vinyl flooring and vinyl tiles are common sources of asbestos in older Finnish buildings. In particular, floor materials installed in the 1960s and 1970s often contain asbestos either in the material itself or in its background layer.
Where does asbestos occur in flooring materials?
Non-plastic background felt
Old vinyl flooring background layer, i.e. felt is the most common source of asbestos in floors. The background felt is a layer supporting the carpet, which is directly on the surface of the floor. The surface layer of the vinyl flooring itself rarely contains asbestos, but the background felt often contains chrysotile asbestos.
Vinyl tiles
Popular in the 1960s and 1970s vinyl tiles (30x30 cm) may themselves contain asbestos. Also used to attach them black bitumen-based glue is often asbestos-containing.
Glue
The adhesives used to attach both vinyl flooring and vinyl tiles may contain asbestos. The glue remains visible only after the surface material has been removed.
How to identify?
Asbestos content cannot be confirmed visually. However, references include:
- The floor is installed in the 1960s and 1970s
- The background layer of the vinyl flooring is gray, fibrous felt
- The size of vinyl tiles is typically 30x30 cm
- The glue under the tile is a dark, bituminous substance
Note: A newer vinyl flooring can also be installed on top of an old asbestos-containing carpet. This becomes clear only during the demolition phase - that's why a survey in advance is important.
What to do before floor renovation?
- Find out the age of the floor - is it original or renewed?
- Order an asbestos survey or take a sample - the sample is taken by cutting a small piece of carpet with adhesives and background felt
- Wait for the lab results - the results are ready quickly
- Act on the results - demolition of asbestos-containing floor material is asbestos removal work
Demolition of an asbestos-containing floor
If the floor material contains asbestos, its removal is asbestos removal work. Demolition is usually done as a complete detachment without sanding or other mechanical processing that would generate dust. An authorized asbestos removal company ensures the safe implementation of the work.
The laboratory analysis of the floor sample costs 39,90€ + VAT. Comprehensive asbestos surveys start at 119€ + VAT.