How To Test Floor Tile For Asbestos In Sussex

If you are planning to renovate your home or commercial space and your floor tiles were installed before the 1980s, chances are, they contain asbestos. Asbestos was widely used in building materials due to its heat resistance and durability until its harmful effects were discovered, leading to its ban in many countries, including the UK.

If you suspect that your floor tiles contain asbestos, it is crucial to get them tested before removal to avoid exposure to harmful asbestos fibers. In this landing page, Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, a trusted asbestos testing and removal company in Sussex, will guide you through the process of testing floor tiles for asbestos.

Who We Are

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex is a professional asbestos testing and removal company based in Sussex. Specializing in non-asbestos floorings and asbestos formulated floorings, our team of experts aims to deliver quality services at an affordable cost.

We understand the risk that asbestos poses to human health and the environment, which is why we prioritise safety in all aspects of our work. With years of experience in asbestos testing and removal, we guarantee our customers a safe and efficient service every time.

What Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials, including floor tiles, insulation, roofing, and cement, due to its durability and heat resistance. The mineral was extensively used in the UK construction industry until its complete ban in 1999.

When materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged, the fibers become airborne, releasing harmful particles that can be easily inhaled. Asbestos fibers are linked to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

How Is Asbestos Likely to Be Present in Floor Tiles?

Asbestos was widely used in floor tile manufacturing until the 1980s. Vinyl Asbestos Tiles (VAT) and Asphalt Asbestos Tiles (AAT) were popularly used before the discovery of asbestos's harmful effects.

If your building's floor tiles were installed before the 1980s, it's highly likely they contain asbestos. Some of the sources describe that asbestos-containing tiles may still have been used well into the 1990s, making it crucial to test the flooring material before making any repairs or renovations.

Why Should You Get Your Floor Tiles Tested?

It's essential to test your floor tiles for asbestos before any renovation or repair work as the asbestos fibers can be easily released in the air during the removal process, posing significant health risks to anyone in the vicinity.

It is essential to take appropriate measures to protect yourself, your family, and anyone working on the project from exposure to asbestos fibers. Testing your floor tiles before any work is carried out can help you identify the presence of asbestos in your building's materials, and you can take necessary steps accordingly.

How to Test Floor Tiles for Asbestos?

The safest and most reliable method to test for asbestos in floor tiles is to collect a sample of the material and send it to an accredited laboratory for analysis. Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex offers services for asbestos sample collection and analysis to help you determine if your floor tiles contain asbestos.

Here's a step-by-step guide on how to collect floor tile samples for asbestos testing:

1. Wear Protective Equipment: Before collecting any samples, ensure that you are wearing protective equipment such as gloves, a respirator, and disposable clothing. This equipment will protect you from the asbestos fibers that may be released during the sample collection process.

2. Identify Suspect Floor Tiles: Identify the floor tiles that you suspect contain asbestos. VAT and AAT are the most likely to contain asbestos in their backing material.

3. Take a Sample: Using a utility knife or a similar tool, scrape a small piece of the tile's backing or adhesive, making sure to get as deep into the material as possible.

4. Seal the Sample: Place the samples in a labelled plastic bag and seal it tightly to prevent any further contamination.

5. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex: Once you have collected the samples, contact us to arrange a pick-up time. We will collect the samples from you and send them to an accredited laboratory for analysis.

6. Receive Results: Once the samples have been analyzed, we will contact you with the results. If the samples test positive for asbestos, we will provide you with advice on what to do next.

What Should You Do If Your Floor Tiles Contain Asbestos?

If your floor tiles are found to contain asbestos, we highly recommend that you arrange for professional asbestos removal. Asbestos removal is a highly specialized task that should only be carried out by accredited asbestos removal companies.

Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex specializes in asbestos removal and can provide you with a comprehensive asbestos removal service, ensuring your building is free from any asbestos materials.

If you're not ready for asbestos removal, you can choose to seal the material to prevent fibers from being released in the air. Sealing should be carried out by a professional, as any disturbance of the material can cause it to release its fibers.

Contact Us Today

If you suspect that your building's floor tiles contain asbestos and need them tested, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex today. We offer affordable asbestos testing services with a quick turnaround time, ensuring you get the results you need to make the right decision.

With years of experience in the asbestos industry, our team of experts is dedicated to providing you with quality services and helping you create a safe environment for your family, employees, or customers.

Contact us today through our phone number (01273 978238) or email ([email protected]), and let us help you with your asbestos concerns. You can also reach out to us through our website (affordable-asbestos-removal-sussex.co.uk) to learn more about our services.