Q&A on identification of asbestos-containing floor tiles - set #7

Photos that can help identify floor tiles that are likely to contain asbestos.

This article series assists building buyers, owners or inspectors who need to identify asbestos materials (or probable-asbestos) in buildings by visual inspection.

We also provide a MASTER INDEXto this topic, or you can try the page top or bottom SEARCH BOXas a quick way to find information you need.

Identify Asbestos Floor Tiles - FAQs set #7

These questions and replies on how to recognize asbestos-containing flooring were posted originally

at ASBESTOS FLOORING IDENTIFICATION - topic home.

Be sure to review the 5 questions we pose there and whose answers can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not a particular floor tile or sheet flooring contains asbestos.

Also see ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE PHOTO ID REQUESTS for more photographs submitted for identification as asbestos-containing flooring - or not.

If your flooring is a continuous sheet product, see ASBESTOS SHEET FLOORING ID FAQs

[click to enlarge any image]

On 2021-12-19 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Mitchell Silveman,

Try adding an image for us to see your tile. Or see this article in the meantime:

DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy steps that can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not the floor you ask about contains asbestos.

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/DIY-Asbestos-Floor-Test.php

On 2021-12-18 by Mitchell Silveman

House built 1954. Not sure when these installed. We bought house 1994 and inspectors did not say anthing. We recall air was tested for asbestos

On 2021-10-19 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator

@Parker,

I'm guessing that your floor tile is from the 1970's and may contain asbestos. So either treat it that way or have a sample tested if you're facing a big expense, or you can try calling Armstrong - we've had mixed results with that last option.

If you haven't already done so, please take a look at the steps listed at:

DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy steps that can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not the floor you ask about contains asbestos.

On 2021-10-19 by Parker

These are pealing up in an old bathroom, do you think they have asbestos in them? The number is Armstrong 050197 1031

On 2021-08-28 by Inspectapedia Com Moderator - Treat Honolulu HI flooring as presumed to contain asbestos

@Anonymous,

We don't know that exact floor tile pattern, but I'd guess it's from the 1970s or newer.

You could treat it as presumed to contain asbestos, and IF you had to demolish it (creating a dusty mess) then you might want to test a sample first.

Else, covering it with an area rug would reduce disturbance of the flooring, but if it's generally in good condition (I see one tiny chip) the best approach is to leave it in place and install flooring over it.

See details at ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION

On 2021-08-28 by Anonymous

The tiles in the kitchen are 12"x12" (see pic). The property is over 100 yrs old and in Honolulu, Hawaii. I'm not sure when this tile was put in or when the kitchen was constructed.

Does the flooring contain asbestos? If I cover it with an area rug, will that help to contain the asbestos? I'm a renter, cannot lay new flooring down.

On 2021-08-12 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Kimi,

Glad to assist; working together makes us smarter;

stay safe.

On 2021-08-12 by Kimi

@inspectapedia moderator, Thank you so much for your prompt replies to my several questions.

Yes, the white stuff is sheet flooring—the brown tiles adjacent to it are definitely asbestos tiles, so I was only interested in IDing the sheet flooring to make sure it didn’t also contain asbestos.

Also, thank you for your explanation about cleaning process after rolling up the sheet flooring.

On 2021-08-12 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - pre-1986 sheet flooring may contain asbestos

@Kimi,

right and for flooring made in the U.S. before '86 that backing may indeed contain asbestos.

Sheet flooring that isn't glued down can simply be rolled up, the exposed floor damp wiped and HEPA-Vacced. You're not going to use a jackhammer and crowbar on sheet flooring.

On 2021-08-12 by Kimi

Sorry for all these additional submissions. I looked at the white flooring with a magnifying glass in places where it is damaged at the edges.

It appears to consist of a thin veneer of white vinyl over a sort of gray paper material, if that description helps ID it for possible asbestos content. Will include a closeup of that damaged edging.

(The brown tile adjacent to it I already know is asbestos tile from the 50s.) Thank you so much. Kimi

[Photo above]

On 2021-08-12 by Kimi

PS: In case I my request below was unclear, I would like to know if you think that sheet flooring contains asbestos. I looked through your photos but couldn’t find that flooring. Thanks again!

On 2021-08-12 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Kimi,

If the tiles were made (and thus installed) 1986 the floor would not be likely to contain asbestos. From the pattern alone one can't be certain, nor the size;

Are we sure that's tile? In the photo it looks like sheet flooring.

IF so it may be possible to simply roll it up or cut it with a utility knife.

On 2021-08-12 by Kimi

Dear Inspectapedia,

First off, I want to thank you for your very helpful website. Our home was built in 1957. It contains asbestos tiles throughout, laid over a concrete slab. Most of these 9”x9” tiles are in good condition, so I plan to cover them with floating flooring eventually.

Unfortunately, we have to get the place re-piped, which involves not just digging trenches outside but also jackhammering up the two bathroom floors. In one of the bathrooms, it looks like the asbestos tiles were removed, and vinyl sheet flooring installed over the concrete.

This is what I am hoping you can help me identify—the white, vinyl sheet flooring. I’m enclosing a photo of this flooring, installed in the late 80s or early 90s. It is badly stained, but basically white with a textured surface. Thank you so much for your help. Yours, Kimi

On 2021-08-12 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod) - asbestos likely in 1978 black and white 6x6" floor tiles in U.S.

@Jen,

Yes the rules of thumb on tile size vs asbestos content are not reliable; Asbestos-containing tiles were cut into a big range of shapes and sizes, strips, and even special characters.

On 2021-08-12 by Jen

We just bought a house and came across these tiles in an unfinished part of the basement. We believe they may be original to the home, which was built in 1978.

The tiles are black and white checkerboard pattern and are 6x6".

I looked through many of the photos on this site but didn't come across anything that was this size/pattern combo. We are planning to have it tested, to be certain, but wanted to see what your initial thoughts were based on this photo and this information? Thanks!

Adding a second photo in a less dirty area of that room.

We are in the US, so I know 1978 is within the range when asbestos tile was used, but wasn't sure since the sizing of this is smaller than the most common asbestos tiles

On 2021-08-09 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Dan,

Please take a look at

DO THESE CEILING TILES CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 Easy Steps to tell if CEILING TILES are likely to contain asbestos -

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Ceiling_Tiles.php#asbmaybe

On 2021-08-09 by Dan

Found a hole in the ceiling of my office, does anyone know if this contains asbestos?
Thanks

On 2021-07-16 by inspectapedia.com.moderator (mod)

@Monique,

Probably although knowing the country, City, age of building and age of flooring would be helpful. You'll see other hints on making an intelligent guess in our article title of

does this floor contain asbestos?

That's no reason to panic. If the floor is not damaged and you're not doing demolition the procedure is very straightforward. Leave it alone and cover it over.

On 2021-07-16 by Monique

Eek do you think this red lino would contain asbestos

On 2021-06-15 by mak.church (mod) - asbestos likely in 1960s Minnesota home floor tile - but to know for sure ?

@Rachel Rollins,
Thank you for the photo and asbestos question.

That flooring might indeed contain asbestos if it is correct that it is installed in a building in North America and that it dates before 1986. From a photo alone we cannot answer your question with certainty. Short of having a sample of the flooring tested, you can make a reasonable *guess* at whether or not your floor contains asbestos by answering the few easy questions found at the link further below in this response.

Panic is not necessary (and itself is bad for your health) for having torn up a couple of square feet of asbestos-suspect flooring. Damp wipe, HEPA vac (not just a regular house vacuum), and leave the flooring in place, covering it over; or if you must demolish it, and can't do so without creating a dusty mess, then have a sample tested for asbestos so as to have an idea just how much care needs to be taken for dust control.

Because popular floor patterns were made by more than one manufacturer, and because popular flooring patterns were produced across and past years when asbestos was a common ingredient, one cannot safely say, on a photo alone, whether or not a particular floor tile or sheet flooring pattern contains asbestos.

Short of having a sample of the flooring tested, you can make a reasonable *guess* at whether or not your floor contains asbestos by answering the few easy questions found at

DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy steps that can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not the floor you ask about contains asbestos.

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/DIY-Asbestos-Floor-Test.php

At the very least, if you can establish the date that the flooring was made or installed then, depending on the country where the flooring was made (and usually where it's installed) you can know if it's an asbestos-candidate.

If that leaves you with suggestions or questions do let me know.

As you may have seen, you can often find a match in the ID-library of asbestos flooring beginning
at ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION - (floor tiles) https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Floor-Tile-Identification.php

On 2021-06-15 by Rachel Rollins

Please could someone tell me if this is an asbestos containing tile(it’s dirty but I believe it was white). Also, does the adhesive look to be asbestos obtaining(I couldn’t share 2 pics but the adhesive looks to be black or clear on a black surface).

The house was built in 1960 in Minnesota, USA. The floor tiles around 1965 or so. I was pulling up carpet and the tiles underneath came up with them, some intact and some broken and some I had to scrap up with a carpet remover blade. I didn’t even think about asbestos until my son mentioned it…I’m freaking out a little. Thank you so much in advance!

On 2021-04-05 - by (mod) -

@Jojo,

You can make a reasonable guess - short of actual testing - by using the suggestions at

DOES THIS FLOOR CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - check these 5 easy questions about your floor's possible asbestos content

https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/DIY-Asbestos-Floor-Test.php

It'd be pretty odd and extreme for floor tiles to make it hard for you to breathe unless you have advanced lung disease - so I would start by asking your doctor what's your diagnosis and also ask if it's reasonable to worry that an indoor environmental hazard (dust, allergens, mold, etc) could be the cause or the aggravator of those conditions.

On 2021-04-05 by Jojo

I live in a council property. In the last year a lot of our breathing have become significantly bad. It was suggested to me it could be the tiles are asbesto. I asked the local council they refused to even check saying they don't have them in any houses.

This is a picture of them. They cover the whole of downstairs, hall, kitchen and living room. A lot of them were broken when I moved in.

On 2021-04-02 by d (mod)

@Jenn,

If it's reasonable to assume that the flooring was installed before 1986 and that your building is in the United States or Canada and it's reasonable to assume that the floor contains asbestos want to treat it as if it did. The good news is that if you could lift the tiles up in tact and since it's not a friable material removal should be trivial and of low risk.

See also ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Floor-Removal.php

On 2021-04-02 by Jenn

I have a problem with my parents house that has subfloor issues. It was built in 1974 and purchased in 1988. No interior maintenance has really been done since at least 1990. It needs massive renovations.

While examining what needs to be done I found this problem in a room I was starting to work on. It's the laundry room hot water heater closet. The plan is to gut that room completely.. ceramic tile, wood paneling (seriously why would anyone even do that?!) I discovered this vinyl tile in the closet and it MOSTLY not even attached to the floor at this point.

On 2021-02-01 - by (mod) -

Adam

Try the add image button

On 2021-01-31 by adam

Does this contain asbestos tiles are 12x12 house built in 1976, I'm not sure when the flooring was put in

On 2021-01-30 by CB

,
Thank you very much for your help we appreciate it!!

On 2021-01-30 - by (mod) -

That pattern was popular from the late 60s to present.

See

SHEET & TILE FLOORING BRICK PATTERN ID https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Brick_Pattern_Sheet_Flooring_Identification.php

On 2021-01-30 by Anonymous

,
Thank you. We’re located in Canada so likely North American flooring. Does the pattern appear like it would be more of a 90’s style? Thank you very much for your help!

On 2021-01-30 by (mod) - asbestos suspected in white backer on white brick pattern sheet flooring

The probability of asbestos in that stuck-down sheet flooring (white brick pattern) CB depends on its country of manufacture and age; if made before 1986 treat the flooring as presumed to contain asbestos or have a sample tested.

On 2021-01-30 by CB

Hey there! Any idea if this may contain asbestos? Home built in the early 60’s but vinyl not original as original hardwoods are underneath.
Thank you so much!

On 2021-01-27 - by (mod) -

Yes; sorry. Glad to assist. Working together, and basing our best-guess on science and facts is more important than ever.

On 2021-01-27 by Kyle

Thanks ! I was afraid that was the case, but appreciate the confirmation.

On 2021-01-27 - by (mod) -

Kyle

Both of the floor patterns you show have been identified as containing asbestos - unless your flooring was made in the U.S. after 1986.

Advice for leaving it in place (preferred) or removing it (if you must) is in the ARTICLE INDEX as well as other links on this page.

On 2021-01-26 by Kyle

@Kyle And finally, yet-to-be-disturbed kitchen tile. Based on the pattern dimensions, I"m guessing these are 9 x 9 as well.

Thanks!

On 2021-01-26 by Kyle - Asbestos suspect North Carolina floor tiles

@Kyle picture 3 - side view of bathroom tile.

(I should mention, these tiles are 9 x 9.

On 2021-01-26 by Kyle

@Kyle picture 2 - back of one of the bathroom tiles.

On 2021-01-26 by Kyle

Hi - I'm renovating a 1956-built house in North Carolina, and think the tiles in the kitchen and bathroom are likely asbestos. I'll attach pictures of both. I stupidly pried up a few of the bathroom tiles before I realized the risk, so I have back and side view pics of the bathroom. Any insight would be appreciated!

Attached to this post is the bathroom tile.

On 2020-11-13 by mod

The asphalt backer may contain asbestos.

On 2020-11-13 by Jared

This was found beneath a stove in the kitchen, looks like squares that are definitely larger than 12". Red backing, black middle. No idea of age. House was built in 1929 with multiple updates. Dark line is from the stove being slid across the exposed flooring. I plan to get it tested, but does anyone recognize the manufacturer? Thanks.

On 2020-09-15 by (mod)

I have not seen that exact pattern, Kay but I think that's sheet vinyl that is a bit newer than the house, perhaps from the 1970s or later,

On 2020-09-15 by Kay

Anyone seen this before? House was built in 1959. Thanks!

On 2020-09-14 - by (mod) -

That vinyl floor tile from the 1960s should be treated as presumed to contain asbestos

On 2020-09-14 by Ben

I recently had a flood in the basement of 1960s home, and had to pull up the carpet. Not sure if these tiles may have asbestos or not.

On 2020-08-17 - by (mod) -

Good guess, nice photo, thanks Philip.

On 2020-08-16 by Philip

Thanks for the helpful info. Was thinking about pulling up these kitchen tiles and refinishing the hardwood but your index tells me these 9x9 tiles likely contain asbestos so I’ll just cover them. Apache Red and Osage Green?

On 2020-07-31 - by (mod) -

:https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos_Floor_Tile_ID_Requests_1970s.php

On 2020-07-30 by Jerry

Any help in identifying this tile would be appreciated. Based on the paneling and wallpaper in the room I'm guessing last '60s or early '70s.Tiles are popping loose on their own. I'm trying to figure out what to do. Thanks.

On 2020-06-01 - by (mod) -

Sherry that looks like 1960s era asphalt asbestos floor tile.

If it's mostly intact you should leave it in place.

See ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION

On 2020-05-31 by Sherry

Hello, Hoping someone could help me, from looking at the information on this site, it looks as though the vinyl tiles identified in our house are likely to be asbestos. I have attached a photo, do you agree?

I am very confused about what the best approach is with these tiles as I have a few unique circumstances. They are throughout the living room which has a cement flooring, the tiles are stuck down with black mastic.

The central heating pipes are not too far above the flooring. The tiles are broken and cracked in places, they have had carpet tracks attached to them(the previous occupants carpeted over them).

I also unwittingly removed some of the carpet tracks without realising the tiles may be asbestos because we were supposed to put laminate flooring down.

The middle of the room has a bump where a wall was removed and re-tiled (probably in the 80s). but the floor is not straight, I was advised I would need to grind the floor to make it level.

Sealing/raising the floor may make it difficult because of the piping and may make it difficult to raise. If I removed the tiles, I've have read that the black mastic does not stick to all types of material and grinding it may make the asbestos move into the air and walls of the house.

I am very confused and also really unsure because I do not want to have an uneven floor, or a health hazard, which I'm suspicious I may have already created. Thank you

On 2020-05-09 - by (mod) - reduce asbestos floor tile damage by office desk chair

Melody

That floor could certainly contain asbestos, based on its age and general appearance, though one can't say for certain without an asbestos test.

If there is actual dust and debris being created from the floor it's a potential hazard.
In your photo I can't see that sort of damage.

If the flooring is basically secure and intact, it may make sense to simply put down a floor protector mat under your desk chair, like the one shown below.

On 2020-05-09 by Melody

Hello

I was hoping that someone could help me identify this tile on my office floor to try and determine if it contains asbestos.

The building was built in the late 70's or early 80's.It is the original flooring. It's a hard type tile 12" X 12" with the dark blue 1" border surrounding a 4 tile block.

My office chair is right on top of the tiles and the floor has been breaking down over the last 5 years. My fear is that with every roll of my chair I am kicking up asbestos and inhaling it.

Thank you

On 2020-05-01 - by (mod) -

Sure Anon,

Searching InspectApedia.com for "red brick floor pattern" finds this article

SHEET & TILE FLOORING ASBESTOS ID-BRICK PATTERN ID

On 2020-05-01 by Anonymous

Have these tiles in our kitchen, anyone know if they contain asbestos?

On 2020-05-01 - by (mod) -

Manu

It's possible that there was an asbestos insulation around your pipe;
Some basic data like country, city of location and age of the building and age of the pipe work can provide some helpful context to make a reasonable guess.

Have a sample tested.

On 2020-05-01 by Manu

Hi,
I had to lift part of a floor screed in a house built around 1983. There are two pipes running under the screed. These are covered by loose powdery fibrous white material. I suspect that was to protect them from cement abrasion and insulation. Could this be asbestos?? I had an asbestos survey to look at the art and other things and non was found, but this had not been exposed back then.

On 2020-04-25 - by (mod) -

Yes, Lauren,

I recommend that you treat that flooring is presumed asbestos containing materials.

If you search our specials for tile identification articles you'll see photos of that same flooring material.

Or have a sample tested.

On 2020-04-25 by Lauren

We just bought a house that was built in 1967. There was old water damage that had some inactive mold.

We pulled back the carpet and the old flooring was there. It pulled up and broke pretty easily. We aren't sure it if has asbestos or if it is the original flooring and if it is mold or the old glue. Is there a way to kill the possible mold without removing the flooring? Also, does this look like one of the old asbestos tiles?

We just bought a house and went to replace the carpet and found what looked like mold, but are concerned if the tiles may contain asbestos. Is there a way to kill the mold without removing the tiles?

The house was built in 1967, we aren't sure if this is original flooring or not. Does it look like it may contain asbestos? The tiles break very easily.

On 2020-04-25 - by (mod) - theme tiles or specialty floor tiles that may contain asbestos

Renee

Yes those are called specialty floor tiles and they were sold by several manufacturers including Armstrong and Kentile You can see examples of specialty or theme tile flooring at this Kentile example page

KENTILE KENFLEX ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE GUIDE

On 2020-03-14 by Renee Sutton

Do These Armstrong Excelon shuffleboard insets pattern # 0510 or 0511 contain asbestos?

On 2020-02-21 - by (mod) -

Cody, Thank you for the asbestos-suspect flooring question.

Because popular floor patterns were made by more than one manufacturer, and because popular flooring patterns were produced across and past years when asbestos was a common ingredient, one cannot safely say, on a photo alone, whether or not a particular floor tile or sheet flooring pattern contains asbestos.

Short of having a sample of the flooring tested, you can make a reasonable *guess* at whether or not your floor contains asbestos by answering the few easy questions found at

DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS? 5 easy steps that can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not the floor you ask about contains asbestos.

As you may have seen, you can often find a match in the ID-library of asbestos flooring beginning

at ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION - (floor tiles)

and
ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE

IF you are faced with a requirement for demolition and if you are uncertain about the flooring's asbestos content and can not identify it through our guides, then you have a sample tested.

See ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST

On 2020-02-21 by Cody

Removing flooring from old house. Worried about asbestos. Please help. Thanks.

On 2020-01-18 - by (mod) -

Apologies, Maureen but I cannot identify the floor tile pattern from your photo. There are quite a few reddish 12x12 floor tiles from a range of manufacturers.

Often if you can identify the country and city where a home is located and its age or better still, the age of the floor, then you have a shot at clicking through the various floor tile catalogs and example photos in this article series.

See DOES THIS FLOORING CONTAIN ASBESTOS? 5 easy steps that can help you make a reasonable guess at whether or not the floor you ask about contains asbestos.

On 2020-01-17 by Maureen H Brennan, MHB Realty

Please let me know if you can id the attached tile pattern that is in a home my clients are looking at to purchase. Appear to be 12 x 12 tiles.

On 2018-11-17 by (mod) - asbestos is in some sheet floor backing

Crystal,

I can't see clearly the sheet flooring backing that you ask about in this photo - though I see what might be jute (not asbestos).

With no other information about the floor in this first photo (above) and so little to "see" I would treat the material as presumed to contain asbestos, or have a lab test performed. That test is about $40. U.S.

Your second flooring photo (below) is a linoleum rug - usually not containing asbestos.

See CONGOLEUM-NAIRN FLOOR TILES & LINOLEUM

and LINOLEUM & OTHER SHEET FLOORING

for details.

On 2018-11-17 by crystal

Above is another photo from our 1940s home. Worried more about the backing than the linoleum flooring. https://drive.google.com/open?id=1FLcxspznnjdvDT389PFYzyWAtL3RSUyY

Below is our sheet flooring showing the pattern.

On 2018-11-17 by (mod) - Armstrong Apache-type pattern asbestos-containing floor tiles

Mary

Your floor tile looks like Armstrong Apache white that contained asbestos.

On 2018-11-16 by Mary

Our house was build in 1955. When we bought it we did not pull up floors just did siding, insulation, new kitchen, bathrooms and electrical. When we pulled up the carpet this is under it, can this tile have asbestos?

On 2018-11-04 by (mod) - coating or covering asbestos-containing floor tiles from 1961

I use a wax stripper liquid (non-abrasive) floor tile cleaner, then let the floor dry thoroughly before covering-over.

More advice is at ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Asbestos-Hazard-Reduction.php

On 2018-11-04 by Jon

thanks Dan. If you’ll notice there are a couple cracks. The tiles are in pretty good shape, not friable by hand, any advice on clean up?

On 2018-11-04 by (mod) -

Jon it would make sense, from what you san and what I can see, to treat the floor as presumed to contain asbestos.

On 2018-11-04 by Jon

doing some demo in our basement, wondering if anyone can tell me from the picture if the tiles are asbestos containing. House was built in 1961, no idea when the tiles were put in

On 2018-08-20 by (mod) - White Romford Brick type asbestos flooring

Yes Eileen, that white brick pattern floor tile pattern could certainly be an asbestos-containing product.

See SHEET & TILE FLOORING ASBESTOS ID-BRICK PATTERN ID at https://inspectapedia.com/hazmat/Brick_Pattern_Sheet_Flooring_Identification.php

found by searching InspectApedia for white brick floor tile asbestos

Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.

On 2018-08-19 by Eileen

This is my old kitchen under renovation in 1983. Can you possibly tell me who made the floor tiles (pale yellow herringbone pattern) which I think were vinyl.
Thank you for any info you can provide.

On 2018-05-19 by (mod) - 1988 Armstrong sheet flooring should not contain asbestos

Can't say Anon, but if the flooring was made close to the time the home was built it's not likely to contain asbestos.

On 2018-05-19 by Anonymous

Does anyone know if the attached Armstrong sheet vinyl was tested? House built in 1988.

 

On 2018-02-03 by (mod) - true cork flooring is not an asbestos product

Joanne

If that floor is actually cork - which is what it looks like in the photo - that's not an asbestos-containing floor tile.

Your description of the flooring as crumbling probably confirms that it's true cork.

Perhaps you can send me a sharp closeup photo of the broken floor tile edge for identification.

On 2018-04-17 by joanne.wilsonlifeline

I am having some trouble trying to identify flooring we found under a carpet in a new house (built 1880).

It is a 12inch square and about 5mm thick.

It appears to be made of some kind of plywood and is pretty robust but breaks under pressure - it doesn't snap when it breaks, more of a crumble. It is a dark brown and dark red mottled pattern (the white you can see in the photo is paint splashes).

Any idea what this might be, obviously we are concerned about an asbestos risk.

On 2018-02-03 by (mod) - cork pattern vinyl floor tiles from 1960s contain asbestos

Laura if that's a cork-pattern vinyl floor tile from the mid 1960's it would make sense to treat it as presumed to contain asbestos.

On 2018-02-03 by Laura

Does anyone know if this flooring contains asbestos? It is in my house built in 1965.

On 2017-10-10 by (mod) -

You can use our CONTACT link to send photos but frankly if you are facing a costly dusty demolition job it would make sense to have a sample tested - costs about $40 U.S. Use our on-page search box to find our list of ASBESTOS TEST LABS

On 2017-10-09 by Keppler

We just noticed that the floor tiles inside a cupboard in an old house (built around 1910) might contain asbestos by the look of them.

The house was refurbished a year ago and only parts of its original flooring left open. It probably contained materials from 1960s/1970s

but we can not say for certain and we can't reach the landlords of the property who undertook the recent refurbishment. I can send some photos via email. Thanks for any advice. D Keppler

On 2017-09-07 by (mod) -

Thanks for the photos you sent by email - I replied directly. One of the floor patterns is similar to those you'll find in our sheet flooring guide.

The other I haven't seen. I suggested that as you think these are original 1977 floors it would make sense to treat them as presumed to contain asbestos.

On 2017-09-05 by Sharon

I bought a 1977 Shult single wide mobile home and we are wanting to do a renovation.

Of concern is the original vinyl sheet flooring (two different patterns) used in the kitchen and bathroom. I am concerned that it may contaon asbestos.

It has a paper backing and both floors are deteriorating. I took photos of both with my smartphone camera and wanted to know if you can recognize these patterns.

On 2015-03-31 by (mod) - send a representative settled dust sample to a lab for asbestos screening;

Given the sanding and perhaps vacuuming, it might be smart to send a representative settled dust sample to a lab for asbestos screening;

In the ARTICLE INDEX on this page see

ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST

On 2015-03-31 by (mod) -

Tracy you can find our email at the CONTACT link found at page bottom or top

On 2015-03-31 by Tracy Creek

I would like to send you a picture of some flooring I just encountered in a 1934 farmhouse I am renovating.

Oddly, it was covered with plaster, then carpet pad, then carpet. I sanded up some of the plaster, intending to get it flat enough to put a wood floor on.

The flooring is not in good condition, and it's possible I aerosolized a little of it too, but it was not my primary target. I was running a floor sander over the plaster and it is everywhere.

So I wonder if my house is even safe to go in now. I don't see how to attach a picture here.

On 2015-02-06 by (mod) -

Sue you can find our email at the CONTACT link found at page bottom.

Daniel

On 2015-02-06 by Sue

We have an Armstrong vinyl sheet flooring just over 6x6' with 9" squares on our laundry room floor.

We purchased the home new in 1993.
We don't know the name or thickness but we took photos. How do we attach or send you the photos?

On 2015-02-02 by (mod) -

Those were asphalt asbestos floor tiles though vinyl-asbestos flooring was made that looked the same.

On 2015-02-02 by K

So, what is the green and black squares of tile at the top of this page? Are they asphalt tiles or vinyl and do they have asbestos in it?

I have seen it in grey and in dark brown, too. --https://inspectapedia.com/interiors/Flooring_ID_Photo_Guides.php

On 2014-09-06 by Pam

My husband removed vinyl sheet flooring (brick pattern) out of the kitchen of a house that our daughter purchased, which was built in 1965.

It came up with the backing and plywood attached in larger pieces this week. He left the large pieces in the basement. I'm concerned that the backing may contain asbestos.

We plan to put it in trash bags today. There is also an original floor layer of what appears to be vinyl plastic floor tile in squares that is a mosaic pattern.

We plan to remove that also because a few pieces came up as he was removing the vinyl sheet flooring.

He did not turn off the air conditioning when he removed the vinyl sheet flooring. If friable fibers did get into the air, how long do they remain?

Should we open all of the windows at this point? We need to remove the original vinyl plastic floor tile and will follow the instructions this time.

Thank you for your advice.

On 2014-07-23 by (mod) -

Eric,

Often if we know the age of the flooring, that combined with recognizing it's pattern in one of our asbestos flooring library photos is sufficient to be reasonably sure that the flooring is an asbestos-containing product.

If significant costs are involved in dealing with a flooring concern then it may be justified to send a sample to a certified asbestos test lab.

On 2014-07-23 by Eric

I had to remove 2 layers of vinyl flooring which contained about 10000 staples. I unwittingly used a crowbar, cut out pieces with a skillsaw and broke apart pieces not knowing that it might contain asbestos until I found this site.

Is there a way to identify the vinyl through pictures to confirm this?

On 2014-01-26 by (mod) -

Suzanne I'm a bit chicken to state "yes paper contains asbestos" with so little information. But if the "paper" is black - roofing-felt like material, and it was made before the mid 1980's, it would be reasonable to treat it as PACM - presumed asbestos containing material.

Gray-colored paper is even more likely to contain asbestos if it's of that era.

If you are using water and scraping you're taking a step to reduce airborne particles.

In the article links at upper page-left see the article ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE

On 2014-01-26 by Suzanne

We just ripped up a vinyl sheet floor with subfloor attached. Ontop of the hardwood underneath was a thin layer of paper, assuming from a previous floor laid ontop of the hardwood.

The vinyl flooring was from the 1980s but this paper might be anywhere from the turn of the century onwards. The house was built in 1913. Is it likely this paper contains asbestos? Is is a greyish colour and is fairly easy to remove with water and a scraper.

...

Continue reading at ASBESTOS FLOORING IDENTIFICATION - topic home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION FAQs-8 - more-recent asbestos-suspect flooring ID requests

Or see these

Recommended Articles

• ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE PHOTO ID GUIDE - home
• ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION COLOR KEY - home
• ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION
• ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION - steps to take to reduce the asbestos hazard
• ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE
• ASBESTOS REMOVAL, WETTING GUIDELINES
• ASBESTOS RISK ASSESSMENT
• ASBESTOS TEST RESULTS for TILE & SHEET FLOORING
• ASBESTOS TESTING LAB LIST
• DOES THIS FLOOR CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy questions to tell if your FLOOR probably contains asbestos -
• DOES THIS MATERIAL CONTAIN ASBESTOS? - 5 easy questions to tell if a BUILDING MATERIAL probably contains asbestos -
• FLOOR TILE / SHEET FLOORING PHOTO GUIDES - main list
• RESILIENT SHEET FLOORING ID GUIDE

Suggested citation for this web page

ASBESTOS FLOOR TILE IDENTIFICATION FAQs-7 at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.

Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to ASBESTOS HAZARDS

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