What you need to know about asbestos floor tiles and bitumen adhesive

Can you recognise asbestos floor tiles?

The size, colour and age of a tile can raise suspicion, but they cannot confirm asbestos content. Older vinyl and thermoplastic tiles may contain asbestos. A laboratory result for a representative sample is the way to establish what has been sampled. Photographs help us understand the floor and its condition; they do not provide a diagnosis.

What about the black bitumen adhesive?

The adhesive can contain asbestos even when the tiles do not, and a positive result for tiles does not establish the result for the adhesive. If you have a report, check which layers and locations were sampled. Tell us if the tiles have already been lifted and black adhesive remains. Do not scrape up adhesive or lift more tiles to photograph the floor.

Does it all need removing?

The next step depends on the condition of the material and the work you intend to do. Removal is not automatically necessary simply because asbestos is present. Discuss any proposed covering, encapsulation or removal before preparation starts. Your flooring contractor also needs to understand what will remain and whether their preparation would disturb it.

Planning tile and bitumen removal

Send the approximate area in square metres, the rooms involved and any test results. Let us know whether the floor is concrete, timber or something else, if known. Fitted kitchen units, partitions, thresholds and appliances can restrict access. We agree which areas are included and identify inaccessible areas before work begins. Tell us whether the property will be occupied and how the work area can be reached.

Edges, residues and the finished surface

Removing tiles and adhesive does not automatically leave a floor ready for immediate installation. The substrate, adhesive bond and access affect the achievable finish. Perimeter edges, residues and any agreed encapsulation need to be covered in the quotation. Levelling, moisture checks and installation of new flooring are separate considerations. Coordinate the handover with your flooring contractor before booking the next trade.

How D&M approaches the job

We review the information, arrange sampling if required for the agreed scope, and provide a quotation setting out the work and limitations. The controls and cleaning arrangements are planned for the individual job. We discuss preparation with you beforehand, rather than asking you to disturb the floor to make it ready.

What paperwork will you receive?

For our removal work, we provide the waste consignment note and D&M’s Certificate of Cleanliness (Non-Licensable Works). This records completion and cleaning checks, visual inspection and sign-off for the work area. It is not an independent four-stage clearance certificate. Independent third-party reassurance air testing can be arranged on request, with the cost and arrangements agreed separately.

Ready to ask about your floor?

Send photographs taken without disturbing the material, the approximate area, any laboratory or survey report and your intended timeframe. If you are unsure about the substrate or adhesive, select “Not sure” in the quote form. We can clarify the information needed before agreeing the work.

See our asbestos floor tile and bitumen removal service for the agreed scope, customer questions and photographs showing a completed kitchen-floor job.