RESILIENT TILE:  ASPHALT FLOORS

Asphalt tile is made of asbestos fibers, mineral coloring pigments and inert fillers (sand) bound together with a binder.  In the case of black and brown colors, this binder is asphaltum ( a petroleum derivative).  In all other colors the binder is coumarone-indene resin (a coal derivative).  These materials are mixed, calendered (pressed), sheeted and cut.  Due to its inability to resist solvents, asphalt tile must be maintained with water emulsion products.  Because of the sand content, asphalt is most commonly found in 12" x 12" square tiles.  It is rarely found in larger tiles and never in sheet goods.

CAUTIONS:

• Avoid oils and solvents.  Oils and solvents, such as lubricating oil, mineral oil, vegetable oil, grease, gasoline, kerosene, naptha, turpentine, solvent waxes, solvent cleaners and oil type sweeping compounds will attack the asphalt or resin binder and cause softening of the tile and/or color bleeding.
• Avoid excessive use of water.  Excessive water, especially hot water, will penetrate between the tiles causing a loosening of the adhesive and eventual warping and cracking of the tile.
• Avoid harsh alkaline cleaners.  Highly alkaline cleaners, used over a prolonged period of time, will deteriorate the tile causing embrittlement and in some cases result in color fading or whitening.
• Avoid stripping.  Highly alkaline and solvent containing strippers damage asphalt tile.  A good maintenance program extends routine maintenance and reduces stripping frequency. 
• Avoid extremes of hot or cold.  Asphalt tile is a thermoplastic material which becomes brittle and can crack when subjected to cold or indent under loads when heated.  Using cool to warm water for routine maintenance will extend the life of any applied coatings and the tile itself.