Vinyl composition tile (VCT) is a finished flooring material used primarily in commercial and institutional applications. Vinyl floor tiles are composed of colored vinyl chips formed into solid sheets of varying thicknesses (1/8” is most common) by heat and pressure and cut into 12” squares. Tiles are applied to a smooth, leveled sub-floor using a specially formulated vinyl adhesive that remains tacky but does not completely dry. Vinyl floor tiles are typically waxed and buffed using special materials and equipment.
Vinyl floor tiles took the place of asbestos tiles, which were widely used in schools, hospitals, offices, and public buildings up until the 1980s. Use of tiles and adhesives containing asbestos were discontinued when asbestos materials were determined to be hazardous. The asbestos content of tiles sometimes can be determined by size or appearance. Tiles free of asbestos cannot distinguished by their size alone – although asbestos tiles were commonly manufactured in 9-inch squares, not all 9-inch square vinyl floor tiles manufactured before 1980 contain asbestos, and asbestos tiles were created in a variety sizes.
Mastics and adhesives containing low concentrations of asbestos were used into the 1970s and are generally considered non-hazardous because the asbestos is not considered friable.
Non-ACM (asbestos containing materials) floor tiles are not identifiable by their size. ACM flooring (tiles, sheets, panels, etc.) may come in any color or size and the use of asbestos in flooring and mastics has not been eliminated.
In the debate over the "greenness" of building materials, vinyl floor tiles have become a divisive topic. Burning the material can release dioxins and other hazardous chemicals.
Source: Wikipedia, The free encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vinyl_composition_tile
Interior design is a very important aspect of completing the home and choosing the right kind of tile for the kitchen, bathroom or other areas of the house should be given the attention it deserves.
ReplyDeleteKitchen Benchtops
Its a great collection of floor tiles but i want to know about the Villeroy and boch tiles for my new dining hall..
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