Is asbestos in my flooring?
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Does my floor contain asbestos?
Asbestos was widely used in flooring materials from the 1950s through the 1980s.
Many older buildings in the uk may still have asbestos in floors.
Before you renovate or drill into floors, you should survey for asbestos.
Types of flooring that may contain asbestos
These are common flooring materials that sometimes include asbestos:
- Floor tiles (vinyl asbestos floor tiles)
- Vinyl flooring sheets
- Bitumen adhesives (used under tiles or sheet flooring)
- Screed containing asbestos
- Asbestos cement promenade tiles
Vinyl asbestos floor tiles
- Many vinyl floor tiles installed before late 1980s contain asbestos.
- They often have “VAFT” (Vinyl Asbestos Floor Tile) in old spec sheets.
- If tiles are intact and undamaged, risk is lower.
- If you cut, disturb or sand them, fibres may be released.
Vinyl sheet flooring
- Some rolled vinyl flooring sheets like lino used paper backing and layers with asbestos.
- The edges may hide asbestos layers.
- Repairs, cutting or removing sheets can disturb asbestos.
Bitumen adhesives (asbestos sealants)
- Asphalt-like adhesives and mastics under tiles often contained asbestos fibres for strength.
- These adhesives are thin and may be hidden under top flooring.
- Removal of floor coverings can disturb these adhesives.
Asbestos cement promenade tiles
- These are heavy cement-asbestos tiles used outdoors on walkways, terraces or balconies.
- They look like slabs or large tiles.
- They may show surface weathering or cracking.
- If broken, cracked or cut, they release fibres.
Asbestos in screed
- Screed is the layer between subfloor and finish floor.
- Some older screeds (especially in industrial or commercial premises) include asbestos.
- It may be mixed in cement to improve thermal or fire properties.
- Disturbing screed (drilling, routing) may release asbestos.
How to tell if your flooring has asbestos
Check building age
- Floors installed before late 1980s are suspect.
Look for manufacturer codes or markings
- Some VAFT or asbestos tile codes appear on labels or in old documents.
Inspect the material’s layers
- If you can see a fibrous layer beneath vinyl or tile, it may be asbestos.
Hire a qualified asbestos surveyor
- Only lab testing can confirm asbestos presence.
Managing asbestos in flooring
Once you find asbestos in floor materials, you have options:
- Leave it undisturbed if in good condition
- Encapsulate or seal the surface
- Cover it with new flooring (if safe to do so)
- Remove it via licensed removal contractors
Is asbestos in my floor dangerous?
Danger depends on:
- Condition of the material (broken, crumbling, loose = higher risk)
- Extent of disturbance (cutting, drilling, sanding release fibres)
- Duration of exposure
If flooring asbestos is undisturbed and intact, risk is low. But any work must be planned with care.
What you should do next
- Avoid disturbing suspect flooring
- Do not sand, cut or drill without testing
- Commission an asbestos survey for your building
- Use that survey to plan safe renovation or removal
- Work with licensed professionals for removal
📞 If you need an asbestos floor survey in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield or elsewhere in Yorkshire, contact Complete Asbestos Surveys to book a survey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of flooring are most likely to contain asbestos?
Vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring, bitumen adhesives, screed layers, and asbestos cement promenade tiles commonly contain asbestos if installed before 2000.
Is asbestos in flooring dangerous?
Asbestos flooring poses little risk if left undisturbed. The danger arises when tiles or adhesives are cut, sanded, or damaged, releasing fibres into the air.
How do I know if my floor tiles contain asbestos?
You can’t tell by sight alone. A qualified asbestos surveyor must take a sample and have it analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory.
Can I remove asbestos floor tiles myself?
No. You should never remove or disturb asbestos flooring yourself. Contact professionals like Complete Asbestos Surveys who follow the correct safety procedures.
Do you provide asbestos surveys for flooring?
Yes. We carry out asbestos surveys in Leeds, Bradford, Huddersfield, and across Yorkshire for commercial, agricultural, and industrial properties.
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