Do I Need To Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles In Devon?

If you live in Devon, South West England, and you are wondering whether your property contains asbestos floor tiles, you need to read this article. You will discover what asbestos is, the risks of exposure, how to identify asbestos floor tiles, and whether you should remove them.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in building materials between the 1940s and 1990s. It was valued for its properties such as heat resistance, strength, and durability. However, it was later discovered that asbestos fibers, when inhaled, can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Although asbestos is no longer used in construction, it still exists in many properties, especially those built before the 1980s. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can be found in ceiling tiles, pipe insulation, roofing, siding, and flooring.

How to Identify Asbestos Floor Tiles?

Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured from the 1920s to the 1980s and were commonly used in homes, schools, hospitals, and commercial buildings. They are typically 9x9 inches, 12x12 inches, or 18x18 inches in size and come in various colors and patterns.

The easiest way to identify asbestos floor tiles is through laboratory analysis. However, if you are not sure whether your floor tiles contain asbestos, you can look for the following clues:

• Age: If your property was built before the 1980s, it is more likely to contain asbestos floor tiles.
• Pattern: Some patterns are more common in asbestos floor tiles than others. For example, the "basketweave," "diamond," and "herringbone" patterns were popular in the 1950s and 1960s.
• Backing: Asbestos floor tiles are often backed with gray or black adhesive that contains asbestos fibers.

If you suspect that your floor tiles contain asbestos, you should not attempt to remove or disturb them yourself. Instead, you should contact a licensed asbestos removal company in Devon.

What are the Risks of Asbestos Floor Tiles?

Asbestos floor tiles are generally low risk, as long as they are in good condition and not disturbed. However, if the tiles are damaged, cracked, or broken, they can release asbestos fibers into the air, which can be inhaled.

Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to serious health problems, as mentioned earlier. The risk of developing these health problems depends on the type of asbestos, the level of exposure, and the length of exposure.

The risk of exposure to asbestos fibers from floor tiles is generally low, as the fibers are not easily released unless the tiles are damaged. However, if you plan to renovate or remove the tiles, you should consult a licensed asbestos removal company.

Can I Remove Asbestos Floor Tiles Myself?

No, you should not attempt to remove asbestos floor tiles yourself. Asbestos is a hazardous material and should only be handled by licensed professionals who have the proper equipment and training.

Attempting to remove asbestos floor tiles yourself can put you and others at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. When the tiles are disturbed or removed, they can release a significant amount of asbestos fibers into the air, which can spread throughout your property.

In addition, the disposal of asbestos-containing materials is regulated and requires special handling and disposal procedures. If you dispose of asbestos-containing materials improperly, you can face fines and legal consequences.

Why Hire Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon is a licensed, insured, and experienced asbestos removal company based in Devon. We have a team of trained and certified professionals who can safely and efficiently remove asbestos floor tiles from your property.

We use state-of-the-art equipment and follow the latest industry standards to ensure the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. We also provide asbestos testing and inspection services to help you identify any asbestos-containing materials in your property.

Our goal is to provide our clients with affordable and reliable asbestos removal services that meet their needs and exceed their expectations. We pride ourselves on our quality workmanship, attention to detail, and outstanding customer service.

How to Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon?

If you are concerned about asbestos floor tiles in your property or have any questions about our services, please give us a call at 01962 458066 or send us an email at [email protected].

You can also visit our website at affordable-asbestos-removal-devon.co.uk for more information about our services, pricing, and testimonials from our satisfied clients.

Don't put yourself and others at risk of exposure to asbestos fibers. Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon today for safe and reliable asbestos removal services in Devon.