Asbestos in Vinyl Floor Tiles

A court case that was recently settled in eastern Ontario reminds us of one place you may not think to look for asbestos – in vinyl floor tiles.

At issue: a construction company was hired to remove and replace the flooring in a municipally owned building. After the project was already underway, the construction company learned that the tiles contained asbestos. The work had to be stopped and an asbestos removal contractor was hired to come in and clean up the entire worksite, a process that interrupted the project for about a week.

The construction company sued the city for damages from exposure to asbestos and while the case was dismissed on technical ground related to the evidence, it nonetheless underscores the importance of properly dealing with asbestos in any renovation project that involves an older building.

Older Buildings – Old Problems
As a contractor or homeowner, if you’re dealing with a property that was built before the mid 1980’s, you can assume that it contains asbestos in one form or another. When it comes to household use, it was often – as in this case – mixed with other materials. ACM or asbestos containing materials can show up anywhere in your home literally from floor to ceiling.

Not many of us live in a place where the flooring hasn’t been changed in two or three decades, but it is a common practice for DIY homeowners to simply tile over older types of flooring. Many people are surprised at what they find under the layers – and that can include vinyl-asbestos floor tiles.

When materials are intact, asbestos is not considered a risk. However, it can be damaged and then released into the air as a health hazard by things like floods, fires and other physical damage to the building as well as planned maintenance and renovations.

Safe – Not Sorry
The safest route is complete asbestos removal or asbestos remediation. It’s too serious to take chances. If you suspect the presence of asbestos in your home or on your property, call the experts at GreenStream.

In the Toronto area contact GreenStreamEnvironmental.ca at (416) 818-9414. Contact us for a quote today.

Featured in Mike Holmes’ magazine, HGTV’s Income Properties, W Network’s Love It Or List It and chosen by Homestars.com as “Best Toronto Asbestos Removal Company” based on customer ratings and reviews, GreenStream Environmental Services are fully-certified, trusted and insured professionals in the removal and disposal of commercial, industrial, institutional and residential asbestos, vermiculite and mould (hazardous and non-hazardous). Providing emergency service 24/7/365 for all of Toronto and the GTA (North York, Mississauga, Markham, Brampton, Scarborough, Ajax, Oshawa, and beyond) GreenStream has over 40 combined years of experience serving clients such as the City of Toronto, the Toronto District School Board and many more. For a free estimate in Toronto, the GTA and Southern Ontario, call today at 416-818-9414. You’ll be glad you did.

GreenStream Environmental Inc. specializes in the Inspection, Remediation, and Safe Removal of Asbestos and Mould, both hazardous and non-hazardous.
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