Is this asbestos?

[MalvernTerry]

Does anyone know what this is?

Is this asbestos?

• MalvernTerry
• 11 Mar 2012
• 1

I've removed the plasterboard from a bathroom that I believe was refurbished in the 1980s and found this stuff inside the stud wall partitions. It is stiff and brittle, and looks like a large portion of dried noodles (but browner).

I'm worried that it might be asbestos, but I can't find anything that looks like it on the web.

Malvern Terry

 

[Space cat]

It doesn't look like it. Asbestos consists of very fine mineral fibres (which is what makes it dangerous). Those strands look too thick. From the limited view I've got, I would suggest some kind of strawboard though the colour is a bit odd.

Take some outside and try to burn it. Asbestos won't.

 

[roughcaster]

It's not asbestos that's for sure. It's either strawboard as Spacecat says, or compressed timber shaving board.

 

[Nige F]

stramit strawboard - grey with a bit of cement in the mix

 

[MalvernTerry]

Thanks guys, you're right. I had an experienced builder round this morning and he immediately said "strawboard", which is a relief.

Malvern Terry