Identify Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tiles

Mixing asbestos into vinyl floor tiles made them more insulating and resistant to damage.

Identify vinyl asbestos floor tiles.

2 find out if any of the tiles were installed before 1980. Asbestos is a mineral that lends fireproofing qualities to any substance it is mixed with. Examine the condition of the tiles. If the material is in good condition it normally does not pose a threat because the asbestos is enclosed in vinyl preventing the fibres from escaping.

Whether your tiles are 12 12 9 9 or any other size they are all equally likely to contain asbestos. One of the main ingredients used in old asbestos tiles was asphalt so they were primarily made in dark colors only. Intact asbestos tiles are not a major risk and can in fact be left in place and covered with other materials such as carpet vinyl linoleum or concrete. Possible signs of asbestos mastic include discoloration and an oily texture.

For all these reasons it is very difficult to determine for sure whether or not ceiling or floor tiles contain asbestos. Vinyl or asphalt tiles that have these colors in it have a high likelihood of asbestos fibers. Asbestos tiles can be difficult to identify because you can t see the asbestos in the tile. Vinyl or asphalt tiles that have these colors in it have a high likelihood of asbestos fibers.

For about 35 years flooring companies included asbestos when they manufactured the vinyl tiles. Asbestos mastic will also always be black in color. Vinyl floor tiles are resilient and cheap making them a logical choice for floors that must withstand constant wear and tear such as in businesses schools and hospitals. Mastic is a type of glue used to adhere tiles and vinyl flooring to the subfloor.

The vinyl acts as a binder that holds the asbestos fibres within a solid matrix. Check for any discoloration check for areas that are grayish brown dark gray dark brown or black. Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured in three sizes. Vinyl asbestos floor tiles were produced by a number of manufacturers and the decorative tile patterns were varied often annually as styles and tastes changed.

Unfortunately vinyl tiles and sheet flooring that contain asbestos pose a potential exposure risk. What are asbestos floor tiles. 9 9 vinyl tile and mastic. Step 2 check for discoloration when inspecting the tiles look for parts that are grayish brown dark gray dark brown or black.

However here are a few ways you can identify asbestos in your tiles. If your building was built before 1980 mastic mixed with asbestos may have been used to seal your tiles to the floor. 9 x9 12 x12 and 18 x18. Wallpaper was one of the earliest vinyl products to include asbestos.