Bye Bye Asbestos
Asbestos floor tile removal
Old vinyl and thermoplastic tiles and black bitumen adhesive, tested first and lifted without sanding or grinding.
Where they’re found
Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles, often around 9 or 12 inches square, and the black bitumen adhesive underneath were widely used in kitchens, hallways, schools and offices. Some contain asbestos. They’re often found under newer flooring when it’s lifted.
Test first
Tiles and adhesive can be tested separately. If neither contains asbestos, your flooring fitter can carry on. See asbestos floor tiles.
How they’re removed
Removing intact asbestos floor tiles is normally non-licensed work under HSE guidance. Tiles are lifted whole where possible, with wetting and hand tools, never with sanders or grinders. The waste is bagged and taken to a permitted site.
Leaving them in place
Tiles in good condition can sometimes be left and covered with a new floor, as long as they’re recorded for the future and not sanded or drilled.
Asbestos floor tile removal: ask for a quote
- Survey or test first when it isn’t clear what a material is
- Work planned to the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 and HSE guidance
- Written paperwork: reports, results and waste consignment notes
- Asbestos waste double-bagged or wrapped and taken to a permitted site