The largest single use of asbestos is as a reinforcing agent in cement products. Asbestos-cement products include flat and corrugated sheets, pipes and shingles. Another major use is friction materials, including linings for drum and disc brakes and clutch facings. Other asbestos-containing products are vinyl asbestos flooring, gaskets and packing, textile products such as welding blankets and theatre curtains, roofing felts, coatings and mastic, and asbestos paper products. One use of asbestos deserves special mention, and that is its use as an insulating material.
Asbestos is an effective insulator against heat, cold, electricity and noise.
In the late 1960's and early 1970's insulation was the largest use of asbestos. Amassed and cruciately in combination and, to a lesser extend, crocidolite were widely used in sprayed insulation and as fireproofing for steel structures. In some cases the insulation was exposed to provide a decorative architectural finish. Elsewhere, it doubled as acoustical insulation. Asbestos pipe and boiler insulation was used on heating systems in buildings, including homes, and in industrial processes.