Asbestos Tiles: Identification, Treatment, and Removal for a Safe Home

by Peter February 13, 2026

written by Peter February 13, 2026

Identifying and Treating Asbestos Tiles in the Home

What Are Asbestos Floor Tiles?

Asbestos floor tiles were popular from the 1950s to the 1980s. They were made of vinyl and contained asbestos, a mineral that made them fireproof and durable. Asbestos tiles were often used in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, and mudrooms.

Identifying Asbestos Tile Flooring

There are several ways to identify asbestos tile flooring:

By Date: If your flooring was installed between 1952 and 1986, it may contain asbestos.
By Location: Asbestos tiles were often installed in high-traffic areas such as kitchens, hallways, and mudrooms.
By Brand Name: Some of the brand names of vinyl tiles from that period that may contain asbestos include Armstrong, Congoleum-Nairn, Ever-Wear, KenTile, KenFlex, Montgomery Ward, and Sears & Roebuck.
By Looking Underneath Other Flooring: If your home has multiple layers of flooring, the lower layer may contain asbestos.
By Lab Testing: Lab testing is the most accurate way to identify asbestos-containing tiles.

Treating or Removing Asbestos Tile Flooring

If you have asbestos tiles in your home, it is important to take precautions to avoid disturbing them. If the tiles are in good condition, you can leave them in place and cover them with a new layer of flooring. However, if you need to remove the tiles, it is important to hire a professional abatement company.

DIY Asbestos Tile Removal

If you decide to remove asbestos tiles yourself, it is important to take the following precautions:

Seal the work area to prevent asbestos fibers from spreading.
Wear protective clothing, including a respirator.
Keep the area misted with water to help keep the particles from being airborne.
Remove the tiles as intact as possible.
Dispose of the tiles and any contaminated materials in a sealed container.

Installing New Flooring Over Asbestos Tiles

You can install new flooring over asbestos tiles without removing them first. However, it is important to take the following precautions:

Do not sand down the asbestos tiles.
Install a cement backer board over the asbestos tiles before installing ceramic or porcelain tile.
Install a thin plywood underlayment over the asbestos tiles before installing laminate flooring.
Install hardwood or engineered wood flooring directly on the asbestos tiles.

Additional Tips

If you are unsure whether your flooring contains asbestos, it is best to have it tested by a lab.
If you need to remove asbestos tiles, it is important to hire a professional abatement company.
You can install new flooring over asbestos tiles without removing them first, but it is important to take precautions to avoid disturbing the asbestos fibers.

Peter

Peter is a marketer with a background in business and a passion for writing. With a keen eye for detail and a talent for crafting compelling narratives, Peter has carved out a niche for himself as a versatile contributor to LifeScienceArt.com, where he enjoys sharing his insights and expertise across a wide array of topics. Peter's journey into the world of marketing began with his university education in business. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Business Administration. His academic pursuits were characterized by a deep understanding of market dynamics, consumer behavior, and strategic planning. This foundation laid the groundwork for his successful career in marketing, where he has applied his knowledge to help businesses grow and thrive in competitive landscapes. Throughout his career, Peter has worked with a diverse range of companies, from startups to large multinational conglomerates, helping them develop and execute effective marketing strategies. His experience spans various industries, including technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, reflecting his adaptability and broad skill set. Peter's ability to blend analytical thinking with creative problem-solving has made him a valuable asset in any organization he works with. Despite his busy professional life, Peter has always made time for his true passion: writing. He finds joy in the written word and believes in its power to inform, inspire, and connect people. This passion has found a perfect outlet in LifeScienceArt.com, where he contributes to all sections of the site. Whether it's penning thought-provoking articles on the latest trends in life sciences, crafting engaging profiles of industry leaders, or writing insightful pieces on art and its intersection with science, Peter brings a unique voice and perspective to his work. One of the aspects Peter cherishes most about his role at LifeScienceArt.com is the opportunity to collaborate with a wonderful cohort of writers. He values the camaraderie and the shared commitment to excellence that characterize the team. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals inspires him to continually hone his craft and push the boundaries of his writing. Outside of his professional pursuits, Peter is an avid reader and a lifelong learner. He enjoys exploring new ideas, delving into diverse genres of literature, and staying abreast of developments in science and art. His curiosity and enthusiasm for learning are reflected in his writing, where he strives to bring fresh insights and a nuanced understanding to his readers. Peter's story is one of dedication, versatility, and a deep-seated love for both marketing and writing. His contributions to LifeScienceArt.com not only enrich the site's content but also underscore the importance of passion and collaboration in creating meaningful and impactful work.