Key takeaways
- Old vinyl tile, sheet flooring backing and adhesive can contain asbestos, and you can't confirm it by looking.
- EPA says not to sand or level it, or use a power stripper on it.
- Undamaged flooring that won't be disturbed generally needs no testing, and covering it is often an option.
Stop before you sand, scrape, drill or pull up an old floor. CPSC says asbestos appears in some vinyl floor tiles, sheet flooring backing and adhesives. Only a qualified lab can confirm it, and a home's age doesn't rule it out.
This guide is general information, not professional advice.
What EPA says not to do
EPA's guidance says, for flooring that may contain asbestos:
- Don't sand or level it or its backing.
- Never use a power stripper on it, including machines with abrasive pads for stripping wax.
- Don't saw, scrape or drill suspect material.
- Don't dry-dust, sweep or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
- Don't track suspect material through the house. If you can't avoid it, wet mop the area, and call a professional for damaged areas or large cleanups.
Decide what to do
| Your situation | EPA's direction |
|---|---|
| The floor is undamaged and won't be disturbed | Leave it alone. Testing generally isn't needed. |
| You want a new floor over it | Install new covering over the old floor when possible. |
| It's damaged | Limit access to the area, and consult a professional. |
| You're remodeling in a way that will disturb it | Have it inspected first. |
| It needs to come out | Use a trained, accredited professional. Improper removal can increase exposure. |
So covering often beats removing. Check with your flooring maker that the new product can go over the old floor, and that the extra height works at doors and transitions.
Testing
EPA doesn't recommend taking samples yourself, and says an accredited professional should collect them.
Hiring a professional
- Federal law doesn't require accreditation for work in detached single-family homes, though some states and localities do. EPA still recommends hiring accredited workers.
- Use separate firms for inspection and removal, to avoid a conflict of interest.
- Get a written contract covering the work plan, cleanup and applicable regulations, and written confirmation that procedures were followed.
We haven't surveyed state rules, so ask your state or local asbestos program.
Textured ceilings and patching compound
Old ceilings and walls need the same care. CPSC says many building products contained asbestos until the 1970s, and that its use in textured paint and patching compounds was banned in 1977.
Once you know your floor is safe to work on, use the flooring or tile calculator for quantities.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell if my floor tile has asbestos?
You can't tell by looking. An accredited professional can take samples for a qualified lab.
Can I tile over old vinyl?
Covering is often an option from an asbestos standpoint, but whether it works for your tile depends on the floor and product. Check with the tile setter or maker, without sanding or leveling the old floor.
My house is from the 1990s. Is it fine?
Age alone doesn't confirm that. CPSC's dates are general, so treat unknown old materials with care.
Sources
We use primary sources where we can: building codes, federal rules and manufacturer documents. Read our editorial standards.