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can you lay flooring over asbestos tile

by Isadore Kling Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

LIVING WITH ASBESTOS TILE
New vinyl, laminate flooring, hardwood, engineered floating flooring, and carpeting can all be successfully installed over asbestos tiles. Even ceramic, slate, and stone tiles can be installed on top, as long as a fiber-cement backer is installed first.
Sep 24, 2020

Full Answer

Can You tile over VCT tile?

However, you can install vinyl tile over your existing VCT floor. Like VCT, vinyl tiles are flexible and will move with the flooring beneath without cracking. When removing VCT, you must scrape the flooring away from the subfloor with a rigid floor scraper.

Can you place hardwood floor over tile?

You can have hardwood flooring installed over ceramic tile as long as there is an underlayment that accounts for patch-leveling and stickiness. The underlayment, typically made of plywood, alongside hardwood’s thickness, raises the height of your floor. Hardwood floors are very durable and shield well against the brittleness of tile.

Should you install tile over tile?

Things You Will Need

  • Measuring tape
  • Caulk or other smoothing materials
  • Sandpaper
  • Level
  • Screwdriver or piece of wood
  • Tile adhesive
  • Thin-set mortar with latex fortifier
  • Skimcoat
  • Tile -on- tile primer
  • Cleaning solution

More items...

Is there a safe way to cover asbestos floor tile?

In addition to testing, other factors indicate that your flooring tiles may contain asbestos, including:

  • Your home was built pre-1980. ...
  • The flooring tiles are 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch squares. ...
  • The tiles may appear stained or oily. ...
  • Some of the flooring tiles have come off and you see thick black adhesive underneath. ...

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Can you put tile over asbestos tile?

You can tile directly over asbestos with new tile, including ceramic tile. Take care to choose a tile whose thickness is not going to create a problem, and choose a tile that is rated for floor use. Use a Portland cement-based adhesive to adhere the new tiles to the old.

What can I put on top of asbestos tile?

What Kind of Flooring Can You Install Over Asbestos Tile?Vinyl over a plastic base layer.Vinyl faux wood planks.Foam that resembles hardwood.Carpet tiles.Laminate flooring.Engineered hardwood planks.

Can you cover asbestos tile with wood floor?

Although solid hardwood flooring cannot be installed over asbestos tiles because of the impossibility to glue or nail it down, installing floating engineered floor is a feasible option which will work just fine. Floating floors do not need any fasteners, which leaves the problematic tiles undisturbed.

Can I cover asbestos floor tiles with concrete?

The self-leveling concrete can be applied to various thicknesses and will dry as a smooth topcoat over the primed tiles. Once cured, the underlying tiles will be fully encapsulated and not at risk of crumbling with age. There is no danger for asbestos exposure now, unless the floor is drilled or cut into.

Should you buy a house with asbestos tiles?

The bottom line is this: home buyers should be aware of asbestos in the homes they are thinking about buying, but they should not pass on a house because it contains asbestos products. As long as the asbestos is not damaged or is handled by a professional, you should not have to worry about toxic asbestos exposure.

Can I install vinyl plank over asbestos tile?

New vinyl, laminate flooring, hardwood, engineered floating flooring, and carpeting can all be successfully installed over asbestos tiles. Even ceramic, slate, and stone tiles can be installed on top, as long as a fiber-cement backer is installed first.

How do you cover asbestos?

Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely.

Can you put carpet tiles over asbestos tiles?

You can carpet over asbestos floor tiles if they're undamaged. In tile form, the dangerous fibers are contained and aren't toxic to be around. You can add carpet over the top to cover this, if it's glued down, not nailed. But if the tile is crumbling or shows signs of damage, it will need to be removed.

How do you encapsulate asbestos flooring?

0:082:13Asbestos Encapsulation Epoxy Flooring - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo remove any gum or any of the solids that are adhered to the top. Using a green pad on a floorMoreSo remove any gum or any of the solids that are adhered to the top. Using a green pad on a floor buffer not so great any of the dat. Strip wax and then we go right into general polymer 3579.

How do you remove old asbestos floor tiles?

Use a hammer and putty knife to work under the edges of the tile and pop it loose. Once the first tile is removed, work the putty knife at a 45 degree angle to gently pop the remaining tiles loose. Avoid breaking tiles during removal to keep asbestos from getting into the air.

How do you seal asbestos floor?

0:491:53How to Seal Asbestos Mastic with PerfectPrimer - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply one coat of perfect primer over linoleum tile or other smooth surfaces. Apply two thin coats.MoreApply one coat of perfect primer over linoleum tile or other smooth surfaces. Apply two thin coats. 12 hours apart after 24 hours apply your choice of paint epoxy or decorative cement.

How can you tell if you have asbestos floor tiles?

How to Identify Asbestos in FlooringYour home was built before 1980.The flooring looks oily, greasy, or discolored.You have 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch floor tiles.The flooring adhesive is black.

What is the best floor tile for asbestos?

Porcelain Tile. Porcelain floor tiles are durable and versatile. If your floor can be thicker without causing problems, install a porcelain floor over the old asbestos. Porcelain floors are extremely versatile and durable, with tile sizes up to 24 inches available for a clean, modern look with fewer grout lines.

Can you use epoxy on natural stone?

Natural Stone. Install natural stone tiles with epoxy thin set mortar. If you are using an epoxy-based thin set mortar and are willing to seal the tiles after installation, natural stone tiles, such as marble or granite, can also be used over asbestos.

Can you use vinyl tile to seal asbestos?

Vinyl floor tiles can self-adhere to asbestos. Vinyl tile is an excellent option for sealing in asbestos tiles. One of the biggest factors of installing a new floor over the old is thickness. If you aren't removing the old floor, you may be creating a new floor that is too thick for doors to open and shut or for thresholds to have clearance.

Can you replace asbestos tile with new tile?

Cover old asbestos tile with new tile or a floating floor. Old asbestos tiles can make a home appear dated. Removing it is often not an option, since the adhesive and dust are considered hazardous waste and must be disposed of by a hazardous waste team.

Can you put laminate flooring over asbestos?

Float a laminate floor over asbestos. Consider floating a floor of laminate over the old asbestos if there is room for its thickness. Laminate floor boards can snap into one another, rather than to the floor, making them an excellent alternative to wood, which would require piercing the old asbestos. Advertisement.

Can you put ceramic tile over asbestos?

Install ceramic tile over asbestos. You can tile directly over asbestos with new tile, including ceramic tile. Take care to choose a tile whose thickness is not going to create a problem, and choose a tile that is rated for floor use. Use a Portland cement-based adhesive to adhere the new tiles to the old.

Where can asbestos be found?

One of the more common areas we find asbestos in homes is in vinyl floor tiles. Asbestos is found in the tiles themselves as well as the mastic used to adhere them to the floor. The next question becomes, do I have to remove the tiles, or can I just put the new floor on top of them?

What is used to remove mastic from floor tile?

Working under containment in proper protective gear, the floor tile is then chipped away and removed. After the floor tile is gone, solvents are used to remove the mastic. A final cleaning and HEPA vacuuming of all surfaces within the containment zone ensures no fibers remain.

What is a positive floor tile?

The most common tiles that are positive are ones that measure 9”x 9”. Mastic that is black is also a tell-tale sign. While those are the most common asbestos containing floor tiles, many other tiles and floor coverings can be positive as well. Despite common misconceptions, even new vinyl flooring can contain asbestos.

Can you remove asbestos tiles without a contractor?

Then, you are allowed to remove the tiles without hiring an asbestos contractor. Depending on the extent of the damaged tiles, this may not be a good idea. In cases where there are only a few pieces of damaged tiles, you can pick them up and bag them.

Can you vacuum mastic off tile?

Properly removing the old mastic is often beyond the scope of a DIY project, and most homeowners do not have vacuums that can safely clean any fibers that may remain.

Can I put a new floor over asbestos?

Can I Put A New Floor On Top Of Asbestos Tiles? When you are dealing with asbestos, you can either remove it with an abatement or manage it in place. In many cases, installing a new floor over the tiles encapsulates the asbestos fibers, and is an acceptable way to manage the material. That said, it can be difficult to get a level surface for ...

Can you get a level surface for a new floor?

That said, it can be difficult to get a level surface for the new floor, especially if the old tiles have chipped away. If you are hiring a flooring company, they may be hesitant to work around asbestos tiles, and require you to get an abatement first.

Why are asbestos tiles used in homes?

Asbestos tiles have been widely used in homes and public buildings by virtue of their impressive mechanical resistance and excellent insulating properties.

What is the importance of flatness when installing wood floors?

A very important aspect when it comes to installing wood floors is the flatness of the surface which they will cover. The area where the floor is going to be laid down must be perfectly flat, so a close inspection should be priorly done using a straightedge.

Can you cover asbestos with wood?

Wood floor installation. Covering asbestos tiles with wood flooring is a cheap alternative to removal and does not even require special protective equipment.

Can asbestos be used on wood floors?

In order to avoid the high cost of removal and, at the same time, disturbing any toxic fibers in the tiles, wood floors can be installed over asbestos tiles to prevent the carcinogenic mineral from becoming airborne.

Can asbestos be removed?

While most of the times, asbestos-containing products are better left undisturbed, in some situations, removal is the only available choice. Asbestos removal should only be performed by professionals who know how to safely manage the toxic fibers released into the air during the process, as well as how to properly dispose of the waste. This way, you avoid contaminating the whole house with asbestos dust, which, if inhaled, can cause serious health problems such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

When did asbestos start to be found in floor tiles?

If floor tiles were installed between 1920 and 1960, there’s a good chance they contain asbestos because most flooring tiles manufactured during this period did. If the tiles were installed between 1960 and 1980, there’s a slight chance they contain asbestos. The flooring tiles are 9-inch, 12-inch, or 18-inch squares.

How to get rid of asbestos in your home?

Wear a respirator mask, goggles that form a seal around your eyes, a hat, and old clothing you will dispose of when the job is done. Shut off your HVAC unit and seal off other areas of the home to keep asbestos fibers from contaminating other rooms. Tape plastic drop cloths over doors, floor registers, and return air vents.

Why are my floor tiles stained?

The tiles may appear stained or oily. Over time, asphalt—which was a main ingredient in asbestos tiles—can degrade and cause the tiles to look grimy or discolored in spots. Some of the flooring tiles have come off and you see thick black adhesive underneath.

How much does asbestos testing cost?

Some localities restrict asbestos testing to licensed asbestos remediation experts. Professional testing can run $350 to $800, depending on whether other materials in your home are tested at the same time.

What are the diseases caused by asbestos?

The primary diseases related to asbestos exposure are: Lung cancer. Asbestosis (a non-cancer respiratory disease caused by scarring of the lungs) Mesothelioma (cancer of the lining surrounding the lungs, heart, and abdomen) Asbestos floor tiles will not release toxic fibers and pose a health risk unless they are disturbed.

Why was asbestos banned?

Asbestos, a heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral, was a common element in construction materials due to its resilient, durable nature—until the 1980s, anyway, when it was banned due to the discovery of considerable associated health risks. But its ban from production didn’t necessarily mean that all products, ...

Can asbestos floor tiles be disturbed?

Asbestos floor tiles will not release toxic fibers and pose a health risk unless they are disturbed. Sanding, sawing, drilling, or tearing the tiles out, however, can release fibers into the air where they can be inhaled, so caution should be taken to not disturb them.

What to do if you find asbestos in your house?

The first thing you need to do after finding out the asbestos is to investigate its condition. If it’s broken and crumbling, you need to get the tile removed as soon as possible. Because these kinds of tiles are particularly harmful to health. If the tiles are in good condition, simply cover them with a carpet.

When was asbestos banned?

And causing illnesses such as mesothelioma, cancer, and asbestosis. This is why sometime around the 1970s the production of asbestos was banned.

Why do you use glue on carpet?

That’s because the layers are thicker and the glue will take a lot of time to dry. If you’re into comfortable flooring, this method is just for you! Using the glue will help you avoid using a knee kicker on the carpet. Because stretching the carpet causes damage, just like nailing over asbestos sidings.

How long does it take for glue to dry on carpet?

Once you have your adhesive at hand. Apply the glue evenly on the area, and put the carpet on top. Let the glue dry for 12-20 hours. Not only is this the easiest method, but carpet can also be removed whenever you want. So you can clean and wash the carpet anytime.

Can asbestos be used on vinyl flooring?

And since then begin the use of asbestos in vinyl tiles, roofing materials, and brake pads. That’s why when we find asbestos flooring, it’s better we cover it. So that no fibers are in the air. Unless the tile is broken or the floor is laminated, installing a carpet would be the best way.

Can you put carpet over asbestos?

Yes, it’s possible, in some cases. There are mainly three ways you can install a carpet over an asbestos tile. First, simply use a flooring adhesive to glue the carpet. You can use the double-stick installation by using padding underneath. Or use tack strips to hammer the carpet around the room. But there are pros and cons to each method.

Can you inhale asbestos from tile?

This will ensure that no fiber spreads in the air. As a result, the chances of inhaling the asbestos fiber. There are three ways to do that. While the steps of each are simple, choose the method that’s suitable for you.

Can You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Asbestos Tile

It is possible to put Vinyl Plank Flooring over Asbestos Tile in your home. This is probably the best and safest method to deal with the presence of asbestos tiles. First, follow the steps below to determine if you have Asbestos Tile in your home.

Should You Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Asbestos Tile

If you are trying to find the best way to deal with asbestos tile in your home, one of your best options is certainly to put vinyl plank flooring over the asbestos tile. Since the asbestos tiles are usually quite thin, adding vinyl plank tiles over them will not significantly increase the height of the flooring.

Proper Handling and Disclaimer Needed (Let the Experts Do It)

When you are dealing with the proper handling of asbestos tiles, depending on the state where you live, homeowners are permitted to remove asbestos tiles if they follow the appropriate protocols and provide the appropriate disclaimers.

How to Put Vinyl Plank Flooring Over Asbestos Tile

To put vinyl plank flooring over asbestos tile, you will need to follow the proper protocols and procedures as specified by your local building authorities or housing authorities, as well as all local rules governing the disposal of hazardous and potentially toxic materials.

What to do if you think you have asbestos in your home?

If you think you may have asbestos in your home or building, do not touch it or disturb it. Call a State Asbestos Contact to have your floor tested. The good news is, there are two different types of asbestos: Friable asbestos – a material containing asbestos that breaks easily or can be crumbled by hand.

When was asbestos used in construction?

For these reasons, it was used a lot in various parts of construction as early as 1866 . However, in the 1930s, many respected medical journals began linking asbestos to several illnesses, including cancer.

When was asbestos banned?

Some bans were put on using asbestos in the 1970s, but millions of homes, schools, and offices are currently stuck with asbestos in one form or another. In fact, in 1990, the bans were altered to allow products with less than 1% of asbestos to be used, such as vinyl tiles, brake pads, and roofing materials.

Can you carpet over asbestos tile?

If you have asbestos floor tiles and have checked them for damage to find that they are in good condition and classified as non friable, it is possible to carpet over the top. One important thing to consider when covering asbestos tile – with any new surface – is the floor’s new height.

Can asbestos be found in floor tiles?

Chances are, if a building is older than 30 years, it will have asbestos somewhere inside. It is not uncommon to find asbestos floor tiles when looking to remodel or change an older building’s flooring. If you think you may have asbestos in your home or building, do not touch it or disturb it.

Can carpet be glued to existing floor?

With this method, the carpet is glued directly onto the existing floor. The floor must be smooth, with no inconsistencies in height, as they will be noticeable through the carpet and can cause spots to wear over time.

Is asbestos still banned in older homes?

While the manufacture and import of asbestos have been mostly banned since the late 1980s, you may still encounter the material if you live in an older home. With that in mind, you should always check your flooring for potential asbestos when living in older homes. Considering its toxicity, is it always necessary to have it removed, ...

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