Recognize Asbestos Tile Flooring In Your Home
You’ve just moved into your dream vintage home and now it’s time to get to work on all those projects that need completing to update it to a more modern look. First on the list, that horrible looking floor tile that looks like something straight out of a 70s sitcom.
It’s almost always one of the first projects that new owners of older homes take on. Whether it’s in a basement, kitchen or bathroom it’s pretty easy to find tile covering the floor that looks like it’s been there for decades. And in most cases it probably has. Which means you need to pause before you go full steam into demolition mode because if you do, you might be seriously risking your and the other occupants health.
If the tile was manufactured and installed before the early part of the 1980s, there is a high probability that it is asbestos tile. Before homeowners haphazardly begin ripping out the tile to make way for new flooring, it’s very important to determine if it’s asbestos tile. You’re probably wondering, what do asbestos tile look like? Don’t worry, in this article, we’ll give you some tips on how to recognize asbestos floor tiles. Once you’ve finished reading you’ll feel more confident identifying Asbestos floor tile.
There are several initial steps to take to determine if your home has asbestos tile and if it’s harmful to the health of you and your family.
Conduct a Visual Inspection of the Suspected Asbestos Floor Tile
Something to remember is that asbestos is only harmful to your health if the fibers are released into the air. So, if you see that your old asbestos floor tile is intact, chances are it’s not causing any problems.
That doesn’t mean you should begin taking a crowbar or any other tool to your asbestos tile, though, because as soon as you break the surface you will be filling the air with asbestos. However, if you notice there already is chipping or cracking in the tile, it should be removed immediately by certified asbestos removal professionals.
Check Color of Suspected Asbestos Floor Tile
One of the major ingredients in old asbestos tile was asphalt. So, if you see darker colors within the tile, chances are it contains asbestos. You’ll want to contact the expert to have the flooring tested. Fortunately, there are At-Home Asbestos Testing Kits available.
Check The Date
As previously stated, it’s important to determine the age of the suspected asbestos tile. Though asbestos was used in tile manufacturing all the way until the 1980s, asbestos floor tile was common from the 1920s to the 1960s. If you’re working on a single surface with no other layers from that time period, there’s a good chance it could contain asbestos in the floor tile.
Check The Asbestos Tile Size
Another indicator of asbestos tile is the size and thickness. Much of the asbestos tile manufactured in the 20th century came in 9-inch squares. Also, keep an eye out for the thickness. Asbestos tile was much thicker than its vinyl counterpart and is normally 2-4MM thick.
Have The Suspected Asbestos Floor Tile Tested
While it’s not impossible for the average homeowner to safely handle asbestos tile, we do not recommend it. Even a small amount of ingestion of Asbestos fibers can have serious long term health effects. Learn more about Asbestos-Related Health Conditions. If you suspect you may have asbestos tile and you would like it removed from your home, you need to call a professional company like Asbestos Project Management. Professional removal services are certified, and have the tools and equipment to safely remove the asbestos materials without risking the health or you or your family.
Before the removal process starts we will test the material to first ensure that it’s hazardous and then we provide a transparent quote for the safe removal and disposal of the tile. Not all the old floor tile we test contains asbestos, and if you’re fortunate enough to be in that position, we will tell you to avoid unnecessary costs.
Asbestos Project Management, Asbestos Flooring Removal Experts
Asbestos Project Management has been testing and removing asbestos tile from homes and commercial buildings across the Chicago area since our founding in 1984. For nearly three decades, our family owned company has been serving the counties of Cook, DuPage, Lake, McHenry, Kane, Will, and Kendall. In fact, Clyde Keller holds the twenty-first asbestos professional license ever issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
We are a local and family-owned business with countless five-star reviews. Asbestos Project Management is committed to maintaining the highest levels of education and certification. Asbestos Project Management always adheres strictly to industry, government, and safety standards. Throughout the project, we will assist in ensuring that the proper permits are secured and any required inspections take place. Safety comes first – both for our employees and our clients. We are honest, upfront, and will never try to sell you a service you don’t need. Contact us today if you suspect you have asbestos tile in your home.
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