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The Risks Of Covering Asbestos Flooring Instead Of Removing It

Asbestos Removal
February 26, 2026

While it’s not an everyday occurrence, it isn’t rare for property owners to discover that their flooring is installed with asbestos-containing materials. In the mid-to-late 1980s, asbestos was used heavily in construction and building materials, including flooring, to fortify the materials, making them more durable and fire-resistant. Today, the mineral can be found in some vinyl tiles, vinyl sheet flooring, linoleum and laminate flooring. While this doesn’t mean modern iterations of these flooring types require asbestos removal in Toronto, many materials installed or manufactured during this time still do require professional asbestos floor tile removal. 

If you have discovered asbestos in your flooring or around your property, contact Canada’s Restoration Services. Our team will provide an inspection, a scope of work, and an asbestos removal cost estimate to help you get the hazardous mineral out of your commercial or residential building. Some property owners may consider painting, encapsulating or covering asbestos flooring, but this can worsen risks.

Here are some of the risks of covering the hazardous mineral and why you should invest in asbestos floor tile removal in Toronto.

Disturbing Materials During Renovation

asbestos removal torontoCovering asbestos flooring may seem like a quick fix, but it does not eliminate the problem. Asbestos can be a serious hazard and must be treated as such when uncovered on your property. When installing new flooring over old asbestos tiles, the hazardous material remains underneath, which means that during this renovation or future construction projects, the material can still be easily disturbed. 

Any construction activity can break or crumble the asbestos-containing material. Once disturbed, fibers can become airborne. What may have felt like a cost or time-saving decision can quickly turn into a larger project and a more hazardous site, requiring full containment and professional asbestos removal in Toronto from a certified provider like Canada’s Restoration Services. By investing in asbestos removal costs now, you can offset dangers and more expensive work in the future.

Deterioration in the Future

Asbestos flooring does not remain intact forever. Over time, materials deteriorate. Adhesives break down, tiles crack, and sheet flooring can lift. Even if covered, aging asbestos materials can degrade beneath the surface.

Moisture intrusion, water damage, or shifting foundations can accelerate deterioration. If the material becomes friable, meaning it can crumble easily, the risk of airborne fibers increases. 

Exposure to Asbestos

Asbestos fibers are microscopic and can remain suspended in the air when released. Inhalation of these fibers has been linked to serious health conditions including lung disease and mesothelioma.

Encapsulation may temporarily reduce the likelihood of fiber release, but it does not remove the hazard in its entirety. Any disturbance, intentional or accidental, can create exposure. 

Fines and Project Delays

Failing to properly address asbestos can also result in legal and financial consequences. In Ontario, there are strict regulations regarding the handling and disposal of asbestos-containing materials. Contractors and property owners who ignore these requirements may face fines or project shutdowns.

If asbestos is discovered during a renovation after being covered, work may be halted until proper remediation is completed. This can lead to costly delays and increased asbestos removal cost estimates due to emergency containment measures.

Make the Safer Choice with Asbestos Floor Tile Removal

Covering asbestos flooring may seem convenient, but it often creates more complications down the road. Professional asbestos floor tile removal in Toronto with Canada’s Restoration Services provides peace of mind by eliminating the hazard completely. Our team offers detailed inspections and transparent asbestos removal cost estimates so property owners can make informed decisions.

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