Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex Your Trusted Asbestos Testing Company in Sussex

Are you planning to renovate your home or office? Or, are you looking for a new property in Sussex? If yes, then before you start any renovation or construction work, it is important to ensure that your property is free from asbestos.

Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was widely used in building materials until it was banned in the UK in 1999 due to its health hazards. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), including vinyl tiles, floor tiles, etc., can pose a serious risk to health when they are disturbed or damaged, and asbestos fibers are released into the air.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we understand the importance of asbestos testing and removal to keep your property safe from the hazards of asbestos exposure. Our team of experienced and licensed professionals provide cost-effective asbestos testing services to uncover any potential asbestos-containing materials in your property.

In this article, we will discuss how to test floor tiles for asbestos in Sussex to help you identify if your property contains asbestos.

Asbestos in Vinyl and Floor Tiles

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials, including floor tiles, due to its durability and insulation properties. Vinyl tiles and floor tiles manufactured before the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos fibers are often mixed with vinyl to create vinyl-asbestos tiles (VATs) or to strengthen floor tiles.

If the tiles are in good condition and remain undisturbed, the risk of asbestos exposure is low. However, if the tiles are damaged, cut, or removed during renovation, renovation, or demolition work, they can emit asbestos fibers, which can pose a serious health risk.

How to Test for Asbestos in Floor Tiles

If you suspect that your floor tiles may contain asbestos, a sample test is necessary to determine if they are safe. Here are the steps to follow to test for asbestos in floor tiles:

Step 1: Identify if the Tiles Contain Asbestos

The first step is to determine if your floor tiles contain asbestos. Check the product identification tags or boxes, if you still have them, to see if they specify asbestos. However, if you do not have the product boxes or labels, then you need to contact a licensed asbestos testing company.

Step 2: Take a Sample of the Floor Tiles

Take a good quality sample of the floor tiles for asbestos testing. Carefully cut a small piece of the tile, including the backing and adhesive, and place it in a sealed container. Always wear safety gear, such as a mask, gloves, and disposable coveralls, to prevent any exposure to asbestos fibers.

Step 3: Send the Sample for Testing

Sealed samples should be sent to a certified asbestos testing laboratory, such as Inspectapedia Online, for accurate analysis. The testing diagnosis can determine the level of asbestos in the sample, and if asbestos is found, the type of asbestos fibers.

Step 4: Get an Inspection and Testing Report

If the asbestos testing reports confirm that the floor tiles contain asbestos, it is important to hire a licensed asbestos removal contractor to inspect and test your property for any additional ACMs. An inspection testing report can identify areas of risk, and a removal plan can be devised if necessary.

Signs of Asbestos in Floor Tiles

Asbestos-containing tiles can be tricky to identify because they can resemble non-asbestos tiles. They may have the same number of patterns, the color may be similar, and they may have a gloss finish. However, there are some signs that can help you tell if your floor tiles contain asbestos.

Age and Date of Installation

Floor tiles installed between the 1920s and the 1980s are likely to contain asbestos. Knowing the age of your property can help you determine if there is a risk of asbestos.

The Pattern of the Floor Tiles

Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured in 9x9 inch or 12x12 inch squares, while non-asbestos tiles were mostly manufactured in rectangular, hexagonal, or round shapes. If your floor tiles have a square shape, there is a higher chance that they contain asbestos.

Color of the Floor Tiles

Asbestos floor tiles were commonly manufactured in a limited range of colors, including gray, white, black and yellow-brown. If your floor tiles have any of these colors, then there is a higher risk of asbestos.

Photographs Provided Online

Inspectapedia offers a comprehensive set of online pages with photographs on the most commonly found floor tiles containing asbestos. These photographs can help you identify whether your floor tiles contain asbestos or not.

Risks of Asbestos in Floor Tiles

Asbestos-containing floor tiles can pose health risks to you and your family if they are left undisturbed, damaged or disturbed during renovation, construction, or demolition work. High exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to lung cancer, mesothelioma and other respiratory diseases.

Therefore, it is important to remove any existing ACMs from your property before any renovation, construction or demolition work takes place. Removing asbestos floor tiles can be dangerous and must be done by licensed professionals who wear appropriate protective gear such as masks, gloves, coveralls and respirators.

Breaking the Myths on Asbestos in Floor Tiles

There are some common myths surrounding asbestos in floor tiles that need to be debunked.

Myth 1: If the Tiles Are New, They Will Not Contain Asbestos

It is a common misconception that only old buildings and properties contain asbestos. However, it is important to note that the use of asbestos was not fully banned in the UK until 1999. Therefore, new floor tiles may still contain asbestos, especially if they were imported from countries where the use of asbestos is not yet banned.

Myth 2: If the Floor Tiles Do Not Crumble, They Do Not Contain Asbestos

Not all asbestos-containing materials crumble easily. Many tiles containing asbestos can still be in good condition, even after decades. However, if these tiles are disturbed, removed, or cut, then they can emit asbestos fibers that pose a serious health hazard.

Conclusion

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Sussex, we believe that asbestos testing and removal is necessary to ensure that your home or office is safe for you and your loved ones. Contact us to get your property inspected and tested for the presence of asbestos. Our team of certified and experienced professionals will provide you with cost-effective asbestos testing services and help you make your environment free from asbestos.

For more information about our services, please visit our website or give us a call at 01273 978238. You can also contact us via email at [email protected].