Can you remove Marley floor tiles?

Got Marley floor tiles in your home? Looking to replace them with something more modern? Unfortunately, many Marley floor tiles contain asbestos, so it may not be as simple as just ripping them up and starting again.

Here, we’ll look at whether you can remove Marley floor tiles and what precautions you’ll need to take.

Can you remove Marley floor tiles yourself?

If you’re keen to replace your Marley floor tiles, you might well be wondering whether you can simply rip them up yourself to save on costs. The answer will depend on whether the tiles contain asbestos.

Unfortunately, Marley tiles are known to have been manufactured using chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos) in some cases. This can be hazardous if disturbed and breathed in.

It’s therefore important to find out whether your tiles are affected before removing them.

Do my Marley floor tiles contain asbestos?

You can’t tell whether or not floor tiles contain asbestos just by looking. Factors like their size, appearance and what year they were installed can give you a clue. But in reality, asbestos can be found in any property that was built before the year 2000 (although asbestos floor tiles were mostly installed between 1920 and 1970).

With that in mind, the only way to know for sure whether your Marley floor tiles or adhesive contain asbestos is to have them sample tested.

This involves testing both the tiles and adhesive or bitumen for asbestos fibres. You’ll then receive a report by a UKAS-accredited laboratory. It will tell you whether asbestos fibres are present as well as the type of asbestos found.

Who can remove my Marley floor tiles?

If you get your Marley floor tiles tested and there’s no asbestos found then it’s good news! You can go ahead and rip those tiles out yourself. Or, if you prefer, just get a flooring expert to do the dirty work for you.

On the other hand, if your tiles are found to contain asbestos, it’s important to leave the work to professionals who specialise in asbestos removal.

Although non-licensed workers can legally carry out work on asbestos floor tiles, they will need to be appropriately trained and have the necessary safety equipment. They’ll also need to ensure that they dispose of the waste safely and legally.

Remember, Marley floor tiles shouldn’t cause any health issues if they are intact and undisturbed. However, removing them will create dust which is dangerous when breathed in. Therefore this should only be carried out by trained professionals.

Find a professional to test your tiles for asbestos

If you’re still keen to get rid of your Marley floor tiles, the first step is to get them tested for asbestos. Only then will you know what your options are when it comes to removal.

Simply enter your postcode below to find a professional who can help.