Foam Insulation Filling Gap Under Carpet? Help, advice, information, answers and tips on all types of flooring from laminate and carpet to timber and vinyl

[Newbienewbienoob]

Hi All,

I am thinking about replacing the carpet in my bedroom. I pulled up the carpet and underlay to see what state the floorboards were in, and found a section of tiles against the rear wall, alongside the floorboards.

Between the tiles and the floorboards is a section of foam insulation or something filling a gap.

I have two questions - any idea what tiles like this would have been used for in a bedroom? Perhaps it indicates a fireplace? And can anyone identify the type of insulation used? Hopefully something benign and not some horrible asbestos type?

Total novice, so feel free to add scorn to any helpful comments.

Cheers!

[supersteamer]

Possibly looks like old thermoplastic tiles (although I'd have expected them to be bigger). These often have asbestos content so best getting a sample checked before messing with them.