Due to its natural ability to act as an insulator, asbestos was commonly used in the creation of ceiling tiles between the 1950s and 1980s. If your ceiling tiles were installed sometime during this period, there's a chance that your tiles may contain the harmful substance. The mineral was especially common in tiles used for drop, suspended, and acoustic ceilings. The reason asbestos is so dangerous is because it breaks down into microscopic fibers that, when breathed in, can become lodged in the tissue of your lungs and lead to several serious diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. For this reason, it's of the utmost importance that you determine whether or not your ceiling tiles contain asbestos.
How to Tell What Ceiling Tiles Have Asbestos
1. Find Out What Year the Building Was Built
One way of determining whether or not asbestos is present is by discovering when the building was constructed. If it was built sometime in the 1980s or before, there's a significant chance that your ceiling tiles contain asbestos.
2. Look for Manufacturer Information
Some tiles may include information about the manufacturer, most likely located somewhere on the back. If this information is available, you can find out if that company ever produced ceiling tiles with asbestos. Some companies that have produced tiles using asbestos in the past include:
- Armstrong
- Celotex
- Conwed
- Owens Corning
- Flintkote Company
- National Gypsum
- Affa Tile Company
3. Have a Sample of the Tile Tested
If you're unsure whether or not your ceiling tiles contain asbestos, it's better to err on the side of caution and have them tested. Asbestos test kits can be found online or in most hardware stores. You can also hire a professional to come in and inspect the building for added assurance.
What to Do if Your Ceiling Tiles Have Asbestos
Should it turn out that your ceiling tiles do have asbestos in them, do not try to remedy the problem on your own. You'll need to bring in licensed professionals trained to safely remove all traces of the harmful substance from your building. The cost to hire a company to remove asbestos tiles will run you anywhere from $5 to $15 per square foot.
Once the problem has been dealt with, you can replace the old tiles with new, safe ones. Decorative Ceiling Tiles carries a wide variety of ceiling tiles to fit any type of ceiling or design preference, so we're sure to have the right replacement tiles for you.