How To Identify Asbestos Floor Tiles

How To Identify Asbestos Floor Tiles

Asbestos was commonly used for construction purposes until the 1980s. This agent was used mainly because it was durable and resilient. Asbestos was banned nearly forty years ago, though, as it was discovered to pose many health risks. If you are currently living in an older home, it is essential to know if any asbestos is present. Here is a guide to help you identify if asbestos is in your floor tiles.

Asbestos In Floor Tiles

The best possible way to identify any active asbestos is to have your tiles tested by a professional service. Your flooring may contain asbestos if it was put in before 1980, and it uses tiles of 9, 12 or even 18-inch squares. If the tiles appear oily, stained or you can see a thick, black adhesive between tiles, these may be signs of asbestos. Test kits are available for homeowners, but this is something that is best left to trained eyes. Testing costs can run between $350 and $800 in most cases. Before performing any testing, though, make sure to check with your local building authorities. Some locales may restrict testing to asbestos remediation specialists, only.

Asbestos Removal Services

Native Environmental LLC is one of several asbestos removal services in the Phoenix, Arizona area. Calling a professional service to take care of the asbestos issue is definitely the safest option for any homeowners. At an average cost of $6 to $10 per square foot removed, these services are very affordable and will give everyone in the home some peace of mind. Prices will vary based on size of flooring, tile condition and location.

Health Risks Of Asbestos

When asbestos fibers are released into the air, they pose many health threats. These fibers can get lodged in your lungs when inhaled. This will prevent the fibers from being broken down and can lead ultimately to illness. Floor tiles will only release these fibers when disturbed or moved. This is usually done by sawing, drilling or any sort of tile removal. Asbestos has been linked to lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Asbestos Floor Tiles

Leaving the asbestos in its place and covering it with new flooring remains an option. These original tiles are generally thin, so laminate or vinyl flooring can be placed on top of the original surface with relative ease.

Native Environmental LLC In Phoenix, Arizona

Native Environmental LLC is a industrial cleaning company located in Phoenix, Arizona offering a full list of industrial cleaning services including mold removal/remediation, asbestos removal/remediation, mercury spill clean up, silo cleaning and more. We can also help with industrial cleaning in Tempe, Tucson, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, South Phoenix, Central Phoenix, Scottsdale, Arizona and more.