Windsor Environmental · Updated November 2026
Often, yes. Vinyl-asbestos tile (VAT), especially the 9-inch square size, was standard from the 1950s through the late 1970s. The black mastic under the tiles can contain asbestos too, even when the tile itself doesn’t.
How to know for sure
A lab test of both the tile and the mastic. TEM analysis is often used for floor tiles to confirm a negative result.
Your options
- The tiles: asbestos tiles are removed by licensed crews under containment.
- The mastic underneath: it can be removed chemically, or encapsulated (sealed) under the new floor. Encapsulation is often the cheaper option.
Don’t
Don’t sand, grind or break tiles to get them up, and don’t use a floor scraper on mastic without knowing what it is.
Questions
Are 12x12 tiles safe?
Not necessarily; older 12x12 tiles can contain asbestos as well.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change. We’ll confirm what applies to your property when you call.
