Asbestos?? (Why 20 characters min????!!)

[NDG Elecs]

Went to a customers house today to start first fixing after customer had done chasing out (as agreed). All seemed ok at first, ran cable around a few sockets thinking I wish all customers would do this prep work! But then when I got onto the internal walls I saw a wall composition I have never seen before. At first it looks to be some kind of cement fibre, on closer inspection it appeared to be wood fibres somehow cemented or glued together.
As I wasn't too sure I cried off the job for now, I explained why to the customer and they were fine about it.

The house is ex-council, probably built in the 50s or 60s. Pics below - thanks.

 

[Ian1981]

I've come across this straw like material.
No it's not asbestos , all be it I can't say just by looking at pictures

Google straw bales insulation

 

[StephenRowley]

If in doubt get it tested, but I've not heard of asbestos like that

 

[westward10]

Looks like Stramit doubtful it is asbestos, put a match under a bit.

 

[Des 56]

I "believe" that its compressed straw
Straw still to this day remains a excellent insulation and fire resistant construction

I can't be certain of the material make up,however, it was very popular in thousands if not hundreds of thousands of council houses,I suspect it was a cheaper alternative to lathe and plaster walls
I have in the past worked on these types, but maybe ignorantly
I and others always assumed it was compressed straw encased in a lime plaster
Caution is the word nowadays though

 

[drzsta]

I have worked in plenty of council houses with this in. I'm not aware of this having any asbestos content but if your unsure get it tested.

 

[Deleted account]

Definately compressed straw. I get quite a few round here. Bit of a bugger to chase. Best to cut with mini circular saw, then pull out chunks with pliers.

 

[suffolkspark]

agree with westward, that is imo 100% stramit board, thatl be fun to fix to!

 

[Billsays]

agree with westward, that is imo 100% stramit board, thatl be fun to fix to!

Agree deffo stramit. Half of the houses inHarlow are made of the stuff! Stick ya boxes in with gripfill
(And do an asbestos awareness course!)

 

[NDG Elecs]

Thanks everyone, that has put my mind at ease a fair bit. And the customer will be relieved a bit when I tell them as they have been breathing in the stuff for days...

 

[Pete999]

Looks like Stramit doubtful it is asbestos, put a match under a bit.

I agree looks like Stramit

 

[Deleted member 93172]

God dam it, its stramit

 

[Pete999]

God dam it, its stramit

Stramit board

 

[KEV 1 N]

I've been on a few asbestos awareness courses, and this material was never mentioned, I've seen it in few 1960s buildings, usually used for roofing or ceilings.

 

[KEV 1 N]

agree with westward, that is imo 100% stramit board, thatl be fun to fix to!

Tell you what's good for fixing boxes to that stuff...dry wall adhesive (dot and dab) sets rock hard in about an hour! If you can get some that's out of date it'll set even quicker!

 

[NDG Elecs]

I've been on a few asbestos awareness courses, and this material was never mentioned, I've seen it in few 1960s buildings, usually used for roofing or ceilings.

I did read that some Stramit boards have a lining paper that contains assy, but they are used in roofing rather than walls. I don't know that this is definitely accurate though!

I am back there tomorrow, will suggest some DnD muck for the KOs. Cheers Kev

 

[KEV 1 N]

It's good stuff! I used some to stick a piece of brick (external) I'd damaged on the corner of a wall....been there about 8 years now!

 

[ashg285]

I noticed this not so long ago on a job I was on had never seen it lad I was working with said it was Stramit board, nightmare to fix to

 

[telectrix]

cut out 1/2" deeper than you want the box . gob in a lump of dot&dab goo, stick box to this. when set, drill, plug and screw into d&d muck.

 

[NDG Elecs]

I found today that plasterboard fixings worked quite well on a couple of back boxes, they pulled in nice and tight. The owner had done as Tel suggested for the rest. The whole place is being skimmed as well so that will help touch too.