Commercial Brands

Rocalla

Rocalla S.A. was a Spanish asbestos-cement manufacturer that produced corrugated sheets, pipes, and water tanks. A direct competitor to Uralita, Rocalla products remain in many Spanish buildings constructed before the 2002 asbestos ban.

Period of use:1907–present*

Peak use:1960s

Friability:Non-friable

Risk level:

* The end date of asbestos use varies by country depending on when it was banned. See the ban year next to each country below.

Description

Rocalla S.A. was a Spanish manufacturer of asbestos-cement (fibrocemento) products and a direct competitor to Uralita in the Spanish market. The company produced corrugated roofing sheets (placas onduladas), pressure and drainage pipes (tuberias), and water storage tanks (depositos) using chrysotile asbestos mixed with Portland cement.

Like other European asbestos-cement manufacturers, Rocalla supplied the Spanish construction industry throughout the 20th century, with peak production during Spain's building boom of the 1960s and 1970s. Their products were installed in residential, agricultural, and industrial buildings across the country.

Spain banned asbestos in December 2002, ending production of all asbestos-cement products. However, millions of square metres of Rocalla asbestos-cement materials remain installed in Spanish buildings. These products pose a low risk while intact and undisturbed, but deterioration from weathering, accidental damage, or renovation work can release hazardous asbestos fibres.

Rocalla products share the same characteristics as other asbestos-cement materials: a dense, grey, cement-like appearance with high durability. Corrugated sheets were used for roofing in agricultural buildings, warehouses, and residential structures. Pipes were used for water supply and drainage. Tanks were used for rainwater collection and domestic water storage.

Countries where commonly found

🇪🇸 Spain(banned 2001)

🇪🇸 Spain: Rocalla S.A. fue un fabricante español de fibrocemento con amianto, competidor directo de Uralita. Sus productos (placas onduladas, tubos, depósitos) se instalaron ampliamente en la construcción española del siglo XX. España prohibió el amianto en 2002.

Commercial brands

RocallaRocalla S.A.

How to identify

Rocalla asbestos-cement products may bear the "ROCALLA" name stamped or embossed on the surface, often with a production date. Corrugated roofing sheets are typically grey, 6mm thick, with a characteristic wave profile. Pipes carry circumferential markings including the brand name and diameter. The material is a dense, grey, cement-like product that is hard and brittle. Any Rocalla product installed before 2002 should be presumed to contain asbestos unless laboratory tested. Look for the products particularly in rural and agricultural buildings, industrial warehouses, and residential buildings from the 1950s-1990s.

Health risk & friability

This material has a risk level of 2 out of 5.

It is classified as non-friable, meaning the asbestos fibers were tightly bound within the material matrix at the time of manufacture. When in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk of fiber release is low, although it may release asbestos fibers that could settle beneath these materials, potentially contaminating their surroundings. Activities such as cutting, drilling, sanding or breaking the material can release dangerous fibers and must not be carried out under any circumstances.

What to do if you find this material

Do not drill, cut, sand, break, or pressure-wash Rocalla asbestos-cement products. If the material is intact and in good condition, it generally poses a low risk and can be left in place with periodic monitoring. If the material is deteriorated, cracked, or damaged, or if renovation or demolition is planned, engage a licensed asbestos surveyor (empresa inscrita en el RERA) to take samples for analysis. If asbestos is confirmed, removal must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removal company following Spanish regulations (Real Decreto 396/2006). Asbestos waste must be transported to an authorized landfill. Contact your Comunidad Autonoma's environmental authority for region-specific guidance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is Rocalla the same as Uralita?

No. Rocalla S.A. was a separate, independent Spanish asbestos-cement manufacturer that competed directly with Uralita S.A. in the Spanish market. Both companies produced similar products (corrugated sheets, pipes, tanks) using asbestos-cement technology, but they were different companies with different ownership.

How do I know if my roof is Rocalla?

Rocalla corrugated sheets may have the "ROCALLA" name stamped or embossed on the underside or along the edge. If no markings are visible, any grey corrugated cement sheet installed in Spain before 2002 should be presumed to contain asbestos regardless of manufacturer. Only laboratory testing can confirm the presence of asbestos fibres.

Is a Rocalla roof dangerous?

An intact, undamaged Rocalla asbestos-cement roof poses a relatively low risk because asbestos fibres are bound within the cement matrix. However, aging, weathering, and moss growth degrade the surface over time, potentially releasing fibres. Never cut, drill, or pressure-wash these roofs. Have a professional assess the condition and recommend encapsulation or removal if deterioration is significant.