Asbestos in Vinyl Flooring in NZ Homes

Vinyl flooring was a popular choice in New Zealand homes built between 1950 and 1990. But many of these older floors may contain asbestos, especially in the vinyl sheeting, backing, or adhesive glue.

At Savy Enviro, we help Kiwis test, manage, and safely remove asbestos in flooring and other building materials.

There’s no way to confirm visually.

The only safe way to know is to get it tested by a certified asbestos professional.

Asbestos in vinyl flooring may be found in:

• Vinyl sheet flooring (especially cushioned-backed)
• Vinyl tiles (often 9-inch or 12-inch)
• The black or brown glue (bitumen adhesive) used to install them

Older homes and schools in NZ are more likely to have these materials.

Vinyl flooring is just one of many places you might find asbestos in the home. Others include:

• Ceilings (including textured or popcorn ceilings)
• Ceiling tiles and panels
• Walls (particularly fibre cement boards)
• Roofing materials
• Insulation in walls or around pipes

If your home was built or renovated between 1950 and 2000, there’s a higher chance of asbestos being present.

Costs vary based on:

• Size of the area
• Type of vinyl and glue
• Accessibility and location
• Extent of contamination

For an accurate estimate of cost, we recommend getting a site-specific quote.

If you also have asbestos in your ceiling (like popcorn ceilings), the removal cost will be assessed separately.

(Learn more about popcorn ceiling removal costs)

Before sanding, scraping or removing vinyl flooring – always test first.

Disturbing asbestos materials can release tiny, harmful fibres into the air.
These are a health hazard and linked to mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

Testing takes just a few days, and it could prevent costly contamination.

Do not attempt to remove it yourself.

Improper handling can contaminate your home and put people at risk.

Instead:

• Contact Savy Enviro for asbestos testing
• Get a clear plan for safe removal or encapsulation
• Let our licensed team handle the disposal, in line with WorkSafe NZ regulations

• We’re a WorkSafe-licensed asbestos removal company
• Based in Auckland, servicing wider NZ
• Safe, compliant testing and removal
• Transparent pricing and expert advice

Don’t take risks.

If your home has old vinyl flooring, or you’re unsure what’s underneath – get it tested before you renovate.

Contact Savy Enviro for expert asbestos advice and testing.

We’re here to help you keep your home safe.