Stripping Asbestos Floor Tiles

Know which pads are for which types of floor care maintenance operations.

Stripping asbestos floor tiles.

If you are removing the original vinyl floor from a home prior to 1980 you will need to locate a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to test your floor. Stripping vinyl asbestos floor tiles. Even if the vinyl flooring is pulled up intact the old adhesive underneath may also contain asbestos. How to remove asbestos tiles.

This article series assists building buyers owners or occupants in reducing the risk of asbestos exposure from. However once considerable testing proved that it was a killer the miracle became a nightmare to deal with and remove. Sanding sawing drilling or tearing the tiles out however can release fibers into the air. Prior to the 1980s asbestos vinyl sheet flooring was very popular in homes.

You could also cover the tiles with new vinyl flooring linoleum or even ceramic tiles. If you break the flooring into pieces while removing it you have effectively turned it into a friable material. If you decide to remove nonfriable vinyl asbestos flooring you have to be cautious for two reasons. Before you begin make sure you thoroughly understand how to operate the machines.

However as a favor to future owners of your house make some note of the fact that asbestos tiles are under the new flooring. This is because removal poses the greatest risk of fiber release. Below are the basic guidelines when stripping wax or finish coat from asbestos containing floor coverings. Although vinyl asbestos floor tiles are considered non friable the frictional forces exerted on these materials during routine floor care maintenance operations can generate asbestos containing particles.

Asbestos floor tiles will not release toxic fibers and pose a health risk unless they are disturbed. That way no one will be endangered years from now when they start to rip up the new flooring and find asbestos tiles beneath. However removal may be required when remodeling. Removal is usually the most expensive method and unless required by state or local regulations should be the last option considered in most situations.

Having professionals take care of your asbestos floor tiles can be expensive but the health risks involved will make it money well invested. Strip the floor as few times as possible. Because improperly removing asbestos floor tiles yourself may increase the health risks to you and your family your safety depends on letting trained specialists take care of this aspect of your home renovation or remodeling project. Removing asbestos containing floor tiles should be considered a last resort.

Asbestos removal is a hazardous process best undertaken only by a qualified professional. Choosing an appropriate material to cover up or coat the surface of a sound well adhered floor can protect against future damage or asbestos particle release in the building.