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Marley Floor Tile

Popular UK-brand vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles containing asbestos, widely used in Commonwealth countries.

Período de uso:1950–1984

Pico de uso:1960s

Friabilidad:Non-friable

Nivel de riesgo:

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Descripción

Marley floor tiles are among the most commonly encountered asbestos-containing flooring materials in the United Kingdom and across former Commonwealth countries. Manufactured by Marley Floors, a division of the Marley Group (later Marley Eternit), these tiles were produced in both vinyl asbestos and thermoplastic formulations from the 1950s through to the early 1980s. The brand was so ubiquitous that "Marley tile" became a generic term for asbestos floor tiles in many parts of the UK, much as "Hoover" became synonymous with vacuum cleaners.

Marley tiles contained chrysotile asbestos at concentrations typically between 10% and 25% by weight. The asbestos was incorporated into the vinyl or thermoplastic matrix to provide fire resistance, dimensional stability, and durability. The tiles were manufactured at Marley's factories in Lenham, Kent, and distributed across the UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and other Commonwealth markets. They were the flooring of choice for local authority housing, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and government buildings during the 1960s and 1970s.

Marley tiles were produced in the standard 9-inch by 9-inch (229 mm x 229 mm) format as well as larger sizes. They were available in a wide range of colours and patterns, including solid colours, marbled effects, and terrazzo-style designs. The brand offered both economy and premium ranges, with some decorative tiles featuring metallic or pearlescent finishes. The Marley name or logo may be found impressed on the back of some tiles, which can aid identification.

The Marley Group had a significant connection to asbestos beyond flooring. Marley Eternit also manufactured asbestos cement roofing and building products, making the Marley name one of the most associated with asbestos-containing materials in the British construction industry. Today, Marley tiles remain widespread in buildings from the 1950s to 1980s era, and their identification and management is a routine part of asbestos surveys in the UK and beyond.

Países donde se encuentra comúnmente

🇬🇧 United Kingdom 🇦🇺 Australia 🇳🇿 New Zealand 🇿🇦 South Africa 🇮🇪 Ireland 🇳🇬 Nigeria

🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Marley was one of the most prominent UK flooring manufacturers. Their vinyl and thermoplastic tiles were installed extensively in schools, hospitals, council housing, and commercial buildings across Britain from the 1950s to the early 1980s.

🇦🇺 Australia: Marley tiles were widely imported and used in Australian buildings. The Marley brand was well-known across Commonwealth countries and the tiles are frequently encountered during refurbishment of 1960s and 1970s buildings.

🇳🇿 New Zealand: Marley floor tiles were commonly used in New Zealand residential and commercial buildings during the 1960s and 1970s. They remain a common asbestos-containing material found during building renovations.

Marcas comerciales

MarleyMarley FloorsMarley Eternit

Cómo identificarlo

Marley floor tiles typically appear in the standard 9-inch by 9-inch (229 mm x 229 mm) format, though larger sizes were also produced. Check the back of tiles for the Marley name, logo, or batch markings impressed into the material. The tiles come in various colours and patterns, from solid tones to marbled and terrazzo effects. They are rigid, thin (1.5 mm to 3 mm), and tend to crack rather than flex. Marley tiles installed between the 1950s and early 1980s in UK and Commonwealth buildings should be presumed to contain asbestos until tested.

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 están firmemente unidas dentro de la matriz del material. En buen estado y sin perturbaciones, el riesgo de liberación de fibras es bajo. Sin embargo, cortar, taladrar, lijar o romper el material puede liberar fibras peligrosas.

Qué hacer si encuentras este material

If you suspect Marley floor tiles contain asbestos, do not remove, sand, or break them. Leave intact tiles in place if they are in good condition. Engage a UKAS-accredited asbestos surveyor to take samples for laboratory analysis. If removal is necessary, use a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Encapsulation by overlaying with new flooring is often the safest and most cost-effective option for tiles that are in reasonable condition.

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Preguntas frecuentes

Do all Marley floor tiles contain asbestos?

Not all Marley tiles contain asbestos. Tiles manufactured after the early 1980s were progressively made asbestos-free. However, Marley tiles installed between the 1950s and early 1980s have a high likelihood of containing chrysotile asbestos. Laboratory testing is the only way to confirm whether a specific tile contains asbestos.

How do I identify a Marley tile?

Check the back of the tile for the Marley name, logo, or manufacturing marks. Marley tiles are typically in the 9x9 inch (229 mm x 229 mm) format and are rigid and brittle. The brand was particularly prevalent in UK schools, hospitals, and council housing from the 1950s to the 1980s.

What is the connection between Marley tiles and Marley Eternit?

Marley Floors was a division of the Marley Group, which also operated Marley Eternit, a major manufacturer of asbestos cement roofing and building products. The Marley name is associated with multiple asbestos-containing product lines across the construction industry. The company later transitioned to asbestos-free products.

Are Marley tiles common outside the UK?

Yes, Marley tiles were exported widely across Commonwealth countries including Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, and various African nations. They are commonly found during renovation of 1960s and 1970s buildings in these countries and are routinely identified in asbestos surveys.