If you’re renovating an older home in New Zealand, you might stumble across vinyl flooring that’s seen better days. While it may seem like a simple rip-and-replace job, vinyl flooring removal can quickly become a safety concern if asbestos is involved. At Revolve Asbestos Solutions, we’re here to guide you through the process and shed light on the different types of asbestos floors you might encounter. With over 30 years of experience in residential asbestos removal across the North Island, we’re committed to keeping your home safe and asbestos-free.
Vinyl flooring was a popular choice in New Zealand homes from the 1950s through the 1980s, prized for its durability, affordability, and stylish designs.However, many of these floors—particularly those installed before the late1980s—contain asbestos, a hazardous material once widely used for its re-resistant and insulating properties. Disturbing asbestos-containing vinyl flooring without proper precautions can release harmful fibres into the air, posing serious health risks like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
Before you start tearing up that old vinyl, it’s critical to determine whether asbestos is present. Visual inspection alone won’t cut it—professional testing by certified experts, like the team at Revolve Asbestos Solutions, is the only way to know for sure. If asbestos is detected, safe removal by licensed professionals is a must to protect your family and comply with New Zealand’s Health and Safety atWork (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
Not all asbestos floors are the same. Understanding the different types can help you better prepare for safe removal. Here’s a breakdown of the most common asbestos-containing flooring materials found in NZ homes:
These small, square tiles—often 9x9 or 12x12 inches—were a staple in mid-20th-century homes. Asbestos was mixed directly into the vinyl to enhance strength and durability. If intact, these tiles are considered non-friable, meaning the asbestos is bonded within the material and less likely to release fibres unless damaged or cut. However, during removal, improper handling can turn them into a health hazard.
Unlike tiles, vinyl sheet flooring comes in large rolls and was commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, and laundries. The asbestos is typically found in the backing or lining, often as a paper-like layer made of up to 100%white (chrysotile) asbestos. This backing can become friable—easily crumbled by hand—when disturbed, making it especially risky during removal if not managed correctly.
Even if the vinyl itself is asbestos-free, the black or dark adhesive (mastic) used to glue it down might contain asbestos. This is common in homes built or renovated before 2000. Removing the flooring can disturb the adhesive, releasing fibres into the air if not handled by professionals equipped with the right tools and safety measures
At Revolve Asbestos Solutions, we take a meticulous approach to vinyl flooring removal to ensure your safety and compliance with NZ regulations. Here’s how we do it:
Attempting DIY vinyl flooring removal is a recipe for disaster if asbestos is present. As a leading asbestos removal company in New Zealand, RevolveAsbestos Solutions brings expertise, precision, and peace of mind to every project. We operate from Waikato to Whangarei, serving homeowners with fast, reliable, and compliant services. Whether it’s asbestos vinyl tiles, sheet flooring, or adhesive, we’ve got you covered.
If your home was built or renovated before 2000, don’t take chances with vinyl flooring removal. Contact Revolve Asbestos Solutions for a free quote and expert advice on managing asbestos floors. Let us help you create a safer, healthier living space—because your family deserves nothing less.
