Top 5 Safe Asbestos Alternatives

Asbestos removal is a task that requires planning and expertise. From assessment to removal, there are several steps to ensuring your home or workspace is completely rid of the harmful substance. However, one question which often goes unanswered is once removed what do you put in its place? Your building still needs to be insulated and protected from the elements. So what alternatives are there to asbestos?

Here are the five most popular replacements for asbestos, so you can update your building to modern standards.

1. Flour Fillers

Flour filler is made up of natural resources to create a filler for cracks, crevices and other spaces to aid natural insulation. Popular materials used in the manufacture of flour fillers include rice hull ash, pecan shell flour, wheat flour and rice flour. All formed from natural resources they are much safer than asbestos and come with a ‘green’ standard attached to their name. This means they don’t expose occupants to harmful substances as they’re made from natural sources.

2. Cellulose Fibres

Cellulose is the main component in plant cell walls and is used for a wide range of applications. While mainly used to produce paper products, it has also been converted into biofuels and cellulose fibres for use in insulation. Cellulose fibres are one of the most popular alternatives to asbestos and consists of finely shredded paper, cotton, wood pulp or linen. The substance is treated with chemicals to make it more resistant to fire. As a result of this composition, cellulose fibres are considered another green asbestos alternative. In fact, cellulose fibre cement is one of the most popular substitutes for high-temperature insulation such as roofing and sides.

3. Thermoset Plastic Flour

Thermoset plastic flour is a common asbestos alternative that provides good insulation for heat, cold and sound. It is made by adding the powder to a liquid and heating till malleable. Once shaped, it can be used for a wide range of applications from electrical insulation to auto parts. This versatile substance is often filled out with wood flour and other cost-effective fillers. This can help to reduce costs and provide you with more value for money. Thermoset polymers are also considered stronger than thermoplastic materials. This is due to their three-dimensional network of bonds.

4. Polyurethane Foams

Polyurethane foam is a spray product that is quickly applied to the affected area. Commonly used in roofing it provides insulation and seals the interior from the elements and extreme temperatures. The foam combines the best qualities of plastic and rubber. The bubbles trapped inside the foam are poor conductors and provide amazing thermal resistance. Outside of construction polyurethane foam is used in furniture, packaging and automotive parts. The ability to spray the cavity directly makes it easy and quick to use.

5. Amorphous Silica Fabrics

Amorphous silica fabrics consist of high-temperature cloth materials used for protection from heat and cold. This tough material can be exposed to high temperatures and doesn’t rot or burn. It’s popular in the electrical, naval, metallurgy and aerospace industries. Despite the incredible strength, this substance is not used in residential homes. This is because it contains fibreglass which can be dangerous if inhaled.

At Midlands Asbestos Solutions we believe that awareness is the first step in ridding buildings of asbestos. Whether domestic or commercial, we work with you every step of the way to survey, remove and protect you from the dangers of asbestos. Check out our case studies to see the work we’ve carried out.

We also offer training courses to educate and enlighten traders on how to identify and remove asbestos. Contact us for a free quote or call 24/7 and see how we can help you with your asbestos needs.