Kentile Floors
Kentile was a major US floor tile manufacturer based in Brooklyn, NY, specializing in asphalt-asbestos and vinyl-asbestos tiles from 1908 to 1992. KenFlex was their vinyl-asbestos line.
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Descripci贸n
Kentile Floors, founded in 1908 and headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, was one of America's most recognized floor tile manufacturers and a major producer of asbestos-containing flooring for over eight decades. The company pioneered asphalt-asbestos tiles and later expanded into vinyl-asbestos formulations, supplying products to residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings across the United States and Canada.
The original Kentile product line consisted of asphalt-asbestos tiles, which were among the earliest resilient flooring products on the American market. These tiles used chrysotile asbestos fibers mixed with asphalt binder and mineral fillers to create a durable, affordable flooring material. As vinyl technology advanced in the 1950s, Kentile introduced the KenFlex line of vinyl-asbestos tiles, which offered improved appearance and durability while still relying on asbestos as a reinforcing filler. The KenRoyal line represented their premium vinyl-asbestos offering.
Kentile tiles are identifiable by their specific catalog numbers and distinctive patterns. The company produced tiles in both 9x9-inch and 12x12-inch formats, with the 9x9-inch tiles being most strongly associated with asbestos content. Kentile's asphalt-asbestos tiles tend to be darker in color (browns, blacks, dark maroons) and more brittle than their vinyl-asbestos counterparts, which came in a wider range of colors and patterns. Many Kentile tiles can be identified by the name stamped on the backing.
Kentile Floors filed for bankruptcy in 1992, citing asbestos liability as a primary factor. The company ceased operations, but the volume of installed Kentile tiles remains enormous. The iconic Kentile Floors sign that stood atop their Brooklyn factory for decades became a local landmark and symbol of the borough's industrial heritage. It was eventually removed in 2014.
The legacy of Kentile's asbestos-containing products continues to affect building owners, contractors, and workers. Kentile asphalt-asbestos and vinyl-asbestos tiles are among the most frequently encountered asbestos-containing materials during building renovation and demolition. Their widespread installation from the 1920s through the 1980s means that virtually any pre-1990 building with original tile flooring may contain Kentile products.
Pa铆ses donde se encuentra com煤nmente
Marcas comerciales
C贸mo identificarlo
Kentile floor tiles are found in 9x9-inch and 12x12-inch formats. The company name "KENTILE" may be stamped on the tile backing. Asphalt-asbestos tiles (original Kentile line) are typically darker colors -- brown, black, dark maroon, dark green -- and are more brittle and prone to cracking than vinyl tiles. KenFlex vinyl-asbestos tiles come in a wider variety of colors and patterns with more visual appeal. Look for catalog pattern numbers on backing or in installation records. Kentile asphalt tiles often have a distinct petroleum-like odor when broken. The 9x9-inch format is the strongest indicator of asbestos content. Any Kentile tile installed before 1992 should be presumed to contain asbestos unless tested by an accredited laboratory.
Riesgo sanitario y friabilidad
Este material tiene un nivel de riesgo de 2 sobre 5.
Se clasifica como non-friable, lo que significa que las fibras de amianto estaban firmemente unidas dentro de la matriz del material en el momento de su fabricaci贸n. En buen estado y sin perturbaciones, el riesgo de liberaci贸n de fibras es bajo, aunque puede liberar fibras de amianto que podr铆an depositarse bajo estos materiales, contaminando potencialmente su entorno. Actividades como cortar, taladrar, lijar o romper el material pueden liberar fibras peligrosas y no deben realizarse bajo ninguna circunstancia.
Qu茅 hacer si encuentras este material
Do not sand, scrape, break, or use power tools on Kentile floor tiles or their adhesive. Both the tiles and the black cutback adhesive underneath may contain asbestos. Intact tiles in good condition can be left in place and covered with new flooring as an encapsulation strategy. If tiles are damaged, crumbling, or need to be removed for renovation, engage a licensed asbestos abatement contractor. When removing old carpet or other flooring layers, be alert to hidden Kentile tiles underneath. Never use a standard vacuum to clean up tile debris -- only HEPA-filtered equipment is acceptable. Kentile filed for bankruptcy in 1992, and compensation options through trust funds may be limited. Consult an asbestos attorney to understand current claim possibilities.
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the difference between Kentile and KenFlex?
Are all 9x9 Kentile tiles asbestos?
Is the black glue under Kentile tiles also asbestos?
What happened to Kentile Floors company?
How do I know if my floor tiles are Kentile?
Materiales relacionados
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Resilient vinyl floor tiles manufactured with chrysotile asbestos fibres for durability and fire resistance.
Asbestos Asphalt Floor Tile
Floor tiles with asbestos fibres bound in an asphalt (bitumen) matrix, the dominant resilient tile from the 1920s to the 1960s.
Eternit
Eternit was the world's largest manufacturer of asbestos-cement roofing, pipes, and facade products.
Uralita
Uralita was Spain's dominant asbestos-cement manufacturer, producing roofing sheets, pipes, and building panels.
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