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I currently have Asbestos Vinyl Floor/Tiles in the basement of my house – should I be worried? It just has the regular wear and tear but has no signs of peeling off. Another silly question - would walking on it cause an alarming amount of asbestos to be disturbed?
I plan to finish the basement hopefully in the near future...
Are you positive? They were normally 8x8 tiles.
You shouldn't be too concerned as long as they are in good condition. It's when they break apart that there could potentially be a problem, that is when the asbestos fibers are released into the air and into your lungs.
So, if you plan on removing them yourself, just be careful.
You could just carpet right over them too.
The problem with asbestos is the small fibers that you can't see in the air. These are the fibers that get into your lungs and float around and never break down. They make small cuts in your lungs and over a matter of years you get serious problems from either scar tissue or cancer. I would get rid of the tiles and if you do it yourself be EXTREMELY careful. I do not know where you live but I believe where I am in Brookhaven it is actually illegal to remove asbestos on your own.
When I was doing research I found a house with asbestos sidings. I was very worried because I googled a lot and I got mixed information. The consensus was that the sidings are pretty robust and usually its not an issue at all till it deteriorates and/or cracks. I hope the floors are the same kind. In any case mostly its the "mental" stress that you go through thinking about the "what if" scenarios....
So it might be okay, but I am really paranoid. If I were you, I would find out the cost of abatement and if its reasonable.... just get some professionals to get rid of it.
How would you know if the are asbestos or not? I had the 'typical' basement tiles in my basement but it has been finished. the house was built in 1960 and I am assuming they were original. Are these type of tiles generally asbestos?
15 years ago my husband and I removed 3 rooms worth of asbestos tiles. We wore masks but were not overly cautious about it. We were laying hardwood flooring over them and were advised to remove them first (we are on a slab). Problem is, we were breaking the tiles, smashing them, basically creating a hazard where there previously was none. I would not advise doing this moving forward.
Now that I am in the real estate business, I see lots of these floors, especially in levitts on the main living levels. I have had home inspectors tell me that they are generally safe unless they are broken and/or chipping. This is where the danger comes in. If they are level enough and in good shape, I suggest leaving them alone.
As for asbestos siding, I am also told that unless they are breaking, leave them be and side right over them. They are not known to be a hazard if they are intact, only if damaged.
Breaking them apart is the problem. Just be careful, usually they do come up pretty easy. Use a putty/spackle knife and just carefully peel them up. Wear a mask, and, you could also mist the tiles with a spray bottle of water. Keeps the dust down.
I've removed tons of asbestos floor tiles and shingles over the years, it is not a big deal at all as long you use the proper precautions.
Breaking them apart is the problem. Just be careful, usually they do come up pretty easy. Use a putty/spackle knife and just carefully peel them up. Wear a mask, and, you could also mist the tiles with a spray bottle of water. Keeps the dust down.
I've removed tons of asbestos floor tiles and shingles over the years, it is not a big deal at all as long you use the proper precautions.
I got mosty of them up in one piece but definitely broke many. didnt wear any mask or anything. Oh well.
After some research, i'm leaning toward flooring over the asbestos tiles in my basement instead of removing it. I just don't want to deal with asbestos tiles possibly breaking plus the black mastic adhesive on it that also contains asbestos.
My plan is to put subflooring, then ceramic tiles or laminate flooring.....
You could just use laminate right over it. No need to get crazy.
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