Are you concerned that your old flooring material may be asbestos? You are not the only one. Vinyl tiles or adhesives installed in homes and buildings constructed before the 1990s included asbestos.
A lot of asbestos floor tiles are similar in appearance to ordinary vinyl/linoleum. It is because of this that correct asbestos floor tile identification is very important.
If you are considering reconstruction, it is a good idea to know how to identify asbestos flooring. Size, pattern, colour, and age, among others, are clues that can help. This blog will tell you what asbestos vinyl tile is and how a picture of asbestos floor tile can help you, but not when to rely upon it.
Importance of Asbestos Floor Tile Identification
Original flooring occurs in many old buildings. Removal of old floors or sanding of asbestos tiles without prior knowledge may compromise your health and the health of individuals surrounding you.
This is why it is important to identify asbestos floor tiles before any renovation or demolition. Visual inspection is very useful as a baseline. But it must never substitute professional testing.
Key Features of Asbestos Floor Tiles
When dealing with an older property, it may be possible to identify asbestos floor tile by looking at the key signs. However, it can only be confirmed through lab tests.
- Typical Floor Tile Sizes
Floor tiles of asbestos were manufactured into standard sizes. The 9×9 inch was the most common; however, it was mostly associated with asbestos. There are 6×6 inches and 12×12 inches as well.
Most houses constructed prior to the mid-eighties with nine-by-nine-inch tiles might be made of asbestos. Older homes and office buildings had these tiles in use. In case you notice such a size, have the tiles tested by an expert.
- Age of the Property
Another indicator is what state your home or building is in. It may contain asbestos flooring, which was constructed between the 1920s and the latter part of the 1980s. At that time, almost all construction materials had asbestos.
The floor may appear old and not have been replaced; hence, asbestos may still be present there. Safe to do so: do not touch and do not disturb the tiles. Rather, contact a professional to determine whether asbestos is present before planning any repairs or renovations.
- Look and Scheme
The vinyl tiles that use asbestos usually possess some appearance. They typically are in darker earth colours such as brown, grey, tan, olive, or maroon. The designs can be speckled or marbled. It is usually dull and nonshiny in nature.
When the tile is exposed, there is a likelihood of it being brittle or breaking. It is possible to compare it with asbestos floor tile pictures online. However, keep in mind that the tiles may appear to be asbestos but can be proven only in the lab.
- Adhesive Used
The glue between asbestos tiles is one more tip. A great number of the old tiles were cemented with cutback adhesive or black mastic. It is a sticky black paste, which can also have asbestos added to it. It could appear in the case of tiles being loose or removed.
One should not scrape or even touch this glue. It has similarities with the tiles in that it can also emit harmful fibres. When you notice such an adhesive, then you had better call the asbestos professionals to tackle it safely.
What Does Asbestos Vinyl Tile Look Like?
These are some of the typical characteristics of asbestos tiles:
- Semi-gloss or glossy shine
- Freckled linen or encrusted fibres
- Smooth, plane, not bevelled edge
- Even thickness, weight
The look of asbestos vinyl tile in photographs is frequently like modern tiles, so appearance alone cannot be enough to prove the presence.
Don’t Take Chances—Call the Experts
With regard to identifying asbestos floor tiles, the safe rule is to be safe. It is not always obvious at a glance. The so-called harmless vinyl tiles might also conceal asbestos, particularly in case your house was constructed a few decades ago.
In case you are in doubt, contact Asbestos Victoria. Our qualified technicians provide safe, reliable inspection and removal services throughout Victoria. We cover all procedures, including sampling, testing, legal compliance, and safe disposal, so that you do not have to endanger your health.
Conclusion
You cannot guess the main state of mind for the identification of asbestos flooring. The tiles may depict life in their innocent looks, but may contain grave health hazards. Adhesives, backings, and old vinyl tiles all can have asbestos in them. It is not enough to depend on the picture or the surface appearance of asbestos floor tile. Inspection represents the safest means of dealing with it.
In case you suspect your home may have asbestos, do this as soon as possible. Leave the flooring undisturbed. Rather, call in a reliable professional for asbestos floor tile identification. Book our experts at Asbestos Victoria today to identify and remove asbestos floor tiles in Victoria.