How To Test Floor Tile For Asbestos In Devon

Are you planning to conduct home repairs or renovations in Devon? It's essential to know whether the floor tiles in your property contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in building materials in the past due to its heat-resistant properties. However, it has since been linked to respiratory problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.

At Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, we specialize in providing reliable and affordable asbestos testing services in Devon and the surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether your property's floor tiles contain asbestos, don't hesitate to reach out to us. Let's explore more about asbestos, the likely sources of flooring tiles that may contain asbestos, and how to test for asbestos in Devon.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that are made of microscopic fibres. These fibres are strong, heat resistant, and can resist chemical attack. The durability of asbestos made it an attractive material for use in the construction and manufacturing industries. Common uses of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) include thermal insulation, roofing, and flooring.

However, exposure to asbestos fibres can cause significant health risks. When asbestos fibres are inhaled into the lungs, they can accumulate over time, causing various respiratory problems. Mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, is commonly associated with asbestos exposure.

Likely Sources of Flooring Tiles that May Contain Asbestos

If your property was built in the 1950s to the 1980s, the possibility of containing asbestos in older floor tiles is higher. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials in this period due to its heat-resistant and durable properties. It's worth noting that newer materials have less chance of containing asbestos.

The following flooring materials are likely to contain asbestos:

• Vinyl asbestos floor tiles (VAT)
• Asphalt or vinyl asbestos sheet flooring
• Resilient floor covering containing asbestos, including linoleum
• Mastic and adhesive used to install floor tiles

Asbestos floor tiles are usually 9 inches by 9 inches and have a thickness of 1/8 to 3/16 inches. However, it's essential to understand that not all floor tiles manufactured during the 1950s to the 1980s contain asbestos.

How to Test for Asbestos in Devon

If you suspect that your property's floor tiles contain asbestos, the best course of action is to have it tested by a professional asbestos testing company like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon. We have a team of licensed and experienced asbestos inspectors who will collect samples of your floor tiles and conduct laboratory analysis to determine if they contain asbestos.

Here's a step-by-step process on how to test for asbestos in Devon:

Step 1: Contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon

Give us a call or send us an email to schedule an asbestos testing appointment. Our phone number is 01962 458066, and our email is [email protected].

Step 2: Site Visit

Our team will visit your property and inspect the flooring tiles. We will check the tiles' condition, age, and installation process, as they are likely to affect the likelihood of containing asbestos.

Step 3: Collect Samples

We will collect several samples of your floor tiles to conduct laboratory analysis. We follow strict safety protocols when collecting samples to minimize any exposure to asbestos.

Step 4: Lab Analysis

The collected samples will be delivered to an accredited laboratory for analysis. The lab will use polarized light microscopy (PLM) or transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to determine if the tiles contain asbestos.

Step 5: Results and Recommendations

We'll share the report with you once the lab analysis is complete. If the floor tiles contain asbestos, we'll provide recommendations on the appropriate action to take, depending on the asbestos fibres' risk level.

What to Do if Asbestos is Detected in Your Floor Tiles

If the lab analysis confirms that your property's floor tiles contain asbestos, you need to take immediate action to minimize the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. The type and condition of the asbestos-containing materials will determine the appropriate action to be taken.

Here are the potential actions to take:

Action 1: Leave the floor tiles in place.

If the floor tiles are in good condition and not being disturbed, the best course of action is to leave them in place. This action is safe as long as the floor remains undisturbed, reducing the risk of asbestos fibres spreading.

Action 2: Repair the tiles.

If only a few tiles are damaged or missing, you can simply repair them by using a professional asbestos contractor to patch them. Asbestos filling materials should not be used during this process.

Action 3: Encapsulate or seal the tiles.

If the floor tiles are in poor condition or cannot be repaired, encapsulation or sealing is a viable option. A professional asbestos contractor can cover the floor tiles with a sealant, reducing the risk of asbestos exposure.

Action 4: Remove the tiles.

If the floor tiles are in poor condition and require replacement, they need to be removed with caution. Professional asbestos contractors, like Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon, will be able to carry out the job safely, ensuring that the asbestos fibres do not spread.

Environmental Benefits

Testing for asbestos in your floor tiles can have several environmental benefits. Proper disposal of asbestos-containing materials is crucial to avoid environmental contamination. Asbestos disposal regulations are in place to protect public health, and professional asbestos contractors are knowledgeable on handling and disposing of asbestos-containing materials safely.

Conclusion

Asbestos-containing floor tiles can pose a serious health risk to you and your family. If you suspect that the floor tiles in your Devon property contain asbestos, contact Affordable Asbestos Removal Devon for reliable and affordable asbestos testing services. Remember to take immediate action if the lab analysis confirms asbestos in your floor tiles to minimize the health risks associated with asbestos exposure.

Don't let asbestos exposure damage your lungs. Call us today and receive accurate asbestos testing services for your property in Devon.