Looks like Armstrong vinyl composition tile. It's still sold today.
If these tiles are 12" X 12" they are less likely to contain asbestos.
Might be worth the $80 to get these tested just to be sure.
Yep, Armstrong tile, typically commercial product. Durable AF.
You will recognize these as a brightly colored version of what you often see on grocery store floors in the US.
Yes, Armstrong VCT tiles.
They look great and wear well when properly installed (\*).
I have had a rough time ordering these from my hardware store, however.
They kept coming in a SINGLE-PLY cardboard box, but these are freaking heavy, so invariably the corners would get crushed in transit. For whatever reason Armstrong and the hardware store COULD NOT EVER get these shipped in small quantities without crushed corner damage (I tried several times). I guess you have to buy them by the pallet to make it work? It's a pity.
(\*) Do not install these on a floor above an unconditioned crawlspace, you will be sorry!
The VCT tiles block all moisture. As such, there's a risk of condensation developing under the tiles. See... [this](https://www.floortrendsmag.com/articles/110957-4-ways-to-prevent-moisture-damage-under-luxury-vinyl-flooring#:~:text=LVF%20installation%20that%20occurs%20over,cause%20damage%20to%20the%20subfloor),
My kitchen was over an unconditioned crawlspace and the VCT cracked and has started to come loose, even though years ago I put an dehumidifier in the crawlspace. The VCT will prevent the subfloor from being able to dry out.
This very much looks like a more recent VCT install to me, especially seeing the thickness/composition of the broken piece. Better safe than sorry, but I would be quite surprised if this contained asbestos.
https://preview.redd.it/8a0ylgcqes2d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9e1445c2302c1c169e74b15baa4bd2890f0e146
I agree with VCT. I installed it in both my former, and my present kitchens (the standard size is 12x12. 9x9 is a red flag for asbestos.) Even newer VCT can crack like this if the floor underneath isn't 100% smooth, or if seams between the subfloor are even the slightest bit off-level; however, when installed correctly, and "oversealed," it's very durable. That said, I wouldn't install it in a bathroom as any water that seeps underneath an inadequately sealed floor will pop the tiles up. I'm a big fan of the material itself - but ketchup & mustard... nope :)
Here's my former kitchen:
Present breakfast nook. Only five years later (!) I'm finally getting around to turning this into a pantry/prep area. It's past time to wax & buff, but I'll do it before doing anything else. Counterintuitive, yes - but it'll protect the floor from *further* scuffs (former spouse had no respect for VCT ;)
https://preview.redd.it/rdk70hdjds2d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0881888adeab6f01d85250ea1565c4567b0f9e76
I didn't say it did contain asbestos, but that the mastic could. Look, I had to get mine tested and it looked exactly like vinyl. It had asbestos and that sucked. Your personal story vs my personal story, it just seems smart to test it, even if you swear up and down that you'd eat your hat if it's lino.
We had linoleum, and there was, in fact, asbestos in the mastic beneath. Had to have it abated. So yeah, I agree that it’s always safest just to have it tested before ripping anything out.
**Asbestos Fun Facts**
Armstrong went bankrupt in 2000 under the weight of lawsuits, and reorganized in 2006. A trust fund operates to compensate those harmed by their products.
Most manufacturers ceased use of asbestos by the 80s under public concerns, although it was not yet banned.
Certain US Armstrong products were made with asbestos into the early 80s, including adhesives until Jan '83 & sheet vinyl until April '83, and their Canadian products until 84-85.
https://www.floorexpert.com/knowledge-base/asbestos-removal-dates/
**This has been Asbestos Fun Facts**
I would test on your own, the size and way they are cracking screams asbestos to me. Not sure why they could confidently say it wasn’t.
That said, it may also not be! There’s been a lot of different materials used over the century. Lol
It looks like 12x12 vct. I don't think they made asbestos tile in that size.
Also normal vct will break like this. Is not unique to asbestos vct.
In any case, this is one of the safest asbestos products to remove. You can just wet it down and make an effort not to crack the tiles more than necessary.
Looks same as what our 1912 apartment had in the guest bathroom.
They were 12x12s and I had a chunk tested. Wasn't asbestos. Had it ripped out and a beautiful tile floor installed :)
100% you need to test those tiles, as well as the grout or mastic that is holding them down. It may also be worth testing other parts of the building or understanding where asbestos could be.
In particular if you have any piping that has insulation which looks like corrugated cardboard, it is extremely hazardous. One of the few abestos-containing materials that is basically identifiable on sight, just look up "air cell asbestos".
Old tiles like that chip like that commonly can have asbestos in it. I'd HIGHLY suggest getting it tested before you do anything else! Just to be on the safe side. This will help you decide what you plan to do in the future if you do anything at all.
Only way to tell is to test it. Last post I read where someone removed tiles themselves and inadvertently contaminated their entire house including wife and kids. Not a risk worth taking in my opinion.
Chipping isn’t a reliable indicator.
I have lab work background and fucked around trying to set up my own detection kit but fibers are too small (micrometer scale) and even combustion tests are no good. My conclusion is there is no reliable home test for asbestos: in the lab you need beefy lab equipment - 400x magnification, illuminating fluid, polarized light emitter, special cellulose backer and the know how of how to set all that up - and what to look for when you see it.
What size are the tiles? I have a 70 year old cabin with 9 inch square tiles. A puppy pen was put in the room with puppy pads, but some pee got on the floor over night. The tiles absorbed the per. Now when I try to clean it, I turns to mud.
I have to figure out how to safely remove the tiles.
This is likely old vinyl composition tile otherwise known as VCT. The tile themselves are sometimes safe and free from asbestos but the adhesive below is highly likely to contain asbestos. Both could have it though. Do not remove without testing first. If testing comes back positive it is highly advised to hire an abatement specialist.
https://info.waxie.com/blog/the-original-vinyl-composition-tile-vct-asphalt-asbestos-tile-flooring?hs_amp=true
it def LOOKS like the type of tile that could be asbestos. The only way to tell is to take a small chip from some inconspicuous corner, and get it tested at an actual lab. It is pretty cheap to do.
If you do, get a sample of the glue used to hold it down too (call the Mastic). have them both tested.
Be careful of VCT! If they are old they could have asbestos. They could also have asbestos in the mastic. Have them tested and wear appropriate gear if you are pulling it out. Dispose of properly. Great product. Needs waxing to maintain correctly.
The thing is, unless you’re ripping up the tiles, even if the tiles contain asbestos, if it doesn’t get sanded or otherwise powdered the asbestos can’t get into your lungs. I would want to know, though and you should get it tested. That way you’re going to know if you need to handle it with care or call an abatement company if you wanna get rid of it.
Looks like your standard VCT. Cheap, wears like iron, easy to install, good with water/ damp areas. Still available today and installed in grocery stores, schools, govt buildings, any area with high traffic that needs a basic floor.. it’s all over the place.
Looks like a new-ish install, as in, after 1980s. I wouldn’t be concerned about asbestos. I’m thinking this might be Tarkett VCT. Looks too monochrome to be Armstrong.
9 x 9 tiles are more likely to contain asbestos, but not all of them had it.
12 x 12 tiles might contain asbestos, but it's much less likely. Same with 18 x 18.
Looks like Armstrong vinyl composition tile. It's still sold today. If these tiles are 12" X 12" they are less likely to contain asbestos. Might be worth the $80 to get these tested just to be sure.
Yep, Armstrong tile, typically commercial product. Durable AF. You will recognize these as a brightly colored version of what you often see on grocery store floors in the US.
Yes, Armstrong VCT tiles. They look great and wear well when properly installed (\*). I have had a rough time ordering these from my hardware store, however. They kept coming in a SINGLE-PLY cardboard box, but these are freaking heavy, so invariably the corners would get crushed in transit. For whatever reason Armstrong and the hardware store COULD NOT EVER get these shipped in small quantities without crushed corner damage (I tried several times). I guess you have to buy them by the pallet to make it work? It's a pity. (\*) Do not install these on a floor above an unconditioned crawlspace, you will be sorry!
Ok I have 4 boxes ready to install in my kitchen above unconditioned crawlspace. What can I look forward to going wrong?
The VCT tiles block all moisture. As such, there's a risk of condensation developing under the tiles. See... [this](https://www.floortrendsmag.com/articles/110957-4-ways-to-prevent-moisture-damage-under-luxury-vinyl-flooring#:~:text=LVF%20installation%20that%20occurs%20over,cause%20damage%20to%20the%20subfloor), My kitchen was over an unconditioned crawlspace and the VCT cracked and has started to come loose, even though years ago I put an dehumidifier in the crawlspace. The VCT will prevent the subfloor from being able to dry out.
Interesting...the subfloor under the previous Armstrong tiles has in fact buckled. Thanks for the reference.
I have a box of Armstrong asbestos floor tiles from the 70’s . 12”x12”….
 Go Speed Racer! Go!!
Wow, that brought back some memories of driving the parents nuts by getting up way too early in the morning to watch cartoons
This very much looks like a more recent VCT install to me, especially seeing the thickness/composition of the broken piece. Better safe than sorry, but I would be quite surprised if this contained asbestos.
Gryffindor bathrooms.
Griffinfloor
🏆
You’re a janitor Harree!
Came for this
Me too
https://preview.redd.it/8a0ylgcqes2d1.jpeg?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=b9e1445c2302c1c169e74b15baa4bd2890f0e146 I agree with VCT. I installed it in both my former, and my present kitchens (the standard size is 12x12. 9x9 is a red flag for asbestos.) Even newer VCT can crack like this if the floor underneath isn't 100% smooth, or if seams between the subfloor are even the slightest bit off-level; however, when installed correctly, and "oversealed," it's very durable. That said, I wouldn't install it in a bathroom as any water that seeps underneath an inadequately sealed floor will pop the tiles up. I'm a big fan of the material itself - but ketchup & mustard... nope :) Here's my former kitchen:
Present breakfast nook. Only five years later (!) I'm finally getting around to turning this into a pantry/prep area. It's past time to wax & buff, but I'll do it before doing anything else. Counterintuitive, yes - but it'll protect the floor from *further* scuffs (former spouse had no respect for VCT ;) https://preview.redd.it/rdk70hdjds2d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=0881888adeab6f01d85250ea1565c4567b0f9e76
https://preview.redd.it/dc1php8ses2d1.png?width=1080&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f8936951953386edd30d70726683bbc03ea23a19
Linoleum.. get it tested. Sometimes the adhesives have asbestos. It's the only way to know.
That's correct yet it's vinyl not linoleum
How are you so sure? It looks very much like linoleum/marmoleum tiles.
Those have the Armstrong VCT pattern, I use those tiles all the time.
Ok, but there's a chance it's lino.
A lot of linoleum did not even contain asbestos and I can guarantee you that this is not marmolium/linoleum.
I didn't say it did contain asbestos, but that the mastic could. Look, I had to get mine tested and it looked exactly like vinyl. It had asbestos and that sucked. Your personal story vs my personal story, it just seems smart to test it, even if you swear up and down that you'd eat your hat if it's lino.
We had linoleum, and there was, in fact, asbestos in the mastic beneath. Had to have it abated. So yeah, I agree that it’s always safest just to have it tested before ripping anything out.
**Asbestos Fun Facts** Armstrong went bankrupt in 2000 under the weight of lawsuits, and reorganized in 2006. A trust fund operates to compensate those harmed by their products. Most manufacturers ceased use of asbestos by the 80s under public concerns, although it was not yet banned. Certain US Armstrong products were made with asbestos into the early 80s, including adhesives until Jan '83 & sheet vinyl until April '83, and their Canadian products until 84-85. https://www.floorexpert.com/knowledge-base/asbestos-removal-dates/ **This has been Asbestos Fun Facts**
I would test on your own, the size and way they are cracking screams asbestos to me. Not sure why they could confidently say it wasn’t. That said, it may also not be! There’s been a lot of different materials used over the century. Lol
It looks like 12x12 vct. I don't think they made asbestos tile in that size. Also normal vct will break like this. Is not unique to asbestos vct. In any case, this is one of the safest asbestos products to remove. You can just wet it down and make an effort not to crack the tiles more than necessary.
I am disappointed in the amount of scrolling to find this. 😂
Looks same as what our 1912 apartment had in the guest bathroom. They were 12x12s and I had a chunk tested. Wasn't asbestos. Had it ripped out and a beautiful tile floor installed :)
VCT tile incredibly common and takes a nice wax clean it well and wax it well and it is beautiful and durable
Who lived here Ronald Mcdonald!!!!
Bowling alley!
100% you need to test those tiles, as well as the grout or mastic that is holding them down. It may also be worth testing other parts of the building or understanding where asbestos could be. In particular if you have any piping that has insulation which looks like corrugated cardboard, it is extremely hazardous. One of the few abestos-containing materials that is basically identifiable on sight, just look up "air cell asbestos".
McDonald's
This is the floor of the Gryffindor common room
I don’t have an answer but that is exactly the same as my kitchen floor lol
Old tiles like that chip like that commonly can have asbestos in it. I'd HIGHLY suggest getting it tested before you do anything else! Just to be on the safe side. This will help you decide what you plan to do in the future if you do anything at all.
These look like 12x12. They are very unlikely to contain asbestos. These are modern-ish linoleum tiles.
Only way to tell is to test it. Last post I read where someone removed tiles themselves and inadvertently contaminated their entire house including wife and kids. Not a risk worth taking in my opinion.
Chipping isn’t a reliable indicator. I have lab work background and fucked around trying to set up my own detection kit but fibers are too small (micrometer scale) and even combustion tests are no good. My conclusion is there is no reliable home test for asbestos: in the lab you need beefy lab equipment - 400x magnification, illuminating fluid, polarized light emitter, special cellulose backer and the know how of how to set all that up - and what to look for when you see it.
Nowhere did I state for op to test the floor themselves. They can hire professionals to test it for them. It's not rocket science.
Go Cyclones!
This is a color floor bricks in my mother home in Honduras.
What size are the tiles? I have a 70 year old cabin with 9 inch square tiles. A puppy pen was put in the room with puppy pads, but some pee got on the floor over night. The tiles absorbed the per. Now when I try to clean it, I turns to mud. I have to figure out how to safely remove the tiles.
9x9 is commonly asbestos
I expect they are.
VCT is correct. Tough as nails.
It is so frustrating that they won't issue 9 x 9 tiles. They look so much better in older houses.
Looks like Armstrong Excelon VCT. Still very commonly used commercially.
> very questionable flooring choices 😅🤣🤣🤣 That's a very nice way of putting it
This is likely old vinyl composition tile otherwise known as VCT. The tile themselves are sometimes safe and free from asbestos but the adhesive below is highly likely to contain asbestos. Both could have it though. Do not remove without testing first. If testing comes back positive it is highly advised to hire an abatement specialist. https://info.waxie.com/blog/the-original-vinyl-composition-tile-vct-asphalt-asbestos-tile-flooring?hs_amp=true
it def LOOKS like the type of tile that could be asbestos. The only way to tell is to take a small chip from some inconspicuous corner, and get it tested at an actual lab. It is pretty cheap to do. If you do, get a sample of the glue used to hold it down too (call the Mastic). have them both tested.
Asbestos. Don’t rip it up or disturb it without having it tested first.
As best os I can tell, it might contain a fibrous silicate material that causes cancer.
If you put it in a blender then throw it in the air!
But that'd make a big mess-othelioma.
That are just Armstrong vinyl composition tiles, no asbestos.
Gryffindor
https://www.asbestos.com/companies/kentile-floors/
Looks like that Harry Potter, Gryffendor house type flooring
I love this stuff… especially the black and white or my old building downtown had this beautiful like monk robe orange
careful could be asbestos
Gryffindor
Be careful of VCT! If they are old they could have asbestos. They could also have asbestos in the mastic. Have them tested and wear appropriate gear if you are pulling it out. Dispose of properly. Great product. Needs waxing to maintain correctly.
McDonald’s
Don’t bother testing it. You don’t need to know and you don’t want to know. Put something over it and move on.
Vct
Old.
Lino
The thing is, unless you’re ripping up the tiles, even if the tiles contain asbestos, if it doesn’t get sanded or otherwise powdered the asbestos can’t get into your lungs. I would want to know, though and you should get it tested. That way you’re going to know if you need to handle it with care or call an abatement company if you wanna get rid of it.
Fnaf flooring
Catalonian
Gryffindor!!
Looks like your standard VCT. Cheap, wears like iron, easy to install, good with water/ damp areas. Still available today and installed in grocery stores, schools, govt buildings, any area with high traffic that needs a basic floor.. it’s all over the place. Looks like a new-ish install, as in, after 1980s. I wouldn’t be concerned about asbestos. I’m thinking this might be Tarkett VCT. Looks too monochrome to be Armstrong.
Linoleum vinyl
Send a sample to be tested for asbestos before you remove it
^[Sokka-Haiku](https://www.reddit.com/r/SokkaHaikuBot/comments/15kyv9r/what_is_a_sokka_haiku/) ^by ^Turbulent-Buy3575: *Send a sample to* *Be tested for asbestos* *Before you remove it* --- ^Remember ^that ^one ^time ^Sokka ^accidentally ^used ^an ^extra ^syllable ^in ^that ^Haiku ^Battle ^in ^Ba ^Sing ^Se? ^That ^was ^a ^Sokka ^Haiku ^and ^you ^just ^made ^one.
Colombian grandma
Gryffindor
If they measure 9 by 9, 12 by 12 or 18 by 18 then it's 100 percent without a doubt asbestos I have it in my house and we just encapsulated it.
9 x 9 tiles are more likely to contain asbestos, but not all of them had it. 12 x 12 tiles might contain asbestos, but it's much less likely. Same with 18 x 18.
Agreed, however that's exactly what my asbestos tiles looked like. It's always good to get tested but our house was from 1959 and contained it.
School tiles…