If your home was built between 1920 and 1960 it is very likely that underneath the hardwood floors or carpeting will be tile. Homeowners might not think much about the tile they find under the flooring while doing bathroom remodeling or kitchen renovations, but these old tiles often contain asbestos and can be extremely dangerous to the occupant’s health.
What is Asbestos?
Many homeowners have heard about asbestos, but they aren’t sure what it is or how to recognize it. Asbestos is a silicate material that is heat-resistant and very durable which is why asbestos was used so frequently in new construction projects between in the first half of the 20th century and into the 1980s before it was banned.
Why is Asbestos Dangerous?
Asbestos is dangerous to people because the fibers can crumble and be released into the air. When asbestos is inhaled, your lungs are not able to break them down and the asbestos will become lodged in the lungs and cause illness such as cancer, lung tissue scarring, and mesothelioma.
How Do You Know if the Tiles Have Asbestos?
When doing bathroom remodeling, when you come upon tile under the flooring, there are a few indicators that they might be asbestos.
- The tiles were installed before 1980.
- The tiles are 9 inches by 9 inches.
- Tiles appear oily or stained.
- You can see black adhesive under broken tile pieces (this is indicative of asphalt adhesive which also has asbestos in it).
The best way to find out if the tiles have asbestos is to have the tiles tested by an asbestos remediation specialist.
What Can You Do About Asbestos Tile?
The best thing you can do when you discover asbestos tile while doing bathroom remodeling is to leave it in place and lay new flooring on top of it. However, you will need to disclose the tile to your real estate agent if you ever decide to sell your home.
If you are ready to start your next remodeling project call Tampa Kitchen and Bath Gallery at 813-454-0591. You can also visit us on Facebook.
