Asbestos cement sheets are a universal building material consisting of cement and asbestos fibers. ADCs are now available in various formats. In particular, it can be a flat sheet structure or a type of wave building material (asbestos-cement corrugated slate). From the last name it is clear that first of all the building material is intended for laying the roof. Let’s look at the main types, parameters and nuances of how smooth or wavy slate is used.
Structural composition and varieties
The main production component is M400-M500 branded cement, which is mixed with water. When forming, asbestos fibers are added to the structure of slate sheets, which are evenly distributed within the product, which provides the materials with excellent physical and mechanical properties. The proportion of asbestos added to asbestos-cement slate sheets is 18%.
As it was mentioned, in accordance with national production standards, these building materials are manufactured in a flat or wavy format.
- The wavy version (GOST 30340-95) is available in seven-and eight-wave versions. Also, while maintaining its appearance, the sheets can have 5 or 6 waves. The last two constructions are most often used for solving specific industrial problems, because they are not standardized.
- Flat sheets (GOST 18124-95) should have a rectangular shape with a uniform structure. To reduce the price order, they may not be pressed (due to the low strength and porous structure, such building materials are used in economic activities where increased mechanical stability is not required).
Also, paint can be added to the asbestos-cement slate at the production stage, which increases the aesthetics of the facing surface.
Key parameters
The standard size of a sheet depends on its variety. Among the basic sizes:
- 8 waves-1750×1130 mm;
- 7 waves-1750×980 mm;
- flat pressed or unpressed building materials-from 1750 × 970 to 3000×1500 mm (general values may vary, according to technical specifications and drawings, which the manufacturer can use individually).
Corrugated asbestos-cement slate is also measured by parameters such as crest height and wave length. Actual combinations of 40/150 or 54/200 mm — 5.8 or 6.75 mm wide, respectively. As part of the state standard, reinforced panels (sheet symbol – VP) for industrial purposes are also manufactured, for which the width is 8 millimeters.
The density level for products that have passed the pressing process is 23 MPa, for those that have not been pressed – 18 MPa. For undulations, this value is 16 MPa. Under all the conditions described above, the weight of undulating building materials varies from 23.2 to 35 kg, and flat sheet materials-from 21.2 to 40.1 kg. In fact, the selected parameters are optimal for carrying out loading and unloading procedures and directly manual operation in economic activities.
The average operational period is up to 25 years, if the pressing procedure was carried out — twice as long.
Advantages of building materials
If the mandatory requirements (set out in the previously mentioned production regulations) are met, then the sheets differ in unique characteristics and properties. Key qualities that determine the suitability of the product for construction and types of installation work:
- hardness of the structure (it is worth noting that these roofing materials can withstand human weight, and therefore you can easily move on the surface, or mount ladders/walkways on the bend of the wave-like structure);
- long service life;
- resistance to negative natural phenomena;
- incombustibility;
- easy handling;
- anti-corrosion effect;
- alkaline inertia;
- electrical insulation;
- sound insulation system;
- easy installation operation;
- budget price list.
All technical conditions according to GOST 8747 are checked for their compliance within the production stages. Each technical specification is tested to ensure a high level of safety and reliability.
Disadvantages in operation
There are several points that you need to know about before starting installation procedures.
- The surface structure of the leaves should be treated to counteract the growth of moss and lichen.
- It is not recommended to attempt installation alone.
- When exposed to an open fire, the product’s qualities deteriorate, and even cracks form in it.
Important! Long-term exposure to asbestos dust on the human body is harmful. It is recommended to use a respirator during the processing of building materials. The cutting area must be covered with a special impregnation or coloring compound.
Practical purpose
In addition to laying roofs for houses and outbuildings, you can use this building material for fencing territories, facing floors, creating decking, etc. Sheet building materials are often purchased in the Far North and other hard-to-reach areas, as they are an ideal alternative for more powerful and difficult-to-use products.