Asbestos Shield (formerly Soteria) by Intelligent Membranes is a high-performance, liquid-applied asbestos encapsulation coating designed to protect, consolidate and seal suitable asbestos-containing surfaces without the need for unnecessary removal.
Formulated using advanced modified polymers and specialist additives, Asbestos Shield creates a durable, flexible protective membrane that helps contain asbestos fibres within existing building materials, reducing the risk of fibre release when correctly specified and applied.
Its elastic, crack-bridging properties allow the coating to accommodate minor substrate movement while maintaining a continuous protective finish. Suitable for internal and external applications, Asbestos Shield provides an effective solution for asbestos management, building maintenance and refurbishment projects.
Whether protecting existing asbestos cement roofing, encapsulating suitable coatings or upgrading ageing building surfaces, Asbestos Shield combines long-term surface protection with a clean, professional appearance.
Why Choose Asbestos Shield?
Asbestos-containing materials remain present in many older commercial, industrial and residential buildings. Where these materials are in suitable condition, professional encapsulation can provide an alternative to removal as part of a properly assessed asbestos management strategy.
Asbestos Shield is engineered to form a protective barrier over compatible surfaces, helping to stabilise the existing material and minimise the potential for asbestos fibre release.
Unlike conventional protective coatings that may become brittle, its highly elastic formulation provides excellent crack-bridging performance, supporting durability as substrates expand, contract and experience normal environmental changes.
Key Benefits
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Asbestos Encapsulation: Helps consolidate and contain asbestos fibres within suitable existing materials.
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High Elasticity: Flexible coating with excellent crack-bridging properties for long-lasting surface protection.
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Weather Resistant: Designed to withstand external environmental exposure.
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Internal & External Applications: Suitable for a variety of building refurbishment and maintenance projects.
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Protective Barrier: Provides resistance to chlorides and carbonation.
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VOC-Free Formulation: Formulated without volatile organic compounds, as stated in the existing technical data.
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Professional Finish: Creates a clean, uniform surface that can remain exposed where suitable.
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Spray Application: Can be applied using suitable professional spray equipment for efficient coverage of larger areas.
Where Can Asbestos Shield Be Used?
Asbestos Shield has been developed for professional encapsulation and protection of compatible asbestos-containing construction materials, including:
- Asbestos cement roof sheets and roofing materials
- Suitable insulation materials, subject to assessment
- Existing paints and protective coatings
- Rendered surfaces containing asbestos
- Commercial and industrial building surfaces
- Refurbishment and maintenance projects involving asbestos-containing materials
All applications must be assessed for substrate condition, compatibility and the appropriate asbestos working procedures before installation.
Flexible Protection That Lasts
One of the standout features of Asbestos Shield is its ability to combine protective encapsulation with exceptional flexibility.
With an elongation value exceeding 200%, the coating is designed to accommodate movement without easily cracking or splitting. This is particularly beneficial on ageing construction materials where temperature changes and substrate movement can affect conventional rigid coatings.
Its weather-resistant formulation also makes it a practical choice for appropriately specified external applications, providing an additional protective layer against environmental exposure.
An Alternative to Asbestos Removal
Removing asbestos-containing materials can be disruptive and requires careful planning, specialist procedures and appropriate waste management.
Where an asbestos-containing material is in suitable condition, and an asbestos risk assessment supports encapsulation, Asbestos Shield can form part of a strategy to retain and manage the existing surface.
The coating does not remove asbestos or eliminate the need for ongoing asbestos management. Instead, it provides a protective encapsulation layer intended to help keep fibres contained while preserving the underlying material.
Technical Performance
Asbestos Shield has been formulated to deliver reliable adhesion, flexibility and protective performance.
Key technical characteristics from the existing product data:
- Elongation: Greater than 200%
- Adhesion strength: Greater than 0.8 MPa
- Tensile strength: Approximately 1.0 MPa
- Temperature resistance: -20°C to +80°C
- Capillary water absorption: Less than 0.1 kg/m²/h⁰·⁵
- Colour: Grey
- Pack size: 10kg
Refer to the latest Technical Data Sheet for application requirements, consumption rates, drying times and performance information.
Professional Asbestos Encapsulation Solutions
At Intelligent Membranes, we develop specialist liquid-applied coating technologies designed to improve building performance and protect existing construction materials.
Asbestos Shield provides contractors, facilities managers and building owners with a flexible coating solution for projects where controlled asbestos encapsulation is appropriate.
Protect existing surfaces. Manage asbestos responsibly. Choose Asbestos Shield.
Important Application Information
Asbestos Shield must only be applied following a suitable asbestos survey, risk assessment and assessment of the material's condition. Work must be undertaken by appropriately trained personnel, with an HSE licence where required. Do not sand, drill, scrape, pressure wash or otherwise disturb suspected asbestos-containing materials without appropriate assessment and controls. Encapsulated asbestos must continue to be identified, monitored and managed in accordance with applicable regulations.