What Is Vinyl Asbestos Tile

Asbestos in floor tiles.

What is vinyl asbestos tile.

Vinyl floor tiles can self adhere to asbestos. Vinyl is a plastic resin manufactured from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has been a popular choice for flooring and wallpaper throughout the modern era and many vinyl building materials manufactured before 1980 had asbestos mixed in to increase their durability. If the tile is in good shape then covering it is one way of dealing with the issue.

9 x9 12 x12 and 18 x18. Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and not tampered with. One of the biggest factors of installing a new floor over the old is thickness. Old vinyl products that contain asbestos remain in many buildings across the u s creating a hazard for contractors and do it yourself renovators.

For about 35 years flooring companies included asbestos when they manufactured the vinyl tiles. In floor tiles asbestos is used primarily for its insulation properties and its ability to resist fire. The asbestos in the tile and or adhesive used to hold it in place is only dangerous if it becomes airborne. Examine the condition of the tiles.

Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets. 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. Working with asbestos flooring can release toxic dust. Vinyl tile is an excellent option for sealing in asbestos tiles.

It is possible to make a tentative identification of floor tiles based on the individual tile pattern color and thickness. The substance is sturdy yet flexible easy to wash and cheap to install and replace. One of the best ways to deal with asbestos tile is to leave it in place and cover it with new flooring. The old tiles are relatively thin around 1 8 inch thick so installing new flooring on top.

Asbestos is a mineral that lends fireproofing qualities to any substance it is mixed with. In addition to the tiles themselves a layer of mastic a type of adhesive below the tiles is also likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured in three sizes. Vinyl tiles with asbestos.

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. If you aren t removing the old floor you may be creating a new floor that is too thick for doors to open and shut or for thresholds to have clearance.