3 Ways To Identify Asbestos Tiles - WikiHow

Skip to ContentQuizzes

• PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
• QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
• EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
• LOG IN

  Log in

  Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. Facebook Google wikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
• RANDOM

• Home
• Random
• Browse Articles
• TrendingNew
• Quizzes & Games
• All QuizzesHot
• Love Quizzes
• Personality Quizzes
• Fun Games
• Dating Simulator
• Learn Something New
• Forums
• Courses
• Happiness Hub
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow

• Log in / Sign up

Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• DIY
• Tiles and Tiling

How to Identify Asbestos Tiles Co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD

Last Updated: February 18, 2026 References

• Looking for Physical Indicators
|
• Testing Tiles for Asbestos
|
• Hiring an Asbestos Professional
|
• Video
|
• Warnings

|Show more |Show less X

This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been viewed 106,949 times.

Are you in a building that was constructed between 1920 and 1980? Do you see oily stains on your tiles, or powdery residue? If so, you may have asbestos in your tiles. Ingesting or inhaling the thin fibers of asbestos can cause cancer and serious pulmonary diseases like mesothelioma, so this isn’t something you can solve on your own.[1] If you do suspect you have asbestos tiles, contact a professional. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about identifying and getting rid of asbestos tiles in your wall and ceiling.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 3:

Looking for Physical Indicators

1. 1 Check for 9 in (23 cm), 12 in (30 cm), or 18 in (46 cm) square tiles. The most popular size and shape of asbestos tiles when they were used as a popular building material were 9 in (23 cm) by 9 in (23 cm) squares. But 12 in (30 cm) and 18 in (46 cm) squares were commonly used as well.[2]
   • Contact an asbestos professional to inspect your tile to see if it contains asbestos.
   • You may be able to test the tile yourself with a test kit that you can order online.
   • The asbestos-containing tiles could be thick, stone-like tiles or they could be thin, vinyl tiles.
2. 2 Find out if any of the tiles were installed before 1980. Asbestos tiles can be difficult to identify because you can’t see the asbestos in the tile. Because asbestos was widely used before 1980, if you have flooring tiles that were installed before then, you need to test a piece of the flooring to make sure it’s safe.
   • You can test the tile yourself or hire an asbestos professional to inspect and test the tiles for asbestos.
   • Knowing when your building was built can help you find out when the tiles were installed. Access your building information by searching through public records to find out when it was constructed.

   Tip: If you can’t confirm when the tiles were installed but you think they may have been installed before 1980, it's better to be safe than sorry and have them checked for asbestos.

   Advertisement
3. 3 See if your tiles appear stained or oily. Asbestos tiles contain asphalt as a main ingredient. Asphalt can degrade over time and cause the tiles to appear grimy or have spots of discoloration.[3]
   • Try cleaning the tile with soap and water and if the discoloration or oil doesn’t seem to come off, it may be because it’s a tile that contains asphalt and asbestos.
4. 4 Inspect the tiles for cracks and damage. Asbestos is only harmful if it’s ingested or inhaled. In order for asbestos to be released into the air, tile that contains asbestos must be damaged or degrading. Check your tile to see if there are cracks or spots where the material seems to be breaking down.[4]
   • Be especially concerned if you’re not sure how old the tiles are or if you believe they were installed before 1980.
5. 5 Look for residue of old flooring tiles that may have contained asbestos. Many old flooring tiles that contained asbestos were designed and arranged in a 9 in (23 cm) by 9 in (23 cm) pattern. If you’re renovating a building or redoing the flooring in a room, look for the pattern of older tiles that could indicate that asbestos tiles were present.[5]
   • Even if the tiles were removed or don’t contain asbestos, the adhesive on the backing could contain it.
   • If you do find old flooring tiles that you think may contain asbestos, stop working immediately and contact an asbestos professional.
Advertisement

Method 2 Method 2 of 3:

Testing Tiles for Asbestos

1. 1 Contact your local building authority to see if you can test for asbestos. There may be local rules and regulations regarding the testing of asbestos. You may be required to hire a licensed asbestos professional in order to test any tiles you think may contain asbestos.[6]
   • Contact your local government or go online to check your local laws regarding asbestos testing.
2. 2 Obtain an asbestos test kit if local regulations allow for it. You can purchase an asbestos test kit at hardware stores or online. Check the packaging to find out how you need to provide the sample and where you need to send it once you’ve taken a sample. Follow all instructions carefully.[7] [8]
   • If you’re in the US, make sure you purchase a test kit that uses lab methods that are approved by the Environmental Protection Agency. Check the packaging to make sure.
   • Asbestos test kits cost around $10.
   • While you may be allowed to do it yourself, it is recommended to contact an accredited asbestos inspector to gather samples to avoid contamination.[9]
3. 3 Lay plastic sheeting around the area to catch any potential asbestos. When you’re taking a sample of your tile, you don’t want to risk asbestos potentially contaminating the area. Asbestos dust can still harm someone, even in small amounts. Lay down a plastic sheet or a tarp to catch any dust that could escape.[10]
   • Newspaper or towels are not sufficient to contain asbestos fibers.
4. 4 Put on protective equipment. Wear a respirator approved for handling asbestos, rubber gloves, long-sleeved clothing, and rubber boots with shoe covers when you plan to take a sample of tile that could potentially contain asbestos.[11] Use equipment that you don’t mind throwing away because you’ll need to discard the items after you wear them and collect a sample.[12]

   Warning: Do not allow anyone who isn’t wearing protective gear in the area where you’re taking your sample.[13] Asbestos is extremely harmful if it’s ingested or inhaled.

5. 5 Remove a piece of the tile and place it in a plastic bag. Use a utility knife or a small chisel to remove a small piece of the tile that you want to be tested. Carefully pick up the piece and place it in a plastic bag. Seal the plastic bag.[14]
   • The sample shouldn’t weigh more than 100 grams (0.22 lb).
   • Label the plastic bag with the date the sample was taken, the type of tile (if you know it), and where the sample was taken.
6. 6 Dispose of your protective gear. Place your face mask, gloves, and any clothes that you wore when you took your sample into a thick garbage bag. You can throw the bag away in the trash to be collected.[15]
   • Do not attempt to wash and keep the clothing you wore. The fibrous asbestos may not be removed by washing.
7. 7 Mail the sample tile to the testing lab. Follow the packing procedure described on the packaging of the test kit. Place the plastic bag into an envelope and address it to the testing lab. Drop your package off at the post office to be delivered.[16]
   • Some testing kits allow you to print out postage to mail the sample to them.
   • Make sure you use enough postage to have the sample delivered.
8. 8 Review the results when you get them. Once the testing lab receives the sample, they should get the results back to you in about a week or so. If you don’t hear anything from them after a week, try contacting them to confirm the status of the testing.[17]
   • After you mail your sample, you can contact the testing lab to let them know it’s on the way or to confirm that they received it.
   • Some labs give you the option of receiving your results by email, which means you can get them faster than waiting for the mail. Contact them to see if they provide this service.
Advertisement

Method 3 Method 3 of 3:

Hiring an Asbestos Professional

1. 1 Contact 2 different asbestos firms to avoid a conflict of interest. If you choose to hire an asbestos professional to inspect and possibly remove asbestos tile from your building, make sure that professional isn’t connected to a firm that also specializes in asbestos removal. You could be told that you need to make costly repairs when you really don’t.[18]
   • You could have 1 company test your tiles for asbestos and if asbestos is present, hire another company to remediate your asbestos tile.
   • Choose 2 firms that aren’t connected to each other or hire a separate inspector to help you decide if you should pay a firm certified to remove asbestos from your building.
   • Look online for asbestos removal firms in your area.
2. 2 Request certifications from any asbestos professional you hire. Ask an asbestos firm or professional that you’re considering hiring to provide you with certifications that show that they have completed all of the necessary federal and state training and are qualified to perform the work. If the firm sends an individual to inspect your building, ask them for their credentials as well.[19]
   • Local laws and regulations regarding asbestos removal and disposal can vary, so you need to make sure that the professionals that you hire are following the proper procedures.
   • You can possibly be held liable or risk exposing yourself to asbestos if your contaminated tiles are removed by someone with poor training.
3. 3 Check the Better Business Bureau rating of the firms you’re considering. Before you choose a firm or professional that you want to hire, check their rating with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB assigns ratings from A+ as the highest to F as the lowest. A rating of B- or higher generally means that the business is reliable and trustworthy.[20]
   • The BBB should have a record of the firm that you can review to help you make your decision.
   • If you see any violations or reports of improper practices, don’t hire them!

   Tip: Look for any safety violations reported against them or if any legal actions have been filed against them. These are red flags that signal that you shouldn’t hire them.

4. 4 Make sure the inspection includes examination and sample collection. An asbestos inspection can take anywhere from 1-3 hours. While the professional inspects your building for asbestos, make sure that they visually examine the entire area for contamination and that they collect samples for analysis.[21]
   • The asbestos professional should have the samples tested in a lab to confirm the presence of asbestos. Testing can take up to a week to complete. Ask to receive a copy of the test results when they’re completed.
   • Inspections can cost between $400 and $800 and lab analysis can range from $25 to $75 to complete.
5. 5 Get a written evaluation from the firm when they’re finished. When the asbestos professional is finished either inspecting your tile or removing asbestos-contaminated tile, ask them for a written evaluation of the work they performed. You need to have official documentation from them that all of the proper rules and procedures have been followed.[22]
   • You could face potential liability or even risk exposure to asbestos if you can’t confirm the work that the asbestos professionals completed.
Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Search Add New Question Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement

Video

Tips

Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

• Always wear protective equipment when you’re handling tiles that may be contaminated with asbestos. Thanks Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0

Advertisement

You Might Also Like

How toIdentify Asbestos Mastic How toTest for Asbestos Asbestos in Plaster Walls: Identification, Removal, & More How to Test a Popcorn Ceiling for Asbestos How toIdentify Asbestos Insulation How to Reduce Anxiety about Asbestos Exposure How toRemove Bathroom Tile How to Check for Lead Paint In Your Home (And What to Do About It) How to Remove Ceramic or Porcelain Tile How toRemove Mastic How toTest for Lead How toTest Water Purity How to Retile a Floor How to Remove Drop Ceiling Tiles Advertisement

References

1. ↑ https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/asbestos/asbestos-fact-sheet
2. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
3. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
4. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos
5. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
6. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
7. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
8. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview
9. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview

More References (13)

10. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-test-for-asbestos/
11. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview
12. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-test-for-asbestos/
13. ↑ Gregory Cade, JD. Environmental & Occupational Law Attorney. Expert Interview
14. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-test-for-asbestos/
15. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
16. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-test-for-asbestos/
17. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-test-for-asbestos/
18. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals
19. ↑ https://www.bobvila.com/articles/asbestos-floor-tiles/
20. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals
21. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals
22. ↑ https://www.epa.gov/asbestos/protect-your-family-exposures-asbestos#professionals

About This Article

Co-authored by: Gregory Cade, JD Industrial Hygiene Expert This article was co-authored by Gregory Cade, JD. Gregory Cade is an Environmental and Occupational Law Attorney. With over 25 years of experience, he has extensive knowledge in injuries resulting from toxic substance exposure like pesticides. He is a member of numerous professional organizations, including The American Bar Association, The National Association of Environmental Professionals, and The American Association for Justice. Gregory graduated with a BS in Natural Science and Mathematics with an emphasis in Chemistry and Biology and an MPH in Occupational Health, Safety, and Industrial Hygiene from The University of Alabama at Birmingham. He also holds a JD from Miles School of Law. This article has been viewed 106,949 times. 7 votes - 77% Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 106,949 Categories: Tiles and Tiling In other languages Spanish Japanese

• Print
• Send fan mail to authors

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 106,949 times.

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Gregory Cade, JD Industrial Hygiene Expert 7 votes - 77% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 9 Updated: February 18, 2026 Views: 106,949

Quizzes & Games

Childhood Trauma TestTake QuizDo I Have Trypophobia (Fear Of Tiny Holes)Take QuizWhat's My Hair Type QuizTake QuizDepression TestTake QuizTraffic Signs TestTake QuizWhat Skin Type Do I Have QuizTake Quiz

You Might Also Like

How toIdentify Asbestos MasticHow toTest for AsbestosAsbestos in Plaster Walls: Identification, Removal, & MoreHow to Test a Popcorn Ceiling for Asbestos

Featured Articles

What 16 of the Most Common Hugs MeanJuicy, Deep, & Hot-Seat Questions to Get to Know Your Friends Better40+ Talking Games to Play with Friends, Partners & MoreHow toMake Friends

Trending Articles

What Female Body Shape Are You? How to Identify YoursWhat Emojis Mean Sex?What Pokémon Am I QuizDo I Have Brainrot QuizSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat JJK Character Am I Quiz

Featured Articles

The Different Types of People You Can Find in a Friend GroupAn Introduction to Kibbe Body Types (with Styling Tips!)Being the Little Spoon While Cuddling: Is It Better Than the Big Spoon?From Alpha to Omega: A Guide to the 7 Male Personalities

Featured Articles

7 Easy Card Magic Tricks You Can Master in MinutesHow to Perform Magic: 8 Tricks for BeginnersHow toHypnotize SomeoneThe Easiest Guinness World Records to Break: Which Will You Try?How to Solve a Rubik's Cube in 20 MovesHow toWhistle with Two Fingers

Watch Articles

How toEat GuavaHow to Get Yellow Stains Out of White ShoesLeft Eye Twitching for Females: What Astrology Says About Eye Twitching50 First Date Conversation Starters to Spark a ConnectionHow to Make a Mask Out of Paper (for Kids or Adults)How to Put Jibbitz on Crocs

Trending Articles

Do You Agree with These "Hear Me Out" Character Hot Takes?Finish the Lyrics QuizHow to Read Face Moles: Lucky and Unlucky PlacementsHow to Make the Magna-Tile Hologram from TikTokWhich Hunger Games District Would I Live In QuizCan Your Finger Length Tell Your Personality?

Quizzes & Games

Cognitive TestTake QuizToxic Family TestTake QuizOCD TestTake QuizWould I Be a Good Super Spy QuizTake QuizRare Dollar Bill Value CalculatorAnalyzeDo I Need Therapy QuizTake Quiz

• Categories
• Home and Garden
• DIY
• Tiles and Tiling

wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.

• Home
• About wikiHow
• Experts
• Jobs
• Contact Us
• Site Map
• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info
• Contribute

Follow Us

×

wikiHow Tech Help Pro:

Develop the tech skills you need for work and life

Let's do this! X --634