Asbestos floor tiles have been used in construction throughout the 20th century. This bountiful material has a fibrous makeup that is resistant to fire, heat, and electricity. It was also popular for sound absorption and was much cheaper than other building materials.
However, inhaling Asbestos can cause a wide range of deadly conditions and illnesses. Even today, asbestos is still responsible for thousands of deaths a year. The government’s Health and Safety Executive estimated there were 2,595 mesothelioma cases in 2016 alone.
One of the many products known to have used asbestos is floor tiles. Here’s a guide on how to identify asbestos floor tiles and understand the risks of asbestos tiles. If you’d rather leave asbestos removal and testing to the experts, contact us and we’ll provide you with a free, no-obligation quote.
How to Identify Asbestos Floor Tiles in the UK?
What type of Asbestos is in Floor tiles? Asbestos Floor Tiles most commonly contain Chrysolite, otherwise known as white asbestos. This was the most commonly used asbestos and can be found in older buildings. It can often be found in roof tiles, ceiling insulation, wall coverings, and flooring.
The only definitive way to find out if your tiles contain asbestos is to get them tested. We offer comprehensive asbestos floor tile testing as well as safe Asbestos removal to ensure your site is safe for use. If you feel you want to test or check yourself, be sure to wear PPE such as disposable gloves and a dust mask. Ensure you remove any clothing that has been exposed to asbestos and wash it thoroughly.
As well as testing, there are a few ways you can determine how likely your property is to have asbestos flooring;
- Tile size: Floor tiles made in the 20th century are usually 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch squares. If your tiles are one of these sizes it could be an asbestos tile.
- Building age: If your building was built between the 1920s and 1980s, there is a greater chance of asbestos being used. If it was built between the 1980s and 1990s, the chances are lower but not minimal.
- The adhesive used: Cutback adhesive or black mastic is an asphalt-based adhesive that was used extensively in the 20th century. If you can see a thick black adhesive underneath a damaged tile, there is a chance that the tiles will contain asbestos.
- Tile damage and colour: If your tiles appear stained or oily it could point to asphalt seepage. Asphalt is one of the main components in asbestos tiles. If your tiles look grimy or discoloured it could signify the presence of asbestos.
For more information on common materials that may contain asbestos consult the HSE’s Asbestos guide. This breaks down every possible place where you may find asbestos.
Asbestos Removal done professionally
At Midlands Asbestos Solutions we are committed to helping you protect yourself, your family, your employees, and customers from the threat of asbestos inhalation. We have spent years developing tests and techniques to successfully manage and remove asbestos. We carry out every Asbestos removal on time and budget. Take a look at our case studies and see the work we’ve carried out.
If you think you may have Asbestos or even just want some peace of mind, contact us now for a free, no-obligation quotation. Our team of friendly experts is waiting to help you with any asbestos needs.