Are All 9×9 Tiles Asbestos? (Explained)

If you’ve got older flooring in your house, especially those 9×9 tiles, you might be wondering if they have asbestos.

These tiles were super popular in homes and businesses for decades, but many people are now concerned about their potential health risks. 

In this post, I’ll explain if all 9×9 tiles are asbestos, how to tell if they contain asbestos, and what to do if you think you’ve got them.

Are All 9×9 Tiles Asbestos?

No, not all 9×9 tiles contain asbestos, but a vast majority do. 

About 99% of these tiles are estimated to contain asbestos – especially those made before the late 1990s. They contain about 1% – 7% asbestos, with Chrysotile being the most common type.

Now, it’s true that some 9×9 tiles might test negative for asbestos, but that’s pretty rare. 

If your home was built before 1970, it’s almost a sure bet that your 9×9 tiles have asbestos.

Also Read: What Happens If You Don’t Get A Final Inspection?

Even homes from the 1980s and early 1990s might have these tiles, as manufacturers were still in the process of phasing out asbestos use.

How To Tell If My 9×9 Tiles Are Asbestos?

While there’s no surefire way to identify asbestos tiles just by looking at them, there are several clues you can use to get a pretty good idea:

Find The Age Of The Tiles

First off, think about how old your house is and when someone put those tiles in.

If your house was built before the 1980s, especially between 1920 and 1970, there’s a good chance those tiles have asbestos. That’s when they were using asbestos in pretty much everything.

Inspect For Identifying Marks

Take a look at the bottom of the tiles if you can. 

See if there are any brand names or product details. If you find something, you can always give the company a call and ask if that specific tile has asbestos. 

It’s a good way to get some solid info about what’s in your tiles.

Examine The Adhesive

Check out what’s under the tiles. If you see thick, black glue (some people call it cutback mastic), that’s a pretty good sign.

This type of glue often has asbestos in it, which means the tiles probably do too.

Also Read: Will A Federal Pacific Panel Pass Inspection?

Visual Indicators

Now, you can’t just look at a tile and know for sure if it has asbestos. But there are some things that might give you a hint. 

Keep an eye out for tiles that look discolored or kind of oily – that might mean asbestos. Also, asbestos tiles are usually pretty thin and break easily.

But remember, just because it looks like it might have asbestos doesn’t mean it definitely does.

Get A Professional Test Done

If you really want to know for sure, you’ve got to get the tiles tested by a lab that knows what they’re doing. A pro can come in, take a sample safely, and send it off to be analyzed. 

It’s the only way to be 100% certain about whether there’s asbestos in your tiles.

What To Do If You Suspect Asbestos

If you think your tiles might have asbestos, the first thing to do is just leave them alone. 

Don’t try to pull them up or damage them yourself. Instead, think about getting them tested by a pro to know for sure.

If the tiles are still in good shape and not crumbly, you might be able to just leave them there and put new flooring on top. This is called encapsulation, and it can be a safe way to deal with asbestos tiles as long as you don’t mess with the old ones.

If you really need to get rid of the tiles, hire pros who know how to handle asbestos.

Why Were 9×9 Tiles Often Made With Asbestos?

9×9 tiles were often made with asbestos because asbestos was valued for its durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties.

They used it a lot in flooring, especially between 1920 and 1980 in all sorts of building materials.

The size of 9×9 tiles was popular in that era, and asbestos helped improve their longevity and resistance to wear, making them a common choice for flooring in homes and buildings.

Also Read: how much is a home inspection in Virginia

Wrapping Up

So, while not every single 9×9 tile out there has asbestos, a whole lot of them do, especially in older houses. The safest thing to do is to assume they contain asbestos until proven otherwise through professional testing.

Remember, if you leave asbestos stuff alone, it’s not likely to cause problems right away.

But if you want to be sure, or if you’re planning to do some work on your house, or if the tiles are already damaged, it’s a good idea to get a pro to check them out.

FAQs

Are 12×12 Tiles Asbestos

Not all 12×12 tiles contain asbestos, but some older tiles, especially those installed before the 1980s, might. If you’re unsure, it’s best to have them tested.

Accidentally Removed Asbestos Tiles

If you accidentally removed asbestos tiles, avoid disturbing any dust or debris. Clean the area carefully using wet methods and consult a professional for proper disposal and advice.

Is It Legal To Cover Asbestos Tile

Yes, it is legal to cover asbestos tiles as long as they remain undisturbed. Many people encapsulate asbestos tiles with new flooring to prevent exposure.