Kentile Floors

Kentile Floors was a New York-based flooring products manufacturer that used asbestos in several products. Kentile closed after filing for bankruptcy due to the high costs of asbestos lawsuits. As part of its bankruptcy, Kentile created an asbestos trust fund.

If you suffer from mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for a large amount of compensation. Currently, there is over $30 billion in asbestos trust funds set up for those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness. Fill out our form to receive our free Financial Compensation Packet. Our packet is loaded with information on experienced mesothelioma attorneys in your area, how to file a claim for asbestos trust funds, how to get paid in 90 days, and more. 

Did Kentile Floors Use Asbestos?

Asbestos was once used in many industries. It added strength to materials and provided insulation. Kentile used asbestos in many of its flooring products for many years.

Kentile Floors History

• Kentile Floors was established in 1898 by founder Arthur Kennedy. Initially, the company mainly focused on rubber and vinyl floor tiles and flooring products.

• By the late 1940s, Kentile Floors began manufacturing asphalt-based floor tiles, which helped boost the company’s popularity. Shortly after, the company became an industry leader in asphalt-based floor tiles.

• By the 1950s, Kentile Floors’ variety of flooring products (coupled with its reputation for high-quality materials) made the company one of the largest flooring manufacturing enterprises in the U.S.

• Large “Kentile Floors” skyscraper signs became well-known in the New York area, particularly a sign that remained in Brooklyn after the company closed.

• The high-quality, resilient products that Kentile Floors sold contained asbestos, especially asphalt-based and vinyl tiles. Research suggests that these products contained as much as 25% asbestos.

• As more and more workers and consumers began developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer, the number of lawsuits against Kentile Floors grew.

• In 1992, Kentile filed for bankruptcy and emerged in 1998 as Metex Manufacturing Corporation. Metex went bankrupt in 2012 and opened an asbestos trust fund for Kentile claimants.

Kentile Products That Contained Asbestos

Many companies that made flooring materials used asbestos in the middle of the 20th century. Asbestos provided insulation from heat and was flexible enough to be used as backing on vinyl floor tiles. Kentile was known for very durable flooring, thanks to asbestos content. Kentile continued using asbestos in products until 1986.

Brands and types of flooring Kentile made with asbestos include:

• Kencork cork flooring tiles
• Kenflex vinyl flooring
• Kenlite asphalt/vinyl floor tiles
• Kenrubber rubber flooring

Occupations Affected By Kentile Floors

Workers in Kentile Floors manufacturing facilities were at risk of asbestos exposure. They worked directly with or near asbestos materials that went into their products. When handled, asbestos releases fibers that people can inhale.

Other Workers Exposed to Asbestos By Kentile Floors

In addition to Kentile employees, many other workers were at risk of exposure to asbestos in Kentile flooring. These workers installed, repaired, or worked around Kentile flooring that may have released fibers and caused exposure:

• Construction workers
• Carpenters
• Flooring installers
• Laborers
• Painters
• Drywallers
• Plumbers
• Electricians

Secondhand and Home Asbestos Exposure

Consumers were also at risk of asbestos exposure from Kentile floors. Many of the company’s products were installed in residential homes. Damaged asbestos flooring could cause exposure. Homeowners could also be exposed if they removed, repaired, or replaced their asbestos floor tiles.

People who worked with Kentile floors may have unknowingly exposed family members to asbestos. Known as secondhand exposure, this occurred when workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing or in their hair.

Kentile Floors Asbestos Lawsuits

One of the many lawsuits Kentile faced over asbestos exposure and illness involved Judith Harrell. A Los Angeles jury awarded Harrell $1.6 million. She was diagnosed with mesothelioma and sued several companies.

The jury found Kentile Floors 6% responsible for Harrell’s illness. Other companies found liable included:

• Ford – 10%
• Navistar – 10%
• Exxon Mobil – 18%
• Pittsburgh Corning – 17%
• Safeway Scaffolding – 17%
• Econo Portable Builders – 7%
• Georgia-Pacific Corp. – 6%
• U.S. Gypsum – 6%
• Napa – 1%
• Bendix – 1%
• Pete Green’s Service Station – 1%

Kentile Bankruptcy and Asbestos Trust Fund

By the 1990s, Kentile Floors faced so many asbestos-related lawsuits that it couldn’t keep up with the increasing expenses. In 1992, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

Six years later, Kentile Floors came out of bankruptcy as Metex Manufacturing Corporation. Metex continued to struggle and filed for bankruptcy. It created an asbestos trust fund to compensate claimants.

The Metex Asbestos Personal Injury Trust currently accepts claims and pays 7.25% of total claim amounts.

If You Were Exposed to Asbestos in Kentile Floors

If Kentile Floors exposed you to asbestos, talk to an asbestos law firm to find out what you can do to seek compensation.

Mesothelioma lawyers can help you navigate the process of making a claim and determine if you are eligible for any other trusts. They can review your work history and find other companies that might be considered liable for your asbestos illness.

Additional Information and Resources

Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.