Recent Questions & answers on How to Remove Asbestos Containing Floor Tiles or Sheet Flooring Safely.

This article series describes the proper procedure for removing vinyl-asbestos floor tiles.

Q&A on Procedures for Removing Asbestos-Containing Floor Tile (Vinyl-Asbestos Tile / Asphalt-Asbestos Tile)

These questions and answers about removing asbestos-containing floor tiles or sheet flooring were posted originally at ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE - you will want to read the advice given there.

Is Asbestos-Containing Floor Tile Removal Necessary?

Asbestos is safe and legal to remain in homes or public buildings as long as the asbestos materials are in good condition and the asbestos can not be released into the air.

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On 2018-11-03 by (mod) - You should not remove asbestos-containing floor tile unless it is really necessary.

Jack

I can't answer a safety question about the performance of an unknown contractor in an unknown building on an unknown floor.

In general, EPA and everyone else familiar with this topic point out that safest and least costly is to leave old flooring in place, covering it over with new flooring.

In a situation where that can't be done and demolition must be performed, there are guidelines for doing that process safely and properly.

Articles describing those procedures are at the CONTINUE READING links given just above on this page.

On 2018-11-03 by Jack D.

, I appreciate your fast reply, Mr. Friedman. I spent about two hours on this site looking at all you guys have to offer. I figured it prudent, as it was put, to assume the tile has asbestos and forego and testing due to the size, age, and color.

In your opinion, would it be safe if a contractor were to remove it? I was going to install through Home Depot, but due to the tile they won’t do it. Therefore, I will need to get some other company to do it.

I don’t know much about carpet installation, but just putting another set of tack strips right under the old ones would be just fine?

On 2018-11-03 by (mod) - how much risk is there from replacing a few carpet tack strips on a asbestos floor tiles?

Some contractors may be fussy and may be afraid to remove and replace bad tack strips on top of an asbestos vinyl floor tile.

In that case why not just add an additional tax prep and leave the old-timey ones and place. There's no functional reason to lay down plywood unless the floor surface itself is very uneven or damaged in some other way.

On 2018-11-02 by Jack D.

I am looking at getting new carpet in my downstairs. The only problem is, there is tile underneath that most certainly contains asbestos. There was a flood a few years ago that messed up the integrity of the tack strips.

Would it be safe for any contractor to remove the old ones? Should I place plywood over the tile once the carpet is ripped up?

On 2018-09-03 02:23:18.491115 by (mod) -

Kelly,

If you have reason to believe that there is heavy asbestos contaminated dust throughout your house, it seems to me you should find a temporary residence elsewhere.

The Second Step would be to bring in an expert to actually determine what the conditions are, whether or not there is asbestos contamination, and what cleanup or additional measures are required. Before you know that seeking legal advice Is putting the cart before the horse.

and my view for cases like this your first concern is your personal health and safety and that of your family and the second is determining what needs to be done in the property.

Getting distracted by legal dispute simply defers and increases the possible hazards.

On 2018-09-02 22:23:24.065308 by Kelly

Had a flood throughout the entire groundfloor of my house a few weeks ago. Positive for asbestos in the 2 tile samples taken. They said they would assumed they are all the same throughout.

A contractor was supposed to remove damaged tiles and seal under our kitchen units where some old tiles had previously been removed and some remained. We came home to find only some of the area had been sealed and a lot of dust etc remained under the kitchen units.

When I returned home from holiday I discovered they had fans and air condensers blowing, thick dust all over my house.

Do you think our health has been put at risk, we lived in these conditions for several days before realising the kitchen area had not been sealed as previously agreed. Do you recommend we seek legal advice? Thank you.

On 2018-07-27 18:35:39.567647 by (mod) -

I don't agree that the floor tiles must be removed.

IF you are lucky enough that the tiles stay securely-bonded to the floor, dry out the area. If they're still bonded, clean and re-paint.

Use fans and dehumidifiers to speed the drying.

On 2018-07-27 15:40:39.456814 by Amy

Hello: I have a basement with asbestos vinyl tile that I painted over it with floor paint and it looked great (for a basement). I had a flood in my basement and water was standing for at most 8 hours. This was 6 days ago. Some of the paint peeled.

A moisture meter today shows high moisture, but the remediation guy tells me this could be because it is on a concrete floor.

If the tiles are moist, it seems best to remove the tiles as they might cause long term problems, right? I am not sure what to do - if the tiles have moisture and they are covered by paint and don't breathe, then it seems they might rot at some point?

But if they are going to be okay, I would just as soon leave them in place and put another coat of paint on top. Thanks for any insight.

On 2018-07-14 16:47:57.176790 by richard

We have an abatement company that will remove the tiles and mastic that tested positive for asbestos.

They recommended removal of the plywood subfloor since there could be residue left behind but the sub-floor is two layers so we then have a mess in our stairwells for many weeks as that would block laundry access and trash chute access. If we remove and then seal the sub-floor with an appropriate material is there any downside i.e. we have to post we have possible residue?

On 2018-07-10 by (mod) -

Looks like an older vinyl floor that could contain asbestos. So might the mastic.

On 2018-07-09 by Tile and sheet

I know nothing is definitive until tested, but your professional opinion? Top is the sheet, underneath is tile and bottom is wood floor. Husband started a project without thinking...

On 2018-04-05 21:08:26.678840 by (mod) -

If the floor is in good condition demolition is not necessary and not recommended. The safest as well as least costly approach is to leave the floor in place, sealing and / or covering it with a new layer of flooring.

On 2018-04-05 20:49:25.573318 by Marilyn P.

Yes, he said he would use negative air machine. My first choice is not to removal asbestos tiles at all but to seal and cover with floating floor. Insurance company says removal is needed as a few tiles became loose in dry out process.

But no insurance adjuster came to view tiles, they are taking the recommendation of asbestos abatement contractor they sent over.

Feels like a lot of self interest there. I asked for second opinion but insurance company said this contractor has a good history with then and they will continue using him.

On 2018-04-04 14:37:38.084165 by (mod) -

I'd expect the contractor to also use negative air machines to depressurise the work area

On 2018-04-04 12:24:16.859729 by Anonymous

Contractor says he will use 6 mil plastic on doorways, windows, ceiling fans but NOT walls or ceiling. Says walls and ceiling will be wiped down afterwards with ammended water. Asbestos area is living room, dining room and a small hallway area.

Contractor says it's safe to live there while abatement is going on (1-2 days). I live directly above. I'm not comfortable with that and thought I'd ask for your opinion and experience. Thank you.

On 2018-04-04 00:30:46.414000 by (mod) -

Mailyn

I can't give any promise of safety as I don't know the situation; but you can certainly take that question to your abatement contractor: what steps are being taken to isolate the work area?

On 2018-04-02 16:36:24.940465 by Marilyn P.

Asbestos tile discovered in lower apartment after water damage. Water and dry out process caused some tile to pop up, become loose and crack. Insurance company wants to remove. I would prefer encapsulate if possible. Is it safe to live in home during abatement?

I live directly above. House is 1955 with lots of crevices.

On 2018-02-01 16:18:39.158495 by Daniel Neel

I live in a 72 unit apartment complex these were built in the late 60's- early 70's. The contractor here has cover broken and crumbled tile I know for the past 12 years.These tile since of the date are believed to be asbestos.

There has been no overlay or sealant put down to seal the fibers from entering the air. These tile are being covered in laminate and some apartments have carpet. The contractor or his employees have not had proper training and hold no EPA certification. There are even a few apartments that are yet to be done the tile are still exposed.

This is in Salem Va.and we the tenant's are curious about our health since a lot of the tile cover was broken and not cleaned to specifications. Also who is responsible for improper cleanup and removal.

...

Continue reading  at ASBESTOS FLOORING REMOVAL GUIDE -home, or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

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