Up until the 1980s, VAT (vinyl asbestos tiles) were widely used in residential and commercial construction. In the 1980s, vinyl asbestos tiles were phased out. So how do you know if the tiles
contain asbestos? If they were installed prior to the 1980s, more than likely they contain asbestos. Typically, they are 9 x 9” tiles or larger square tiles. BTW, often the mastic/glue holding the tiles down contains asbestos.
If you want to know for sure if they contain asbestos, contact a New York State licensed Asbestos Assessor who will properly collect samples and send them to a laboratory for testing.
So, what do you do if you have vinyl asbestos tiles?
1) If the tiles are in good shape and not crumbled or severely cracking, the authorities recommend that they be left in place because they are not “Friable”. Friable means that the material can be
crumbled in your hand when squeezed. If they are in good shape, you can leave them just as they are and be careful not to disturb them. Or you can cover them with carpet, ceramic tile,
floating floors, hardwood floors, etc. (Do your research to find out the proper way to cover asbestos floor tiles.)
2) If the tiles are cracked or crumbling and sound like they’re breaking when you walk on them, they might be emitting fibers . That means they should be evaluated by a New York State
Licensed Asbestos Assessor who will likely recommend removal, a job for which we recommend using an New York State Asbestos Removal Contractor. This is not a DYI project.
For more related information click on this link: https://safeharborinspections.
