Vinyl tiles
Asbestos in vinyl tiles – analysis €39.90
Old vinyl tiles and the black adhesive beneath them are among the materials most often suspected of containing asbestos in a flooring renovation. Asbestos content is not visible in the colour or the pattern of the tile.
Short answer
Can a vinyl tile contain asbestos?
Yes. A vinyl tile laid before 1994, its backing or the black adhesive underneath it may contain asbestos. Include both the tile and the adhesive layer in the sample, or send them as separate samples. Onelab analyses the sample for €39.90 + VAT.
Identifying the material
What do you need to know about this material?
Why are vinyl tiles a common asbestos concern?
Vinyl tiles were used widely in floors during the 1960s–1980s. Asbestos could be used in the tile itself, in the tile backing or in the adhesive used to fix it down.
What is black adhesive?
Black adhesive is a dark, bitumen-like glue often found beneath old vinyl tiles. It may contain asbestos and other harmful substances, so it must not be sanded or removed without testing.
What should the sample include?
If the floor structure has several layers, include the vinyl tile, the adhesive and any filler, or label each one as a separate sample. That way the result shows more precisely which material carries the risk.
Sampling
How to take a representative sample
- Detach a small piece of the vinyl tile at an edge.
- Include the adhesive underneath if it comes away safely.
- Note whether the sample is tile, adhesive or both.
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.
Frequently asked questions
Questions about asbestos in vinyl tiles
Check for asbestos in vinyl tiles before demolition
Order the analysis online, post the sample to us and receive the result by email on the day the sample reaches the laboratory.