Transite Sheeting – an Asbestos Containing Material

The news this past week of demolition work on hold in BC is a timely reminder of the potential dangers of asbestos containing materials – or ACM.

Demolition of a nursery in British Columbia was put on hold by WorkSafe BC because of the suspected presence of asbestos. Specifically, the stop work order lists the presence of Transite sheeting which was found near two of the greenhouses. It turns out that there had been no prior inspection of the premises for hazardous substances like asbestos.

What is Transite sheeting?
Transite is the brand name for a product type that was developed and first sold in 1929 by Johns-Manville product. Transite contains a mixture of concrete and asbestos for a variety of applications. Transite used for electrical ducts, for example, contained 15-25% chrysotile asbestos, 45-55% Portland cement and 25-35% silica.

Adding asbestos to the composite material strengthened the cement and allowed the material to be rolled into very thin sheets without sacrificing its stability. That meant it could be formed and used for many different products, including boards and piping. Transite can be found in a wide variety of areas, including;

• siding
• roof shingles
• furnace flues
• chimneys
• HVAC systems
• plumbing
• walk-in coolers

As with any ACM, the material is considered safe as long as it is intact. However the age of any asbestos containing Transite nowadays along with outside factors such as fire, flood or even renovations can create dangerous asbestos dust which can be inhaled.

Asbestos was phased out of use in Transite in the 1980s. It should be noted, however, that it still contains crystalline silica, which is itself a respiratory hazard.

Let Us Help
If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home, you can’t afford to cut corners or “save money” while you damage your health and that of your family if the material is disturbed in any way. You can trust the experienced asbestos removal experts and asbestos remediation experts at GreenStream Environmental to take care of the issue for you. In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.