The Triple-Lock Encapsulation System

The Triple-Lock encapsulation system is a multi-layer coating system designed to stabilise, seal, and protect ageing asbestos-cement roofing such as Super 6.

Rather than disturbing the existing roof sheets, the system works by penetrating the asbestos surface, binding loose fibres, and forming a durable protective barrier across the roof. Each layer performs a specific function — stabilising the substrate, sealing the surface, and providing long-term weather protection.

This approach allows ageing asbestos roofing to be managed safely in place, while extending the serviceable life of the roof and reducing the need for costly roof replacement.

Suitable for:

✔ Super 6 asbestos-cement roofing
✔ Asbestos cement corrugated sheets
✔ Ageing asbestos-cement cladding

Not required for:

✖ Decramastic roof restoration systems (Decramastic restoration uses a separate repair and coating process called ReGuard.)

Fibre-Binding Encapsulation Primer

The first stage of the system is the application of a penetrating encapsulation primer designed to soak into the porous asbestos-cement surface.

This low-viscosity coating penetrates the upper surface of the sheet and helps bind surface fibres while creating a uniform base for subsequent coatings.

Typical application

✔ Coverage: approximately 10–12 m² per litre
✔ Dry film thickness: approximately 15–20 microns
✔ Water-based acrylic formulation
✔ Fast drying to allow recoating within approximately 1–3 hours

This stage stabilises the substrate and promotes strong adhesion of the membrane coating layers. 

High-Build Elastomeric Membrane

Once the primer has cured, the roof is coated with a high-build elastomeric acrylic membrane.

This coating forms the primary waterproof barrier within the system and provides flexibility to accommodate minor substrate movement and surface cracking.

Two coats are applied to build the required membrane thickness.

Typical application

✔ Coating: High-build acrylic membrane
✔ Film thickness: 700 microns per coat
✔ Total membrane build: approximately 1 mm dry film thickness
✔ Water-resistant and elastomeric formulation

The elastomeric properties help minimise water ingress and protect the asbestos-cement surface from ongoing weather exposure. 

Hydrophobic Protective Topcoat

The final stage of the system is the application of a hydrophobic protective finish coat.

This layer provides additional protection from UV exposure, environmental contamination, and long-term weathering.

The coating is formulated to repel water and maintain surface durability over time.

Typical application

✔ Wet film thickness: approximately 200 microns
✔ Coverage: approximately 5 m² per litre
✔ Gloss finish for improved durability
✔ Pigmented coating for UV resistance

Special oxide pigments and in-film additives also help slow the build-up of moss and mould on the roof surface.

The Triple-Lock encapsulation system forms a thick, protective coating barrier over ageing asbestos-cement roofing, helping stabilise the surface while protecting the roof from ongoing weather exposure.

Because the system is applied at a high film build, it creates a durable protective layer that helps seal the roof surface and extend the serviceable life of the existing sheets.

The light-coloured protective finish also reflects a significant portion of the sun’s heat, helping reduce roof temperatures and minimise thermal movement in the roofing sheets.

Encapsulation also offers environmental advantages by allowing existing asbestos roofing to be safely managed in place, avoiding unnecessary disturbance of the material and reducing the need for asbestos disposal.

Key benefits include:

✔ Stabilises ageing asbestos-cement roofing
✔ Thick protective coating barrier
✔ Helps extend roof service life
✔ Reflective finish helps reduce heat build-up
✔ Reduces expansion and contraction of roof sheets
✔ Avoids unnecessary asbestos removal and disposal
✔ Water-based coatings with low environmental impact

The Triple-Lock encapsulation system uses water-based coatings, which makes the system easier to apply and easier to clean up compared with traditional solvent or oil-based coating systems.

Water-based coatings can be spray applied using standard airless equipment and allow tools and equipment to be cleaned using water rather than solvents.

This makes the system more practical for application while also reducing strong solvent odours during coating work.

What are the advantages of water-based coatings?

✔ Easier spray application
✔ Simple clean-up using water
✔ Reduced solvent odours during application
✔ Lower environmental impact compared with solvent-based coatings

Water-based coatings also allow the system to achieve the required film build while remaining flexible and durable once cured.

To maintain optimal performance, the coating system should be periodically cleaned to remove moss, mould, and accumulated contaminants.

Routine chemical washing helps preserve the coating’s reflective properties and protective performance.

Regular inspection and maintenance will help maximise the service life of the encapsulation system.