One of the primary reasons for encapsulating fiber cement boards is their widespread use in
construction, providing building sealant properties, and ease of handling and cutting.
Why Encapsulate Fiber Cement Board?
Fiber cement boards, also known as Uralite, contain asbestos, which is a carcinogenic
substance for humans. Due to this, the EU has banned its use and regulated it under
community regulations. Currently, these boards are made from materials such as fiberglass.
The danger of asbestos lies mainly in the shape of the microscopic fibers it comprises, not its
chemical composition. If these microscopic fibers come into contact with the air we breathe,
they can enter our lungs and cause serious diseases (including lung cancer). Therefore, if you
have asbestos-containing Uralite sheets on your roof, you should not worry excessively unless
you disturb them and release the microscopic fibers into the air. Nonetheless, it still poses a
health risk, as tiny fibers can gradually be released into the environment as the sheets degrade.
If you have asbestos-containing fiber cement or Uralite sheets, you have two options:
- Demolition of the structure, which entails significant costs and must be performed
by a certified company. - Encapsulation of the fiber cement or Uralite sheets.
How to Encapsulate Fiber Cement Boards
Encapsulation must be carried out using 100% hermetic products and involves two phases:
Exterior Surface Treatment:
- Cleaning with high-pressure water.
- Spraying the entire surface with 200 volumes of hydrogen peroxide.
- Applying a penetrating fixative.
- Applying thermal insulation.
Interior Surface Treatment:
- Cleaning with high-pressure water again.
- Applying thermal insulation.
At Decoproyec, we offer a proprietary system for encapsulating fiber cement, which not only
eliminates the dangerous asbestos fibers but also provides the material with properties suited
for the 21st century.
If you have any questions, feel free to contact us!