These tiles are intended for use on rigid subfloors, such as smooth-finished or screeded concrete, structurally sound plywood, or hardboard floors not subject to excessive dimensional changes or flexing. The tiles can be satisfactorily installed on below-grade concrete subject to slight moisture from the ground.
Low cost and large selection of colors and designs make asphalt tile an economically desirable flooring.
Asphalt tile is composed of mineral fibers, mineral coloring pigments, and inert fillers bound together. For dark colors the binder is Gilsonite asphalt; for intermediate and light colors, the binder may consist of resins of the cumarone indene type or of those produced from petroleum. Tiles most commonly used are 9 x 9 in and 1â„8 in thick.
Colors are classified into groups A, B, C, and D, graded from black and dark red (A) to cream, white, yellow, blue, and bright red (D). Cost is generally lower for the darker colors.
To avoid permanent indentations in asphalt tiles, contact surfaces of furniture or equipment should be smooth and flat to distribute the weight. This is particularly necessary for installations over radiant-heated floors and on areas near windows exposed to sun.
Never use on asphalt tiles waxes containing benzene, turpentine, or naphthatype solvents and free fats or oils. Avoid strong detergents or cleaning compounds containing abrasives or preparations not readily soluble in water. These may soften the tiles and cause colors to bleed. Grease, oils, fats, vinegar, and fruit juices allowed to remain in contact with asphalt tiles will stain and soften them. Because of these restrictions, asphalt tiles are not recommended for use in kitchens or bathrooms.
See also Art. 11.36.
