Asbestos Cement

Asbestos cement roofing — commonly known by the brand name "Super Six" — was one of the most widely used building materials in Australia for several decades. The corrugated sheets were made by mixing chrysotile (white asbestos) fibres with Portland cement, creating a strong, fire-resistant, and inexpensive roofing product. Production ceased in Australia in the late 1980s when the health dangers of asbestos became widely understood, and the import and use of asbestos was fully banned from December 2003. Asbestos cement roofing is still present on a significant number of homes, sheds, and commercial buildings across Gippsland. While intact and undisturbed asbestos cement sheeting presents a low health risk, it becomes dangerous when it deteriorates, is broken, cut, drilled, or otherwise disturbed — releasing microscopic asbestos fibres that can cause serious lung diseases including mesothelioma and asbestosis when inhaled. The removal of asbestos cement roofing in Victoria must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist in accordance with WorkSafe Victoria regulations. For domestic quantities under 10 square metres, a homeowner may be permitted to remove the material themselves following strict safety protocols, but professional removal is always recommended. Town & Country Roofing works with licensed asbestos removal contractors to coordinate safe removal and replacement with modern Colorbond or metal deck roofing.