Why Big Box Stores in Colorado Require Asbestos Testing Before Flooring Projects

Asbestos Flooring Testing in Colorado: Why Retailers Take It Seriously

If you’re shopping for new floors at your favorite big box store in Denver, Aurora, Centennial, Arvada, or Lakewood, asbestos testing probably isn’t the first thing on your mind. But behind the scenes? These retailers are quietly obsessed with it — and for good reason.

And no, it’s not because they like slowing down projects. It’s because Colorado’s rules are strict, the liability is real, and flooring is one of the most common places asbestos hides.

Colorado Asbestos Regulations Explained (Regulation 8 Requirements)

Colorado is known for its outdoor playgrounds and mountain views, but the state is equally hardline about asbestos. CDPHE Regulation 8 isn’t casual. It outlines what must be tested, when testing is required, and how asbestos-containing materials (ACM) must be handled.

They also govern how many samples are required for it to get the CDPHE green thumb of approval. If your curious about how many samples are required when it comes to asbestos testing, we have an article specifically about it called Essential Asbestos Testing: How Many Number of Samples Are Required in Colorado? that talks all about it!

Why Flooring Is High-Risk for Asbestos in Colorado Homes

Flooring materials — especially vinyl sheet, 9x9 tiles, 12x12 tiles, and black mastic — frequently test above 1% asbestos. Even houses built after the “asbestos era” can still have leftover stock or mixed-material renovations.

Devil’s advocate: plenty of homeowners insist, “My home was built in the 90s, so it’s safe.” Unfortunately, Regulation 8 doesn’t care. Testing is required any time suspect material may be disturbed, regardless of build year.

Fun Fact: Did you know many 1980s and 1990s homes still used older stock flooring materials that tested above 1% asbestos?

Protecting Employees and Customers During Flooring Removal

Big Box Companies Have Corporate Liability (and They Know It)

If a store’s installation crew accidentally removes asbestos-containing flooring outside a proper abatement containment setup, they could trigger a Major Asbestos Spill — defined by Colorado as removing over 32 square feet of ACM without containment.

That’s not a small oops. That’s corporate-reporting, fines, and stop-work-order territory.

In our blog post Minor vs. Major Asbestos Spills in the Denver Metro Area: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters, we talk about how inconvenient and expensive it can get really quick if not done right. Sometimes.

Why Testing Protects Everyone Involved

Testing ensures:

• Installers aren’t exposed

• The store avoids violations

• Homeowners stay clear of cross-contamination

• Projects don’t get shut down halfway

Retailers simply aren’t willing to gamble on this.

Fun Fact: Asbestos fibers can stay airborne for hours, but they’re so small you can’t see them — even when the air looks perfectly clear.

The Cost of Skipping Asbestos Testing (Spoiler: It’s Not Cheap)

Yes, asbestos testing costs something upfront. But non-compliance? That’s where the real sting is. An flooring asbestos test averages between $300 to $400 depending on how many types of flooring there is to sample. But when you don't test first and it had asbestos, costs can do up thousands.

Colorado Penalties and Stop-Work Orders

Violations can include:

• Fines

• Mandatory cleanup

• Reporting to the state

• Project shutdowns

• Public record of non-compliance

For a big box brand, the optics alone are a nightmare.

Devil’s advocate: a homeowner might say, “Let’s just tear it up; no one will know.” The store absolutely will not risk that. Their risk tolerance is zero. They may ask for an air clearance to prove that it is safe to continue work. Which honestly, depending on what company you go with to preform the air clearance, could be more expensive then what the testing could have been.

Our So You Have Asbestos—Now What? A Step-by-Step Guide from Testing to Final Clearance article goes over what the whole process looks like from start to finish.

The Renovation Boom and Flooring Removal Risk

With Colorado’s constant stream of remodels, flips, and insurance-driven restoration work, flooring removal happens constantly.

Why Most Homeowners Cover Old Flooring Instead of Removing It

Covering old ACM flooring is usually the cheapest and safest option. The trouble starts when a retailer is contracted to remove flooring.

If they disturb ACM without containment, they’re on the hook. That’s why testing is non-negotiable before they touch anything.

Fun Fact: Many homeowners unknowingly have two or even three layers of flooring — including asbestos-containing materials — hiding under newer layers.

Environmental Responsibility and Corporate Image

Consumers today care about air quality, sustainability, and safe construction practices — and retailers know this.

Why Asbestos Testing Supports a “Green and Clean” Brand

Testing demonstrates:

• Responsible waste disposal

• Reduced environmental contamination

• Transparent safety practices

• Compliance with state environmental goals

This isn’t just paperwork. It’s brand strategy.

Peace of Mind for Homeowners and Installers

At the end of the day, asbestos flooring testing is about certainty. When you know what’s in your home, you avoid:

• Delays

• Unexpected abatement costs

• Safety hazards

• Legal issues

• Insurance claim complications

And projects run smoother — especially for flooring installations that require removal.

So what happens when you floors are damages because a toilet leaked and now insurance is coming in? Our article How to Survive the Insurance Claim Circus (Step by Step Guide to Dealing with Asbestos, Mold and Insurance) goes over what the insurance process is like and what you can do to make sure you are being taken care of!

How Elevation Environmental Services Supports Big Box Stores

Big box stores across Colorado work with Elevation Environmental Services because we deliver exactly what they need:

• Clear, Regulation-8-compliant reports

• Fast turnaround (including same day results)

• Easy-to-read results for installers

• Guidance on next steps if material tests positive

• Support for homeowners so projects don’t stall

We make the testing process painless so your flooring install moves forward without surprises.

Questions? Need testing before your new flooring is installed? Contact us at Elevation Environmental Services! We're here to help!

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