Anyone know what asbestos under old linoleum looks like?

[dancerdog]

Just that really. I've pulled up an old stair carpet, and underneath it is a layer of linoleum, which has rough-looking backing material.

I was about to rip it all up then remembered that linoleum can have asbestos on it from decades ago.

I've attached a pic to see if anyone can identify what the backing might be.

Most old Lino is more solid and wouldn't bend like that
Nevertheless that looks like asbestos fibres.
Remember the black bituminous glue often used to fix it also contains asbestos

Better to either

• get a professional to check

or

• leave it be. If you don’t touch it it isn’t a problem.

Containing potential asbestos fibres on a stairs would be very difficult even if you get someone to remove it

How old do you think it is? Can you tell by the pattern on the lino whether it looks prior to the 1980's?

I think its going to be 70s or 80s.

We've been here nearly 20 years, I don't think there was a carpet on that stair at the time, and I never looked at it closely. We got it carpeted not long after we moved in, and it is only now that that carpet needs to be replaced that I have realised that the layer of linoleum is there. I thought it was a painted staircase. (It explains why the carpet was always quite poorly fitted - the linoleum and heavy paint meant that not all the nails went through.) Oh, the heavy paint will have lead in it I bet!

As you can see, that bit I photographed is loose, so I'm going to have to do something.

I've asked a company for their prices - does £145 for a survey sound about right? Will send them that pic and see what they think.

If it was laid pre 1980s it’s very likely to be asbestos. Most lino had it then. As you’ve already lifted some yourself why not get an asbestos testing kit yourself. Online about £50

I'm naturally sceptical ( maybe because I’m an architect ) and prefer to be in control of testing.

Id seriously concider whether you really need to remove the lino.

It’s usually in the bitumen glue especially if it’s the old ‘beige’ tiles

No. It’s in the tiles and the glue if it’s all pre mid 80s.

OP in terms of price that seems very reasonable. ( lower £ end I’d say ) Be cautious. Don’t use a surveyor that also works or is part of an Asbestos removal company.

Thanks for comments.
I can't really leave it alone now, the carpet has been ripped up, would need to patch it all up to put a carpet on top. I now know that the previous carpet was badly fitted because the lino was so hard that many of the nails never went through it properly to keep that carpet in position. So a bit dangerous in terms of potential trips.

Good luck. It’s always worth assuming there is asbestos than not.

but as it bends I’m guessing it doesn’t contain asbestos. Most asbestos flooring that I’ve seen cracks when you try to bend it. . Would be interested to know your results when you get them

I bought a test on eBay for £40. They send you a container, you put a sample in it and post it off. Their laboratory replies to say if it’s asbestos. I got my results in about a week I think.

@RentalWoesNotFun did you get a positive or negative result?

DrPrunesqualer
Yes, it is bending round.
I wonder if the DIY test is reliable, I'm a bit concerned that I would have to cut a bit off to send, in case that sends particles flying.
The good bit is it was my husband who thought we should replace the carpet in the first place, not me!

Update for anyone interested.

There was no asbestos in the linoleum, but there was in the floor tiles glued on to it.

I got a few quotes but went with the survey company. Overall cost of survey and removal was £800.

Thanks for coming back on this