Vinyl floor tiles
Asbestos in vinyl floor tiles – analysis €49.99
Old vinyl floor tiles and the black adhesive underneath are common asbestos suspects when a floor is renovated. The colour or pattern of the tile does not tell you whether it contains asbestos.
In short
Can vinyl floor tiles contain asbestos?
Yes. Vinyl floor tiles laid before asbestos was banned, their backing or the black adhesive underneath can contain asbestos. Send the tile and the adhesive layer together or as separate samples. Semlab analyses the sample for €49.99 incl. VAT.
Identify the material
What should you know about this material?
Why are vinyl floor tiles often suspected of containing asbestos?
Vinyl floor tiles were a widespread floor covering from the 1960s to the 1980s. Asbestos could be in the tile itself, in its backing or in the adhesive used to lay it.
What is black adhesive?
Black adhesive is a dark, bitumen-like adhesive often found under old vinyl floor tiles. It can contain asbestos and other harmful substances, so it should not be sanded or removed before it has been tested.
How do I define the sample?
If the floor has several layers, include the tile, the adhesive and any filler in the sample, or label each layer as a separate sample. That way the result shows more clearly which material is the risk.
Sampling
How to take a representative sample
- Prise a small piece of tile loose at the edge.
- Include the adhesive underneath if it can be removed safely.
- Note whether the sample contains the tile, the adhesive or both.
If the material crumbles, is dusty or is hard to reach, do not force it loose. Only firmly bound materials may be sent by post, never dusty insulation. If you are unsure how to take the sample safely, ask a professional.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about asbestos in vinyl floor tiles
Test for asbestos in vinyl floor tiles before demolition
Order the analysis online and pay by card, send the sample to our laboratory with your national postal service, and receive the result by email on the day the sample arrives.