What Is Vinyl Asbestos Tile

But the flooring companies aim wasn t so much to make the floor tiles fireproof as it was to make the tiles more durable.

What is vinyl asbestos tile. It is possible to make a tentative identification of floor tiles based on the individual tile pattern color and thickness. 9 x9 12 x12 and 18 x18. If the tile is in good shape then covering it is one way of dealing with the issue. In floor tiles asbestos is used primarily for its insulation properties and its ability to resist fire.

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. One of the biggest factors of installing a new floor over the old is thickness. Asbestos is a mineral that lends fireproofing qualities to any substance it is mixed with. Asbestos minerals are microscopic durable fibers that were added to vinyl tile flooring for its great durability and heat resistant qualities.

Vinyl floor tiles can self adhere to asbestos. Asbestos in floor tiles. For about 35 years flooring companies included asbestos when they manufactured the vinyl tiles. 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.

The substance is sturdy yet flexible easy to wash and cheap to install and replace. The asbestos in the tile and or adhesive used to hold it in place is only dangerous if it becomes airborne. Vinyl is a plastic resin manufactured from ethylene and chlorine. One of the best ways to deal with asbestos tile is to leave it in place and cover it with new flooring.

Old vinyl products that contain asbestos remain in many buildings across the u s creating a hazard for contractors and do it yourself renovators. Vinyl tiles with asbestos. Working with asbestos flooring can release toxic dust. Vinyl tile is an excellent option for sealing in asbestos tiles.

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. Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured in three sizes. The old tiles are relatively thin around 1 8 inch thick so installing new flooring on top. 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.

Examine the condition of the tiles. Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets.