Understanding the Requirements: Asbestos Flooring Testing Regulations in Colorado

You finally picked out the perfect luxury vinyl plank for your living room reno—only to have the big box store hit pause on your install. Why? They need you to test your old flooring for asbestos first. Sounds dramatic? Not in Colorado.

It’s not just red tape. In Colorado, it’s the law. Big box stores are serious about asbestos testing before flooring projects because the state is serious about keeping you safe—and making sure no one accidentally kicks up cancer-causing dust during your home makeover.

Let’s break down why stores like Home Depot and Lowe’s are strict about asbestos testing—and why it’s not just red tape, but a real requirement under Colorado’s Regulation 8, especially if your home was built before the ‘90s.

What’s the Big Deal With Asbestos in Flooring?

Most people associate asbestos with attic insulation or popcorn ceilings, but it was also commonly used in flooring materials, especially from the 1950s through the late 1980s.

That means your old vinyl tiles, linoleum, or the black adhesive (called mastic) underneath might contain asbestos. And while these materials can sit quietly in place without issue for years, the second you disturb them during a remodel—by scraping, sanding, or tearing them out—you risk releasing microscopic asbestos fibers into your home’s air.

Those fibers don’t break down and can lodge in the lungs if inhaled, potentially leading to serious health conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, or mesothelioma. It’s not something you want floating around while your kids eat cereal at the kitchen counter.

Why Are Big Box Stores Enforcing Asbestos Testing?

Big box retailers like Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Floor & Decor often offer installation services. But in Colorado, they’re required to follow the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s (CDPHE) Regulation 8, which mandates asbestos testing for renovation projects that might disturb suspect materials.

If a store installs new flooring over existing materials or removes old flooring without checking for asbestos first, they could be on the hook for violating state regulations. And that’s not a small risk—fines for noncompliance can be steep.

Rather than gamble on your build year or take your word for it, they err on the side of caution and require an official asbestos test conducted by a certified inspector before proceeding.

Fact: The classic 9”x9” floor tiles found in mid-century homes are notorious for containing asbestos. Even if they don’t look damaged, they’re usually the first material we test.

Does My Home Need to Be Tested?

If your home was built before 1988, the answer is almost always yes. And in many cases, even homes built into the early 1990s may contain leftover asbestos materials.

Regulation 8 doesn’t just apply to schools or commercial buildings—it applies to single-family homes, too. If your project disturbs more than 32 square feet of suspect material, such as old tile or sheet flooring, testing is required by law.

That means even a modest bathroom or hallway project can fall under the regulation. So yes—your cute bungalow in Arvada with the original vinyl flooring probably needs testing before that herringbone laminate can go in.

Want more info on asbestos testing in homes? We wrote a whole blog about it: Where Can Asbestos Be Found?

What’s Involved in Flooring Asbestos Testing?

The process is pretty straightforward when you hire a certified inspector:

Step 1: Site Evaluation

The inspector looks at the existing flooring to determine the number of layers and materials present—tile, sheet flooring, glue, or underlayment.

Step 2: Sample Collection

Samples are taken of each unique flooring layer. For instance, vinyl tile and mastic underneath are often tested separately.

Step 3: Lab Analysis

Samples are sent to an accredited lab. Turnaround time is usually 1–3 business days. Faster results are possible for an additional fee.

Step 4: Written Report

You receive a report showing whether asbestos was detected, what type it was, and in what percentage.

Step 5: Clearance or Abatement

If no asbestos is found, your flooring project can move forward. If asbestos is present, removal must be handled by a licensed abatement contractor before new flooring can be installed.

Not sure how many samples you’ll need for your project? Check out: Essential Asbestos Testing: How Many Samples Are Required in Colorado?

Fact: That black glue (mastic) under your floor? It’s frequently asbestos-containing—more often than the tile itself.

Why Can’t My Flooring Installer Just Skip the Test?

It’s tempting to try to save time or money by skipping asbestos testing—especially if your flooring looks harmless. But installers who do that are putting themselves, their employees, and your family at risk—not to mention violating state law.

Most installers simply won’t do it. They’ll cancel your project if you don’t provide asbestos clearance documentation because the liability is just too high.

And if someone does install without testing and later it’s found asbestos was present, you could be stuck with a costly abatement job, possible environmental contamination, and even legal issues. Trust us—it’s cheaper and safer to test upfront.

What Happens if Asbestos Is Found?

First: don’t panic.

Finding asbestos doesn’t mean your home is toxic—it just means you need to bring in licensed professionals to safely remove or encapsulate the material before the renovation moves forward. It's just an extra step in the process.

Asbestos abatement is tightly regulated in Colorado, and Elevation Environmental Services can help you connect with reputable abatement companies. We don't just send you the report and say "Good Luck" as we are sending the invoice. We walk you through the process to make sure you know what it all means.

Want to know more about the permit process? You’ll love this one: Why Do You Need an Asbestos Test to Get a Building Permit in Colorado?

Fact: Asbestos wasn’t fully phased out of building materials until well after it was banned in spray-applied products. Materials containing asbestos were still being installed in some buildings into the 1990s.

Quick Checklist: How to Stay Compliant

• Check the age of your home. If it was built before 1988, assume testing will be required.

• Call a certified asbestos inspector like Elevation Environmental Services.

• Get all flooring layers tested—tile, sheet vinyl, glue, underlayment.

• Review your results and follow up with abatement if needed.

• Provide your clearance documentation to your flooring installer.

Following this process keeps your renovation safe, legal, and on track. Plus, you avoid expensive delays, rescheduling, or flooring companies refusing to work on your home.

Fact: In Colorado, even if your project is only disturbing one small bathroom floor, if it’s more than 32 square feet of suspect material, asbestos testing is still required by law.

Final Thoughts

Big box stores aren’t trying to make your project harder—they’re helping you stay compliant with state law. And when it comes to asbestos, it’s better to be overly cautious than accidentally contaminate your home.

The good news? Asbestos testing is simple, fast, and affordable—especially when you work with experienced professionals who understand Colorado regulations.

So before you tear up that old vinyl or prep for your next big flooring upgrade, make sure you have your asbestos testing squared away. Your future self (and your lungs) will thank you.

Schedule Asbestos Testing Today

Found something weird in your attic, garage, or old cabin? Don’t panic—just call us.

We’ll test the material, explain your options, and help you handle it the right way. No scare tactics—just honest guidance and expert support.

Call Elevation Environmental Services to get started.

Related Topics

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