definition
strict definition
asbestos
A fireproof material made of silicate mineral fibers, often applied as shingles or panels.
Asbestos is a material formed out of naturally occurring silicate fibers. It is a highly fire-resistant material, but is not often used anymore because of the hazards caused to workers who cut it and process it, as inhalation of loose fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and other serious diseases.
As a facade material it is often formed into shingles or panels. It may look similar to wood from a distance when painted.
The facade category concerns cladding containing asbestos fibers, such as the shingles and panels described here. A painted wood-like appearance alone is insufficient to identify the material.
Related definitions
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aggregate
Manufactured facade sheets formed by binding rocks or pebbles, using one stone type or a mixture. -
asphalt
A highly viscous material taken from petroleum deposits, often formed into colored or patterned shingles, tiles, or sheets. -
brick
Small blocks of baked minerals which are usually joined by mortar on building facades. -
cast stone
Concrete or cement-based units formulated and cut to resemble natural stone. -
cement board
A dense material composed of cement and reinforcing fibers, usually formed into hard sheets. -
ceramic tile
Clay-based ceramic pieces applied to facade backing with mortar or another adhesive, often colored or glazed. -
concrete
A fabricated mixture of cement, gravel, and other substances which can be applied as panels or left exposed as a framework structure. -
concrete masonry unit
Brick-like concrete blocks laid in masonry, often hollow and sometimes made with coal cinders. -
fiberglass
Facade sheets, panels, coatings, or other plastic surfaces heavily reinforced with glass fibers. -
fibrous concrete
A lightweight molded facade material incorporating fiberglass or similar material. -
glass
A smooth and normally transparent silicate material (only counts as a facade material when used between windows). -
plastic
Facade cladding made from synthetic or semi-synthetic polymers, including various plastic sheet and panel forms. -
stucco
A thick facade coating applied as a water-mixed paste that hardens in place, excluding paint and oil-based coatings. -
terra-cotta
Baked-clay material used on ornamental facades as tiles or sculptural forms, with polished or unpolished finishes. -
vinyl
Lightweight vinyl plastic used for facade cladding, commonly as weatherboard-like siding on houses.