Asbestos tiles can be found on floors, walls, countertops, or rooftops in homes or other buildings. Asbestos is often added to tiles or other floor coverings to add strength, resistance to humidity, and to prevent scuff marks or scratches. Asbestos also acts as an effective insulator from heat or cold. Unfortunately, many health risks are associated with asbestos. It is important to realize these risks when dealing with tiles made from asbestos.

Working with Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos tiles are not harmful to overall health unless they are scraped or sanded into airborne dust. When this occurs, asbestos fibers may be breathed in and could create some major health risks. Health problems associated with asbestos inhalation include pulmonary hypertension, abestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. The effects of asbestos inhalation can often go unnoticed for periods between 15 and 40 years. It is important to keep asbestos tiles intact so that they do not create health problems for those who come in contact with them.

Most types of asbestos tiles are considered to be "non-friable," which is safer than "friable" asbestos products. "Non-friable" refers to asbestos that is too hard to be reduced to dust with hand pressure. Non-friable asbestos tiles are generally safe to use as long as they are kept intact. Many will choose to use protective coverings over asbestos floor tiles to be safe, such as carpet, cement, vinyl, or wood flooring. Most of the tiles made for home rooftops and sidings have been designed to keep asbestos fibers from being released into the air.

When repairing asbestos tiles on rooftops, special care should be taken. Asbestos tiles can be cut with a slate cutter. Slate cutters or masonry drill bits are effective for drilling holes in the tiles as well. When securing tiles, copper nails are an option. However stainless steel slate hooks are an even better option since drilling or caulking is not necessary with these hooks. Those who are planning on removing asbestos tiles, whether they are located on rooftops, floors, or otherwise, should seek help from professional asbestos abatement contractors.