17/08/2026
⚠️ Got old vinyl or lino flooring? Read this before you touch it! ⚠️
If your home was built or renovated before 1990, that vinyl flooring (or what's underneath it) could contain asbestos.
The tricky part: homes often have layer upon layer of flooring. Rip up the top layer thinking you're in the clear, and the bottom layer could still be asbestos vinyl. Test every layer, right down to the subfloor.
Two types to know:
🔸 Class B (non-friable) – asbestos containing vinyl tiles, Fibres are tightly bound, compressed and not normally released unless disturbed, damaged or badly weathered. If left undisturbed in good condition, the risk are much lower. These types of floor exceeding 10m2 must be removed by a Class B licensed asbestos removalist.
🔴 Class A (friable) – Asbestos Backed Vinyl (ABV) – backing often 80–100% asbestos and can crumble by hand. More hazardous than non-friable, as fibres are more easily released. Must always be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.
⚠️ Even the adhesives and glues used to lay old flooring can contain asbestos.
Bottom line: you can't tell asbestos flooring just by looking at it, testing every layer is the only way to know for sure.
🔬 Asbestos Testing: We come to you anywhere in SA, or drop a sample at our Edwardstown office. Results in 5 business days, with urgent 24-hour testing available.
👉 Before you rip it up, DIY or through a flooring company, get it tested first. It could save time delays down the track when you're ready to install your new floor.
Call or message us for more info and pricing on testing.
📍 Adelaide + Regional South Australia
📞 (08) 8338 7939
🌐 specialisedservices.com.au ➡️ Please see our website for a list of our services.