How Do I Know If My Sheet Vinyl Flooring Has Asbestos

How Do I Know If My Sheet Vinyl Flooring Has Asbestos?

If you're remodeling an older home, you may be wondering if your sheet vinyl flooring contains asbestos. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials from the 1920s to the 1980s, and it's known to cause serious health problems, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. If you're concerned about the presence of asbestos in your flooring, there are a few things you can do to find out for sure.

1. Check the Age of Your Flooring

The first step is to determine the age of your flooring. If your home was built before the late 1980s, there's a good chance that your sheet vinyl flooring contains asbestos. However, it's important to note that asbestos can also be found in flooring installed in the early 1990s, so it's always best to err on the side of caution.

2. Look for Damage

If your flooring is damaged, it's important to be especially careful. Asbestos fibers can be released into the air when flooring is damaged, so it's important to avoid disturbing it if possible. If you must repair or replace your flooring, be sure to take precautions to protect yourself from asbestos exposure, such as wearing a respirator and gloves.

3. Contact a Professional

If you're not sure whether or not your flooring contains asbestos, it's best to contact a professional. A qualified inspector can take samples of your flooring and test them for the presence of asbestos. This is the only way to be sure whether or not your flooring contains asbestos.

4. Take Precautions

If you do have asbestos in your flooring, it's important to take precautions to protect yourself and your family from exposure. This includes sealing off the area where the flooring is located, wearing a respirator and gloves when working on the flooring, and having the flooring removed by a qualified professional.