Does all old vinyl flooring contain asbestos?

No. Not every old vinyl floor contains asbestos, but with flooring materials installed before 1994 the risk is high enough to justify testing before removal.

Does the adhesive need to be tested separately?

Often, yes. In many buildings the flooring itself is asbestos-free while the adhesive beneath it contains asbestos. That makes the adhesive layer an important part of the sample.

How much does the analysis of vinyl flooring cost?

An asbestos analysis of vinyl flooring or floor adhesive costs €39.90 + VAT per sample. The result is emailed on the day the sample arrives.

Floor materials

Asbestos in vinyl flooring – analysis €39.90

In older buildings, vinyl flooring, its backing layer or the adhesive beneath it may contain asbestos. The risk should be established before the flooring is torn up, sanded or removed.

Order an analysis – €39.90 + VAT See the sampling instructions

Short answer

Can vinyl flooring contain asbestos?

Yes. Asbestos may be present in the vinyl flooring itself, in its backing, or in the adhesive and filler beneath it. That is why the sample should include every layer to be removed, or separate samples should be taken from the different materials. The analysis costs €39.90 + VAT per sample.

Include flooring + adhesive

€39.90 + VAT per sample

Result on the day of arrival

Order an analysis of your sample

Identifying the material

What do you need to know about this material?

Which part of vinyl flooring carries the risk?

Asbestos can be found in the body of the flooring, in the backing paper, in black adhesive, in floor adhesive or in the filler compound. A surface inspection will not tell you which layer contains asbestos.

Why should you never tear up flooring blind?

Tearing up old flooring can break the adhesive layer and release dust. If the material contains asbestos, the job must be carried out as proper asbestos removal work.

How is the sample taken?

Cut a small piece of the flooring at an edge or in a spot that will be hidden after the renovation. If the adhesive or filler forms a separate layer, include it in the same sample or label it as a sample of its own.

Sampling

How to take a representative sample

Take a piece that shows the flooring, the backing and any adhesive layer.
Label the sample with the room and the spot on the floor.
If there is black adhesive under the flooring, take a separate representative sample of it.

If the material crumbles, gives off dust or sits somewhere awkward, do not force it loose. Ask a professional how to take the sample safely if you are unsure.

Knowledge base: vinyl flooring Asbestos sample by post Price of an asbestos analysis

Frequently asked questions