Asbestos floor tile removal
Testing, removal and disposal of asbestos floor tiles and bitumen adhesive in homes and businesses across London and the South East.
Old floor tiles, and the black adhesive beneath them, can contain asbestos.
- Over 12 years’ experience
- Fully insured
- HSE compliant
- Environment Agency registered waste carrier
- Same or next day service
Identifying asbestos floor tiles
Asbestos was added to PVC and thermoplastic floor tiles, and to some of the adhesives used to fix them. Old tiles in a home built before 2000 could contain it.
- Small, thick, slightly stiff squares.
- A marbled, mottled or plain block colour, dulled with age.
- A black, tar-like layer visible beneath a lifted corner.
- Usually found under a later carpet, lino or laminate.
These are indicators only. Newer vinyl tiles can look very similar, and only a test is conclusive. We take samples on site, as described under asbestos testing.
Tiles in good condition carry an extremely low risk while undisturbed.
Bitumen adhesive
Black bitumen adhesive, often called black mastic, can contain asbestos. Some floor tiles were fixed with asbestos-containing adhesives, so the adhesive is tested as well as the tiles.
Do not scrape or sand the adhesive to see what is underneath. It is always removed with the tiles, as part of the same job.
Tiles already lifted or broken
If some tiles have already been lifted, take these steps.
- Stop work and leave the rest of the floor in place.
- Keep people out of the room.
- Do not sweep up the broken pieces.
- Leave the lifted pieces where they are and send us a photo.
We then advise on the material and the work required. Tiles that only need removing from site are covered under asbestos collection and disposal.
Removal or covering
Left in place
Intact tiles that are not due to be disturbed can remain in place, provided they are not drilled, sanded or ground.
Covering
Sound tiles can remain beneath a new floor laid over them, with nothing lifted.
Removal
We remove the tiles together with the bitumen adhesive.
Not sure yet
We identify the material from a photo, or a test, before any work begins.
How it works
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01
Send a photo
Send a photo and your postcode on WhatsApp, or call 07708 761540.
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02
Get a free quote
Every quote is free and without obligation, and can often be given over the phone or on site.
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03
Pick a day
Booked to a day that suits you.
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04
Removal and disposal
The material is taken to an approved waste transfer site, and you receive the consignment note.
What moves the price of a floor
- Floor area. A hallway is a different job from a whole ground floor.
- The current covering: carpet, laminate or none.
- Whether some tiles are already lifted or disturbed.
- Access to the room, and the distance to the van.
We can often quote on the phone.
Floor tile questions
How can I tell if my floor tiles contain asbestos?
Only a test is conclusive. Small, stiff squares on a black adhesive, in a home built before 2000, are the usual signs. A photo is a good first step, or you can book a test.
Is the black adhesive or mastic under floor tiles asbestos?
It can be. Some tiles were fixed with adhesives containing asbestos, so the black layer should be tested as well as the tiles.
I've already lifted some tiles. What should I do?
Stop work and leave the remaining tiles in place. Keep people out of the room and do not sweep up the broken pieces. Then contact us for advice on the work required.
Can I lay a new floor over asbestos tiles?
Yes, if the tiles are sound. They should not be sanded or ground first.
Is it safe to walk on asbestos floor tiles?
Yes, if they are intact and sound. The risk arises when they are drilled, sanded or ground.
What moves the price of floor tile removal?
Mainly the floor area, the current covering and access to the room. A photo and your postcode are usually enough to provide a quote.
Floor tile removal: a customer review
Rated 5 out of 5
We got Smart Asbestos Solutions in to remove old asbestos tiles in our kitchen. They were friendly, super professional and did the work in good time. They were honest about the work that needed doing as well. Glad we chose them, thank you.
Free, no-obligation quotes
Send a photo of the tiles and your postcode on WhatsApp for free advice and a no-obligation quote.