Maya Ellison
Plastic floor tiles have been widely used since the 1950s due to their durability, customizability, and sustainability. One of the most popular types of plastic floor tiles is vinyl composition tile (VCT), which is made primarily from polyvinyl chloride (PVC). VCT tiles are known for their dimensional stability, heat stability, and low cost, making them a common choice for commercial and residential spaces. Another type of plastic tile is made from Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS), a thermoplastic polymer known for its durability, moisture resistance, and impact resistance. Older plastic floor tiles from the mid-1950s to the mid-1980s, known as Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles (VAT), contained asbestos fibers for insulation and improved tensile strength. Today, various plastics are used for flooring, including polyethylene, polypropylene (PP), and polycarbonate, each offering unique advantages such as flexibility, stain resistance, and visual effects.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles (VAT) or Vinyl Composition Tiles (VCT) |
| Composition | 50-70% limestone, 5-20% asbestos, 15-20% binder, 5% plasticizer, 0.5-5% pigment |
| Size | 9" x 9" or 12" x 12" |
| Durability | High |
| Dimensional Stability | High |
| Heat Resistance | High |
| Maintenance | Requires a coat or two of sealer if stripped |
| Health and Safety | Not produced since the mid-1980s due to health and safety concerns |
| Modern Composition | 60-70% limestone/clay/talc mixture, 15-20% binder, 10% vinyl, 5% fiberglass, 3-5% plasticizer, 1-5% pigment |
| Modern Size | 12" x 12" or 12" x 24" |
| Modern Durability | Good dimensional stability, durability, impact resistance, UV light stability, and heat stability |
| Modern Maintenance | Holds all types and brands of floor finish beautifully due to its porous nature |
| Modern Applications | Commercial and institutional |
| Modern Advantages | Low cost, durability, ease of maintenance, ease of installation |
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What You'll Learn
Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles (VAT)
The identification of VAT can be challenging, as some sources incorrectly claim that 12" x 12" tiles do not contain asbestos. However, laboratory testing may not be necessary if the tile collection name, model number, or pattern can be identified. Armstrong® produced the Excelon Tile™ series, which included vinyl plastic asbestos floor tiles from 1955 to 1956, and vinyl asbestos tiles from 1957 to 1980. The Solarian flooring brand appeared in 1977, and some lines such as the Excelon Supreme (ca 1977) did not contain asbestos.
Modern vinyl floor tiles, sold since the early 1980s, are composed of coloured polyvinyl chloride (PVC) chips formed into solid sheets. These tiles are typically cut into modular shapes such as 12" x 12" squares or 12" x 24" rectangles and are installed using a vinyl adhesive or tile mastic. Modern vinyl tiles are often chosen for high-traffic areas due to their low cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. However, PVC tiles have some drawbacks, such as issues with the glue causing edges to lift and the surface wearing over time, making cleaning difficult.
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$55.43
Rubber floor tiles
Today, rubber interlocking tiles are widely used and can be easily installed without the need for adhesives. They are made from recycled tires and come in various styles, including center, border, and corner tiles, to create a finished look. These tiles are ideal for both commercial and residential use, offering versatility and durability.
While rubber floor tiles offer impact resistance and durability, they may not be as aesthetically pleasing as other flooring options. Additionally, rubber tiles may not be suitable for long-term use due to their tendency to stain and deteriorate over time.
In contrast, modern vinyl composition tiles (VCT) are popular for commercial and institutional applications. They are made of coloured PVC chips formed into solid sheets and cut into modular shapes. VCT offers good dimensional stability, durability, impact resistance, UV light stability, and heat stability. However, older vinyl tiles from the 20th century, known as Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles (VAT), contain asbestos fibres for insulation and improved tensile strength. These tiles should be handled with caution as they pose significant health risks during removal.
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Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
PVC flooring is often chosen for high-traffic areas due to its low cost, durability, and ease of maintenance. The tiles are usually 6", 9", or 12" in size and are made of a composite of PVC and fibre, resulting in thin and hard tiles. Installation is simple and can often be done by non-professionals, as the tiles have an interlocking edge design. Additionally, the low cost per square foot of PVC flooring makes it an economical choice for many.
One of the advantages of PVC flooring is its durability, even in the face of heavy foot traffic. It is also water-resistant and ideal for use in areas prone to spills, such as kitchens and garages. Its water-resistant properties make it a good choice for perforated flooring that can quickly drain away large amounts of water. Furthermore, PVC flooring is easy to clean and maintain, requiring only occasional sweeping and mopping.
However, PVC flooring does have some drawbacks. The glue used on self-adhesive tiles may give way over time, causing edges to lift and break. Additionally, the surface of the tiles may wear down, making cleaning more difficult and potentially resulting in the loss of the coloured pattern layer. While PVC flooring is recyclable, it is not biodegradable, which can make finding a local recycling centre challenging.
PVC flooring is a popular choice for various applications due to its versatility, durability, and low maintenance. It is suitable for high-traffic areas and provides a cost-effective and practical flooring solution. However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks, such as the issues with glue and surface wear, as well as the challenges associated with recycling the material.
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Luxury vinyl tile (LVT)
LVT is made from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and contains plasticizers to make it flexible and durable. The top layer is often decorated with a photographic image to resemble other types of flooring. Due to the small size of the tiles, which are commonly 150 mm (6"), 225 mm (9"), and 305 mm (12"), any damage can be easily repaired by replacing individual tiles.
LVT flooring offers a good balance of durability and affordability. It is engineered to surpass vinyl floor tile benchmarks and provide excellent protection against scratches, scuffs, and stains. It is also waterproof, making it suitable for areas like kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and laundry rooms. The seams of LVT flooring are tightly sealed, further contributing to its waterproof capabilities.
The lifespan of LVT flooring can vary, typically ranging from 10 to 25 years, and sometimes even up to 30 years. This longevity depends on factors such as the quality and type of LVT, maintenance practices, and exposure to sunlight and extreme temperatures. Thicker click-lock LVT, for example, tends to be more durable than glue-down options. Proper cleaning and care, including avoiding harsh chemicals and excessive moisture, can significantly extend the life of LVT flooring.
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Polyethylene
Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) and high-density polyethylene (HDPE) have higher melting points, ranging from 120 to 180 degrees Celsius. HDPE, in particular, offers exceptional durability and is often used in heavy-duty applications such as industrial settings and sports facilities. MDPE, on the other hand, is more commonly used for gas pipes, bags, and packaging film due to its superior resistance to notching and stress cracking compared to HDPE.
Cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) is another form of polyethylene that provides a firm and strong closed-cell material with excellent rebounding properties. It is commonly used in gymnastics mats and offers superior shock absorption compared to other forms of polyethylene.
In the context of flooring, polyethylene is valued for its strength, adaptability, and moisture resistance. It is often used in environments where resilience and versatility are crucial. Overall, polyethylene is a versatile and durable material that can be tailored to suit a wide range of applications in the flooring industry.
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Frequently asked questions
Old plastic floor tiles are called Vinyl-Asbestos Tiles (VAT). They were produced from the mid-1950s until the mid-1980s and are usually 9" x 9" in size. VAT floorings are known for their durability, dimensional stability, and heat resistance.
Vinyl-asbestos tiles are made of a combination of vinyl and asbestos fibers. Asbestos fibers were added to improve tensile strength and provide insulation.
Vinyl-asbestos floor tiles are not particularly dangerous when properly installed and undamaged. However, they should only be removed by trained professionals as there is a significant health risk posed by toxic dust dispersal.
