Floor Tiles
removal
Asbestos floor tiles were commonly used in older properties between the 1920s and late 1980s due to their durability and heat resistance. They are often found in kitchens, hallways, schools and commercial buildings, and should be removed if they are damaged, deteriorating or likely to be disturbed during refurbishment or demolition works.
What are asbestos Floor tiles?
Facts:
Asbestos Type: Chrysotile (most common)
Amosite (less common)
Colour: White/Brown
Commonly Found: Vinyl Floor Tiles, Thermoplastic Tiles, Asphalt Tiles, Tile Backing & Adhesive
Popular In: Homes, Schools, Hospitals, Council Housing & Commercial Buildings
Good to know: Can become hazardous if drilled, sanded. scraped,damaged, or removed improperly
Risk: Low
Decorative Textured Coatings were were widely used throughout the UK between the 1920s through to the late 1980s. These were popular because they added strength, durability and were heat and fire resistant.
9 x 9 inch tiles are strongly associated with asbestos, whilst 12 x 12 inch tiles may contain asbestos. Older sheet vinyl flooring backing may also contain asbestos.
Asbestos Containing Floor Tiles
where are asbestos floor coverings commonly found?
Basements
Kitchens
Hallways
Schools
Hospitals
Council Housing
Commercial Buildings
Utility Rooms
- Not all floor coverings contain asbestos, testing is the only way to confirm
- Intact tiles are generally considered non-friable if tiles are undamaged, sealed, and/or left alone
- Power tools are especially dangerous as these can release microscopic fibres into the air
types of asbestos found in floor coverings
Decorative Textured Coatings is the most commonly used asbestos type in floor tiles. Chrysotile is part of the Serpentine asbestos family. It contains curly fibres and is usually present in vinyl floor tiles, often 2 - 20%.
While Chrysotile is considered less hazardous than Amphibole asbestos types, it still presents a serious health risk when fibres are disturbed and become airborne.
Chrysotile (White Asbestos)
Amosite (Brown Asbestos)
is less common than Chrysotile but sometimes found in floor backing, insulating underlay, industrial flooring systems, and adhesives. It contains straight brittle fibres and usually has lower percentages in flooring products than in insulating boards.
What you need to know
One of the biggest mistakes during renovations is focusing only on the floor tile and forgetting the adhesive underneath. This is commonly known as Bitumen Adhesive. Tiles may test negative while the adhesive tests positive.
Generally floor coverings come under non-licensed works however should still be carried out by trained, and certified professionals.
our projects
See some of our asbestos floor tile removal projects, completed safely, professionally and fully compliant for our domestic and commercial clients.
Floor Tile Removal In Corringham
Removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles from the ground floor of a residential property in Corringham following water damage caused by a leak within the property.
During strip-out works, asbestos floor tiles were identified beneath the existing ceramic tiled flooring across the ground floor areas. We were instructed to safely remove the asbestos-containing materials to allow drying, repair, and reinstatement works to proceed.
The tiles were carefully lifted and removed using controlled asbestos removal methods, with all affected areas fully prepared and protected throughout the works. All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and disposed of in accordance with current asbestos regulations.
The property was left clean and ready for the next stage of refurbishment and insurance repair works.
Floor Tile Removal in Ashford
Removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles from a store room within a school property in Ashford.
We were instructed to safely remove the existing asbestos floor tiles to allow refurbishment works within the area. Following removal of the tiles, the remaining bitumen adhesive was professionally encapsulated to prevent disturbance and provide a sealed, safe surface for future use.
Works were carried out under controlled conditions with suitable asbestos control measures in place throughout. All asbestos waste was securely packaged, removed from site, and disposed of in accordance with current asbestos regulations.
Floor Tile Removal in wembley
Emergency removal of asbestos-containing floor tiles from a bathroom within a residential property in Wembley.
The asbestos floor tiles were identified by bathroom fitters during refurbishment works, requiring urgent removal before the installation project could continue. Following contact from the client, we arranged a rapid response, attended site promptly, and safely carried out the removal works within approximately two hours.
Controlled asbestos removal procedures were used throughout, with all waste materials securely packaged, removed from site, and disposed of in accordance with current asbestos regulations, allowing the bathroom refurbishment to continue with minimal delay.