Linoleum Asbestos (Linos)
One of the most frequently found asbestos-containing flooring is Linos. For those new to the term, Linos are a combination of linoleum and asbestos fibres. Asbestos was included in this product to enhance the flooring’s durability and fire resistance. Some linos can also have a distinctive green backing paper that can be 100% chrysotile, a type of white asbestos. Removing such material demands the expertise of someone with an A-class licence, given that this kind of asbestos is deemed friable.
Vinyl Asbestos Tiles (VATs)
Another prevalent flooring material is vinyl asbestos tiles or VATs. While these are usually classified as non-friable, removal can sometimes require the involvement of an A-class professional. This is particularly true when tiles are directly glued to substrates, such as concrete or timber. The adhesive often employed, known colloquially as ‘blackjack’, may contain asbestos. And even when there’s no asbestos in the glue, the mere action of separating the tile can lead to hazardous residue.
Compressed Sheeting
In earlier days, when tin floors were standard, areas prone to moisture would often be lined with compressed asbestos sheeting or be bedded with a concrete base. This heavy-duty sheeting was employed to ensure consistent floor heights. Despite weighing approximately 60 kg per square metre, this material was widely used as an underlay for tiles or linos.
Hessian Backing for Carpets
An unexpected place where asbestos might be found is in the hessian backing of some older carpets. Interestingly, it isn’t the hessian itself that contains asbestos. Instead, asbestos was once transported in hessian sacks, which were later recycled as carpet underlay. As a result, the hessian became contaminated with asbestos fibres. Even though hessian doesn’t inherently contain asbestos, this contaminated backing needs to be treated and removed as an asbestos product.
In conclusion, if your property dates back to before 1990, you should be cautious of potential asbestos hazards in flooring materials like lino, VATs, compressed flooring, and hessian underlay for carpets. If you’re concerned about asbestos in your home or workplace, we’re here to assist you. With our expertise and professional team, we ensure safe and efficient removal of any asbestos-containing materials. Don’t take risks; contact us today for a safer tomorrow..