Could Your Old Flooring Be Hiding Asbestos?

If your home or business was built or refurbished between the 1950s and late 1980s, it’s possible that your floors contain asbestos — even if they look clean and undamaged. Asbestos floor tiles were once a common choice due to their heat resistance and strength. But today, these tiles are a hidden health risk if disturbed.

Whether you're renovating, replacing old flooring, or just curious about what’s under the carpet, it’s vital to know what asbestos tiles look like and what to do if you suspect them.

What Asbestos Floor Tiles Look Like: Signs to Watch For

Asbestos floor tiles often resemble ordinary vinyl or thermoplastic tiles and can be tricky to identify without testing — but there are clues:

🟫 Size and Shape: Common sizes are 9x9 inches, 12x12 inches, or 18x18 inches

🟥 Colour: Brown, marbled, grey, black, red, or even green tones

🧱 Texture: Hard, brittle and smooth — often with a slightly waxy or dull finish

📆 Age: Tiles installed before the early 1990s are most suspect

🔍 Adhesive: Black bitumen glue or ‘cutback adhesive’ may contain asbestos too

⚠️ Important: Asbestos fibres are not visible to the naked eye. Just because it “looks safe” doesn’t mean it is.

What If My Floor Is Damaged or Lifting?

Cracked, lifted or broken tiles pose the biggest risk. When disturbed, asbestos fibres can become airborne — and if inhaled, they can cause serious long-term health issues such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.

Many homeowners don't realise that sanding, scraping, or even pulling up old carpet can disturb asbestos-containing tiles beneath. That’s why we always recommend professional testing and removal before any DIY work.

Common Questions About Asbestos Floor Tiles

❓ How can I be sure if my floor tiles contain asbestos?

The only way to know for certain is through asbestos testing carried out by a UKAS-accredited lab. At Trent Asbestos, we offer quick and affordable sampling services.

❓ Can I remove asbestos tiles myself?

Technically yes, but it’s highly discouraged. Improper handling without PPE, dust control or waste regulations can put your health — and others’ — at serious risk.

❓ Is asbestos still used in flooring today?

No — asbestos was fully banned in the UK in 1999. However, homes built before that may still have it hidden under carpets, lino or laminate.

❓ What happens if I’ve already disturbed it?

Don’t panic. Avoid the area, ventilate where possible, and contact an asbestos professional immediately for advice and clean-up.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Get It Checked

Many people live for years unaware that asbestos lies just underfoot. It’s often during a renovation, property sale, or rental inspection that it gets discovered. If you’re unsure about your flooring — especially in kitchens, hallways, or basements — now is the time to get peace of mind.

Need Advice or Testing? Contact Trent Asbestos Today

We offer expert asbestos surveys, testing and removal across the East Midlands and beyond. Whether you want a quick sample analysed or a full floor professionally removed, we’re here to help.

📞 Call us today on 01636 302 292
📧 Email us at info@trentasbestossolutions.co.uk
🌐 Or request a call-back at www.trentasbestos.co.uk

💡 Don’t lift, chip or sand anything until you know what you’re dealing with. Let us do the dirty work — safely.