Bitumen Asbestos Floor Tile
Asphalt-bound floor tiles containing asbestos, used in commercial and industrial buildings before the 1970s.
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Description
Bitumen asbestos floor tiles, also known as asphalt asbestos tiles, represent one of the oldest types of resilient flooring. Manufactured from the 1920s through to the mid-1970s, these tiles used a bituminous (asphalt) binder reinforced with chrysotile asbestos fibres at concentrations typically between 20% and 33% by weight. The asbestos served as both a reinforcing filler and a fire retardant, compensating for the inherent flammability and brittleness of the bituminous binder.
Bitumen asbestos tiles preceded vinyl asbestos tiles (VAT) in the marketplace and were the industry standard for resilient flooring in commercial and industrial settings during the post-war period. Factories, warehouses, government offices, schools, hospitals, and military installations across the United Kingdom, United States, Australia, and continental Europe installed these tiles on a massive scale. Brands such as Marley, Kentile, and Flintkote were among the most prominent manufacturers.
Like other asbestos floor tiles, the standard dimension was 9 inches by 9 inches (229 mm x 229 mm), though 12-inch and other metric sizes were also produced. Bitumen tiles tend to be darker than vinyl tiles, with common colours including dark brown, maroon, and black. They are hard, brittle, and susceptible to cracking under impact or when exposed to cold temperatures. The tiles may soften slightly when heated due to the thermoplastic nature of the bitumen binder, and they sometimes emit a faint tar-like odour.
When intact and undisturbed, bitumen asbestos tiles are classified as non-friable and pose low risk. However, the material becomes hazardous when tiles are cracked, chipped, or subject to heavy abrasion. Removal activities such as chipping, scraping, and grinding release asbestos fibres. The black adhesive used to install these tiles also commonly contains asbestos, creating compounded risk. Professional assessment is essential before any work that may disturb bitumen asbestos tiles.
Pays où on le trouve couramment
Marques commerciales
Comment l'identifier
Bitumen asbestos tiles are typically 9 inches by 9 inches (229 mm x 229 mm), hard, and brittle. They are usually dark-coloured: brown, maroon, charcoal, or black. The material may have a faint asphalt or tar odour, especially when warmed. Tiles tend to crack and shatter rather than flex. The surface may show wear patterns with a dull, slightly rough finish. These tiles are most commonly found in commercial and industrial buildings dating from the 1920s to the 1970s. Laboratory testing is required for confirmation.
Risque sanitaire et friabilité
Ce matériau a un niveau de risque de 2 sur 5.
Il est classé comme non-friable, ce qui signifie que les fibres d'amiante sont fermement liées dans la matrice du matériau. En bon état et non perturbé, le risque de libération de fibres est faible. Cependant, couper, percer, poncer ou casser le matériau peut libérer des fibres dangereuses.
Que faire si vous trouvez ce matériau
Do not attempt to remove, chip, or grind bitumen asbestos floor tiles. If the tiles are intact and in good condition, the safest approach is to leave them undisturbed or cover them with new flooring material. Commission a professional asbestos survey before any renovation work. If removal is required, it must be carried out by a licensed asbestos contractor using appropriate containment, wet methods, and HEPA filtration. Dispose of waste at an approved facility.
Questions fréquentes
What is the difference between bitumen and vinyl asbestos floor tiles?
Are black floor tiles always asbestos?
Can bitumen asbestos tiles be encapsulated?
Matériaux associés
Autres matériaux contenant de l'amiante que vous pourriez rencontrer.
Thermoplastic Asbestos Tile
Early asphalt-based floor tiles containing asbestos fibres, commonly found in pre-1970 buildings.
Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tile (VAT)
Resilient vinyl floor tiles manufactured with chrysotile asbestos fibres for durability and fire resistance.
Asbestos Tile Adhesive / Cutback
Black mastic adhesive used to install floor tiles, frequently containing asbestos and often overlooked.
Vinyl Sheet Flooring with Asbestos Backing
Sheet vinyl flooring with asbestos-containing felt or paper backing, common in kitchens and bathrooms.
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