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Flooring May Contain Asbestos — Even If It Looks Modern
Before removing, sanding, or replacing old flooring, it’s essential to test for asbestos. Flooring materials manufactured before 1990 often contain asbestos fibers — especially vinyl tiles, sheet flooring, and adhesives.
Asbestos was used to increase durability, water resistance, and fire protection. But if disturbed, it can release dangerous airborne fibers into your home or job site.
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Flooring Materials Less Likely to Contain Asbestos
While not guaranteed, the following are generally considered non-suspect:
- Rubber flooring
- Cork tiles
- Natural stone (marble, granite)
- Recently installed post-2000 products (verify origin)
Still, if in doubt — test before disturbing.
Why Was Asbestos Used in Flooring?
Asbestos offered major benefits to manufacturers:
- Added strength without weight
- Improved fire resistance
- Low cost, bulk filler
- Bonding capability with vinyl and glues
When intact, asbestos in flooring is considered non-friable (less likely to release fibers). However, removal, grinding, cutting, or wear and tear can make it friable and dangerous.
Aggressive Removal = Dangerous Exposure
The highest risk of asbestos fiber release happens during:
- Sanding or buffing floors
- Scraping old adhesive or mastic
- Cutting tiles or underlayment
- Lifting glued carpet without testing
- Demolition without proper abatement
These actions can spread microscopic asbestos fibers throughout your living or workspace. Once airborne, these fibers can cause:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
Flooring Manufacturers Known to Use Asbestos
You cannot rely on product brand alone to confirm safety. These manufacturers have documented asbestos use:
- American Biltrite
- Amtico Floors
- Armstrong World Industries
- Cogoleum Corporation
- GAF Corporation
- Synkoloid Company
Even if your flooring brand isn’t listed, it may still contain asbestos. Many tiles and vinyl backings were manufactured under white-label or contractor brands with no markings.
When Should You Test Flooring for Asbestos?
Colorado law requires asbestos testing when:
- You plan to renovate or demolish
- You are disturbing 32 sq ft or more of suspect material
- You are applying for building or demolition permits
- A contractor, city, or real estate transaction requires it
- You suspect layers of old flooring exist beneath visible materials
Even newer homes are subject to these requirements — see Regulation 8, Part B from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE).
Why Choose Enviocore?
- ✅ CDPHE-Certified Inspectors
- ✅ Fast Results — 24–48 hours
- ✅ Permit-Ready Reporting
- ✅ Residential & Commercial Projects
- ✅ Trusted by contractors, homeowners & real estate agents across Colorado
We also coordinate with General Abatement Contractors (GACs) if removal is needed.
Enviocore’s Flooring Asbestos Testing Process
1. Certified Site Visit
Our licensed inspector will:
- Follow EPA and CDPHE collection procedures
- Identify visible and hidden flooring layers
- Determine the materials that require sampling
2. Sample Collection
Small, clean core samples are collected from:
- Flooring surface
- Adhesive/mastic layers
- Underlayment or backings
All samples follow chain-of-custody and are sent to an NVLAP-accredited lab.
3. Lab Analysis
Your samples are analyzed using:
- PLM (Polarized Light Microscopy) — Standard method
- TEM (Transmission Electron Microscopy) — If required by city or project scope
4. Final Report
Results are available in:
- 48 hours (standard)
- Same-day (expedited)
Your report includes:
- Sample locations & materials
- Asbestos type and concentration
- Permit-ready documentation
- Abatement or project recommendations
Asbestos Flooring Testing and Inspection Services FAQs
You can’t tell by appearance alone. The only way to confirm asbestos presence is to test with a certified inspector.
It’s a legal requirement under Colorado Regulation 8 for renovations or demolitions. Even a bathroom remodel may trigger it.
Yes. Colorado requires testing for all buildings, regardless of age, before renovation or demolition.
What Is Your Flooring Project?
If you’re considering replacing old flooring, call EnvioCore today. We will help you find out what you’re dealing with before you risk exposing anyone to the dangers of asbestos fibers.