Chances of being Asbestos Vinyl Tile?

[Brian Ellis]

Removed that old carpet we all love... just when you think you’re going to get lucky and find a nice sheet of plywood underneath, you get stuck with this:

Do any of you experienced DIYers, or contractors have any experience with this? What are the chances of it being Asbestos? How would you handle it?

Thanks in advance!

[Jim K.]

Could be worse, Brian. The bad news is: 9×9, black adhesive, build is 1920-1960...very high probability the adhesive is asbestos-contaminated, high-probability the tile is vinyl asbestos. Sometimes the black stuff will, curiously, turn white with water exposure.

What was the plan for the floor? This is not the end of the world. Barring special circumstances, all you need to do is encapsulate this floor to remediate it. This is where the thick vinyl plank shines.