Asbestos Tile Testing

However if the vinyl material is damaged or disturbed there is a risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos tile testing. Asbestos tiles can be difficult to identify because you can t see the asbestos in the tile. If you face a costly dusty messy demolition it may be appropriate to have a sample of the flooring tested. Because asbestos was widely used before 1980 if you have flooring tiles that were installed before then you need to test a piece of the flooring to make sure it s safe. You can also have a flooring sample tested for asbestos using one of the certified asbestos testing labs in this asbestos testing lab list.

One of the main ingredients used in old asbestos tiles was asphalt so they were primarily made in dark colors only. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally in the environment that is made up of long thin fibers that look similar to fiberglass. For example if the test comes back as low risk you might want to get an expert in to repair any damage. But that changes as soon as you decide to remove it.

Asbestos exposure may pose serious health risks. Step 3 date the tiles. You can test the tile yourself or hire an asbestos professional to inspect and. Therefore it is recommended to test for asbestos before any renovations are undertaken so necessary precautions can be made to minimise exposure.

Samples tested will reveal whether there is a high medium low or negative asbestos risk. Vinyl or asphalt tiles that have these colors in it have a high likelihood of asbestos fibers. Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets. One of the best ways to deal with asbestos tile is to leave it in place and cover it with new flooring.

Exposure to asbestos from flooring that contains vinyl tiles in good condition is considered low. Another time period that asbestos floors were popular in was between the years of 1920 and 1960. The same applies to medium risk. Asbestos testing kits are available in diy stores and online for between 10 and 45.

With both low and medium results you could consider laying new flooring over the existing. The asbestos floor tile identification articles in this series illustrate that with the combination of design appearance and an idea of floor tile age many asbestos containing floor tiles or sheet flooring products can be reliably identified even before confirmation by a test by a certified asbestos testing laboratory. Unlike many asbestos containing materials vinyl asbestos flooring is generally safe to be around. A small fee for the kit then a larger fee for the lab results.

Lab testing of flooring for asbestos content. Found in many manufactured products prior to the mid 1980 such as pipe insulation ceiling and floor tiles paints caulking fire resistant clothing and brake pads. Other times you pay twice. Also it helps to know whether or not a pre paid mailer is included.