Covering Asbestos Tile On Stairs

9 x9 12 x12 and 18 x18.

Covering asbestos tile on stairs.

Asbestos floor tiles were manufactured in three sizes. The asbestos floor tile identification articles in this series illustrate that with the combination of design appearance and an idea of floor tile age many asbestos containing floor tiles or sheet flooring products can be reliably identified even before confirmation by a test by a certified asbestos testing laboratory. But removing the tiles can disturb this trapped asbestos so the best strategy is painting over asbestos. That way no one will be endangered years from now when they start to rip up the new flooring and find asbestos tiles beneath.

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. The good news is that the harmful fibers are securely embedded into the vinyl material so under normal conditions the fibers aren t released into the air. Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets. If the tiles in question are crumbling torn drilled sawn or sanded you ll definitely want to consult with a professional who can help gauge risk and offer recommendations for reducing asbestos exposure the epa is among the best resources available to help educate on risks and abatement techniques.

Intact asbestos tiles are not a major risk and can in fact be left in place and covered with other materials such as carpet vinyl linoleum or concrete. Examine the condition of the tiles. Unlike many asbestos containing materials vinyl asbestos flooring is generally safe to be around. You have lot of options when it comes to covering asbestos tiles and it only is a health risk when the floors asbestos particles come airborne.

Most 9 inch vinyl tiles and many 12 inch tiles and the mastic adhesive that anchors them to the subfloor contain a level of asbestos. Tiles that are disintegrating should be. But that changes as soon as you decide to remove it. What most people tend to do with asbestos tile is cover it and forget it partly because professional abatement is so expensive and partly because the risks with tiles in good condition are low.

Many tile contractors will not even consider the removal of the tile. The old tiles are relatively thin around 1 8 inch thick so installing new flooring on top. One of the best ways to deal with asbestos tile is to leave it in place and cover it with new flooring. However as a favor to future owners of your house make some note of the fact that asbestos tiles are under the new flooring.

If asbestos tiles are covered with carpeting or a floating floor made of wood bamboo cork linoleum or vinyl along with the appropriate vapor. Just like tom hd116 stated encapsulation and enclosure is really the best thing a homeowner can get sort of a professional abatement company to remove the tiles. You could also cover the tiles with new vinyl flooring linoleum or even ceramic tiles.