have to fix a large (600x300) hole in thin cement sheet (Hardiflex) wall.
I was told this contains asbestos, is this true?
Any advice?
Hello @tavita05
Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about your Hardiflex wall sheet.
Just to be on the safe side it would be best to have your wall tested for asbestos. Please do not attempt any repairs at this time. Asbestos can't be identified by simply looking at the material it must be tested in a lab. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency asbestossafety.gov.au has a range of resources to be asbestos safe, including how to find a licensed asbestos assessor and/or removalist in your state.
If the test comes back positive, you'll need to engage an asbestos removal specialist. If after testing and the results come back negative, you can continue with your repairs, I suggest having a look at this discussion - How to patch repair cement sheet? by @Adam85.
The basic steps to repair the panel are to cut the edge of the panel so that they are square. Install timber supports on the inside section of the wall and place a patching panel in front of it. The joining edges are then filled with filler and the broken section painted over.
Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
