all of sheet slate’s advantages in order to determine if it can be used to address a given construction project:

• High mechanical strength. Asbestos -cement slabs can be compared with concrete reinforced asbestos.
• Good wear resistance. The material withstands hard operation.
• Lack of deformation. When used as a roof material, the slate will not bend under load from the layer of snow and ice.
• Increased fire resistance. Asbestos – excellent fire -resistant material. It is this main property that he conveys to the slate.
• Resistance to aggressive media. Asbestos cement is chemically neutral, resistant to industrial emissions. Not subject to decomposition under the influence of caustic substances.
• Good moisture resistance. Shifer sheets do not pass water. They can not only be a wonderful material for roof decoration, but are also often used for waterproofing device.
• Environmental friendliness. Some fear the presence of asbestos in the material. However, it is firmly connected by the cement base and does not fall into the environment.
• The possibility of operation at extremely low temperatures. Suitable for use in the Far North.
• Resistance to possible temperature drops. With sharp changes in temperature, the material does not crack.
• Easy installation.
• Acceptable price.

Leaf slate has a few drawbacks as well. Although they are not essential, you shouldn’t disregard them. The following are some of the material’s drawbacks:

• Increased fragility. Sheets can be split during transportation and during installation. Sometimes this happens without visible external reasons. To compensate for this drawback, it is worth laying on an estimate of construction work a certain additional amount of material. However, modern brands of flat slate can contain special plasticizers that reduce fragility. Their availability should be clarified at the purchase stage.
• Low shock strength. If the slate is used as a finishing material, it is important to remember that the abandoned stone, the fallen tree or hail can damage the sheets.
• Despite the environmental friendliness of the material during operation, in the process of cutting the slate, asbestos dust can get into the lungs, therefore, when cutting and machining, the use of a respirator is mandatory.

This article examines flat slate sheets made of asbestos and cement, looking at their composition, longevity, and uses in contemporary building. It addresses environmental impact and safety issues in addition to highlighting their benefits, such as their ability to withstand weather and fire. Homeowners and builders can choose how best to incorporate this adaptable material into facade projects by being aware of these characteristics.

Application area

For a wide range of building and finishing tasks, flat asbestos-cement sheets can be used due to their universal form and good operational properties.

There are numerous ways to use asbestos-cement plates, including:

• Roofing ties.
• Roofing.
• Cladding of facades of residential buildings and industrial buildings.
• Lining of internal walls and partitions.
• Construction of different designated structures: arbors, fences, fences.
• Following balconies and loggias in residential buildings.
• Finishing window openings.
• The device of hinged ceilings.
• Creation of multifunctional wall panels used in the construction of houses, stalls, pavilions, household blocks, warehouse premises.
• The use of non -removable formwork when pouring foundations and reinforced belts. The slate performs not only the function of finishing material, but also reinforces the concrete structure.

It’s interesting to note that asbestos cement was utilized up until recently to create the tiny roofing tiles that were used to cover roofs in accordance with the tile principle. Nowadays, such coatings are no longer produced in large quantities. Still, they have become so well-known that private owners and small businesses carry on their covert manufacturing. You can cover the roof with asbestos-cement tiles for a reasonable price by cutting flat slate into small tiles. However, keep in mind that this is not the recommended use of flat slate according to the official instructions.

Types of sheets

Leaf slate is offered in accordance with GOST 18124–2012. The term "material" in this document refers to sheets of cement-chrysotile flat.

The standard states that sheets are made of two types:

1. Unprotected. Characterized by the usual strength characteristic of asbestos -cement. Indicated by the abbreviation LPN – flat sheets are unnecessary.
2. Pressed. Subject to additional compaction of the structure under pressure. Denoted by the abbreviation of the LPP – flat sheets of pressed. Are characterized by increased density and strength, but much heavier than unprotected.

Unprotected sheets are easier to work with but are less durable. Lighter weight makes installation easier. These sheets can be machined with little physical effort due to their low density. When it comes to horizontal placement, the unprofitable option is the better choice. Screws are an effective method for attaching these sheets to surfaces that are steep and horizontal. As such, this kind is typically better for installing roofs and finishing work. LPN is always given preference when building internal partitions, lining walls, and building fences.

Pressed slate is distinguished by a notable improvement in durability as well as enhanced strength properties. He exhibits increased shock load resistance. Pressed sheets are utilized for buildings that are exposed to harsh environments and have a higher risk of fire. When building car washes, technical and production buildings, and gas stations, this kind of slate is the one of choice. It is advised to use LPP when setting up non-removable formwork because they will give the structures more strength.

One significant distinction between the LPP and the unprotected is the ability to reuse the material in the event of disassembly.

Decorative features

Standard flat slate sheets are no longer the only products available from modern production; goods with enhanced decorative qualities are also available.

Three types of leaf slate release are available to customers in order to give them a wide selection from which to select the decorative elements required for a particular design:

1. Unpainted. Characterized by lack of coating and has a classic gray color. It has low decorative properties, therefore it is not used for decoration or is used for finishing work without special requirements.
2. Colored. Sheets are poured and subsequent coloring with acrylic paints. The staining of asbestos cement is much less common at the production stage using coloring additives.
3. Offices. The most spectacular option for slate sheets.

There are various methods for creating textured decoration on asbestos-cement sheets:

• Application at the production stage using a special stamp of a relief print on an unfinished asbestos -cement mass. Applying a special coloring, you can imitate not only the texture, but also the color of various natural materials: wood, stone, brick.
• Approaching natural stone crumbs made of marble, granite, coil, jasper. A glue layer is applied on top of the primer on a sheet of slate, which fixes decorative crumbs. After hardening the glue, a protective varnish is applied.
• Polymer textured layer.
• Coating with color plaster.
• The use of iron-oxidal coloring pigments, allowing to obtain a metal color.

Typical dimensions and mass

The size of the flat slate is its most crucial feature. GOST 18124-2012 or the manufacturer’s own technical specifications govern them. As stated by GOST:

• The length of the sheets varies from 1200 to 3600 mm;
• width – from 1120 to 1570 mm;
• thickness – from 6 to 12 mm.

The mass of the sheets does not need to be determined in each instance. It is mentioned in the GOST reference application. Should this data prove insufficient, the density value may be utilized in the computations. That is:

• For unprotected sheets – 1600 kg/sq. m;
• for pressed – 1800 kg/sq. m.

The size of the sheet is crucial for the ease of using slate slate; if the dimensions are large, the weight may be more than 100 kg.

physical and chemical indicators

The flat slate’s technical specifications determine whether or not it can be used in a given situation. These indicators establish the material’s maximum loads and durability.

Among the primary indicators, it is possible to identify the following:

• Strength. The maximum permissible bending load for unprotected sheets is 18 MPa, for pressed – 23 MPa.
• Shock viscosity. This value determines the resistance to shock loads. Pressed sheets are characterized by shock viscosity of at least 2 kJ/sq. m, and unprotected – at least 2.5 kJ/sq. m.
• Frost resistance. This parameter is defined as the number of freezing and thawing cycles, which can transfer the material without losing their operational characteristics. For an unnecessary slate, the value is 25 cycles, for the pressed – 50.

Leaf labeling

The flat slate symbol provides the consumer with all the information they need to know about the product. The marking includes:

• designation of the type of sheet (LPN or LPP);
• dimensions;
• the name of the document according to which the material has been made;
• the name of the manufacturer or its trademark.

Because of their long-standing reputation for strength and resilience to the elements, flat asbestos-cement slate sheets are a popular option for roofing and cladding in a variety of climates. Their strength and fire resistance are largely attributed to a mixture of asbestos fibers and cement in their composition.

The versatility of flat asbestos-cement slate sheets in terms of applications is one of their noteworthy qualities. They are frequently utilized for siding, roofing, and decorative purposes in both commercial and residential settings. Their versatility in size and color allows for a wide range of architectural styles to be accommodated in design.

Despite their advantages, flat slate sheets made of asbestos cement need to be handled carefully both during installation and upkeep. Owing to the asbestos content, appropriate safety precautions need to be taken to stop the release of hazardous fibers. Longevity and performance are enhanced by routine maintenance and inspections.

In conclusion, because of their strength, adaptability, and visual appeal, flat asbestos-cement slate sheets are still a good option for roofs and facades. Nevertheless, in order to reduce the health risks connected with asbestos exposure, their use necessitates following safety regulations. These sheets offer long-lasting protection and improve the aesthetic appeal of both residential and commercial buildings when installed and maintained correctly.

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