Hello everyone,
This concerns a house built in 1965, where we have so far removed a laminate floor in one room on the ground floor. Beneath it, we found a suspected vinyl/PVC flooring. Since we would like to convert the house to underfloor heating, this flooring is also planned to be removed.
A contractor had previously told us (without a thorough inspection) that the flooring did not contain asbestos. Trusting that, we have already lifted the flooring at one corner and detached it from the underlying screed (naively and unfortunately without any protective equipment). However, due to the construction of the flooring, we have become doubtful whether asbestos might be present.
To clarify in advance, we have already ordered a test kit for laboratory analysis. However, it will still take several days until the kit arrives, the sample is sent in, and the lab results are available. Because of the potential fiber release, we are now very concerned about our health and the consequences for our renovation project, so we would greatly appreciate an initial professional assessment.
Unfortunately, we did not take any pictures and currently do not dare to enter the house again, so I will try to describe the situation as precisely as possible:
The suspected vinyl/PVC flooring consists of two layers: a foamed decorative layer with a wood pattern (similar to mosaic parquet imitation) and a thin white backing layer. We do not have reliable information on this, but the flooring was likely (not necessarily) installed around the time the building was constructed in 1965. The flooring was laid as one continuous sheet covering the entire room (about 4 x 4 m (13 x 13 ft)).
It is a flexible flooring that can be folded back over the walking surface without breaking. When peeling the flooring off the adhesive, no pieces broke off from the backing layer and remained stuck to the adhesive. The backing layer does not have a paper/cardboard-like or brittle structure but rather a smooth surface. When lifting the corner, the flooring tore slightly from the corner due to adhesion to the adhesive (it can tear but does not snap).
Additionally, there is a print on the backing layer, presumably the manufacturer’s name or logo. Because only one piece of flooring was lifted, it is difficult to read clearly. What is clearly visible is the word “Guarantee” printed in several languages.
The flooring is firmly glued to the underlying screed with a light brown adhesive. Considerable force is required to detach the flooring. The adhesive is somewhat matte and also not brittle or crumbly. It has a slight solvent smell (as far as I can tell) and still sticks a little bit to shoes when standing on it. However, it is less sticky than, for example, walking over dried lemonade on the floor (anyone with children may be familiar with that).
Based on recommendations from other threads, we would especially appreciate a professional assessment from @KlaRa.
Thank you very much and best regards
This concerns a house built in 1965, where we have so far removed a laminate floor in one room on the ground floor. Beneath it, we found a suspected vinyl/PVC flooring. Since we would like to convert the house to underfloor heating, this flooring is also planned to be removed.
A contractor had previously told us (without a thorough inspection) that the flooring did not contain asbestos. Trusting that, we have already lifted the flooring at one corner and detached it from the underlying screed (naively and unfortunately without any protective equipment). However, due to the construction of the flooring, we have become doubtful whether asbestos might be present.
To clarify in advance, we have already ordered a test kit for laboratory analysis. However, it will still take several days until the kit arrives, the sample is sent in, and the lab results are available. Because of the potential fiber release, we are now very concerned about our health and the consequences for our renovation project, so we would greatly appreciate an initial professional assessment.
Unfortunately, we did not take any pictures and currently do not dare to enter the house again, so I will try to describe the situation as precisely as possible:
The suspected vinyl/PVC flooring consists of two layers: a foamed decorative layer with a wood pattern (similar to mosaic parquet imitation) and a thin white backing layer. We do not have reliable information on this, but the flooring was likely (not necessarily) installed around the time the building was constructed in 1965. The flooring was laid as one continuous sheet covering the entire room (about 4 x 4 m (13 x 13 ft)).
It is a flexible flooring that can be folded back over the walking surface without breaking. When peeling the flooring off the adhesive, no pieces broke off from the backing layer and remained stuck to the adhesive. The backing layer does not have a paper/cardboard-like or brittle structure but rather a smooth surface. When lifting the corner, the flooring tore slightly from the corner due to adhesion to the adhesive (it can tear but does not snap).
Additionally, there is a print on the backing layer, presumably the manufacturer’s name or logo. Because only one piece of flooring was lifted, it is difficult to read clearly. What is clearly visible is the word “Guarantee” printed in several languages.
The flooring is firmly glued to the underlying screed with a light brown adhesive. Considerable force is required to detach the flooring. The adhesive is somewhat matte and also not brittle or crumbly. It has a slight solvent smell (as far as I can tell) and still sticks a little bit to shoes when standing on it. However, it is less sticky than, for example, walking over dried lemonade on the floor (anyone with children may be familiar with that).
Based on recommendations from other threads, we would especially appreciate a professional assessment from @KlaRa.
Thank you very much and best regards
A
Allthewayup12 Jul 2025 21:55In the 1970s, many prefabricated homes used vinyl that often contained chrysotile (white asbestos) in the backing material, as was the case in our home, which was confirmed by a laboratory test. The adhesive looks too brownish. I would consider asbestos in the adhesive unlikely in this case. However, asbestos in the vinyl is quite possible. Wait for the test results before deciding what to do. Regarding the fiber release so far, I agree with Asbestosteron. Fibers can be detected in every cubic meter of indoor air around us due to human activity.
ypg schrieb:
I hope you disposed of it properly!
Now just wait and see what the lab tells you. How long will it take?
By now, we are quite familiar with the subject and, of course, we are following all the disposal regulations.
I will send the sample to the lab on Monday. The turnaround time after receipt of the sample is usually 2-3 working days. With some luck, we should get the results by the end of next week. Until then, we’ll have to wait anxiously.
During my research, I also came across the construction hazardous materials documentation called “Polludoc.” Under “Single-layer sheet floor coverings,” there is an example image of a PVC floor covering that looks almost identical to ours, described as “fiber-reinforced PVC floor covering without asbestos.”
Another interesting piece of information is: “Adhesives that are not bitumen-based (and therefore not black) can also contain asbestos, although much less frequently than bitumen-based adhesives.”
I think this provides a first, hopefully reassuring, sign for us and all others affected. 🙂
Thank you very much for your support and best regards
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