Built before 1990? Test before tear-out.
Old vinyl, sheet flooring, tile and the black adhesive under them can contain asbestos. In BC it has to be tested before it's disturbed. Here's what that means for your floor project.
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Materials worth checking.
Vinyl tile and sheet vinyl
Especially 9×9 and 12×12 tiles and sheet flooring with a paper-like backing.
Black mastic and glue
The adhesive under old tile or vinyl is tested separately from the flooring itself.
Whatever is underneath
Older homes often have two or three floors stacked up. Each layer can be different.
Test, clear, then install.
- 01Sample. A qualified surveyor takes small samples and sends them to a lab. Results usually come back within days.
- 02If it's clear, removal and installation go ahead as planned.
- 03If it's positive, a WorkSafeBC-licensed abatement contractor removes it safely first. Sometimes covering it is an option instead.
- 04Then the new floor goes in, starting with levelling and a clean, sound subfloor.
Older-home questions.
Does my house need an asbestos test before new flooring?
If it was built before 1990 and the work will disturb old vinyl, sheet flooring, tile or the adhesive underneath, yes. WorkSafeBC requires testing before renovation work that could disturb asbestos.
Can you tell if flooring has asbestos by looking at it?
No. Only a lab test of a sample can tell.
Who removes it if the test is positive?
A WorkSafeBC-licensed asbestos abatement contractor. Since 2024, abatement contractors in BC must be licensed.
What about lead paint on old stairs and trim?
Homes built before 1960 probably have lead paint somewhere, and some built up to 1990 may too. Test before sanding painted stairs, trim or baseboards.
Can new flooring go over the old flooring instead?
Sometimes, depending on the floor and the product. It avoids disturbing old layers, but it raises the floor height, which affects doors and stairs.
Testing is arranged through a qualified surveyor and priced separately from your floor. See our for everything else.
Planning floors in an older home?
Rooms, rough size and the floor you have in mind. Brody will follow up to arrange a free measure, usually within 2 days.
Prefer to talk? 604-716-4160 · [email protected]
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