Covering Asbestos Tile With Vinyl

Even ceramic slate and stone tiles can be installed on.

Covering asbestos tile with vinyl.

But the flooring companies aim wasn t so much to make the floor tiles fireproof as it was to make the tiles more durable. However removing the asbestos siding first though more expensive is the best alternative in the long run. For about 35 years flooring companies included asbestos when they manufactured the vinyl tiles. Vinyl tile is an excellent option for sealing in asbestos tiles.

Unlike many asbestos containing materials vinyl asbestos flooring is generally safe to be around. But be sure to check your local building codes first to see if it is allowed in your area. 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.

Above we show a 9 x 9 cork patterned vinyl asbestos floor tile found in a 1960 s ranch style home in new york. You can assume this floor tile contains asbestos. One of the biggest factors of installing a new floor over the old is thickness. Applying a layer of sheathing or sheets of foam insulation over the asbestos then covering it with vinyl siding is a common practice.

Unfortunately vinyl sheet flooring manufactured with an asbestos backing poses a serious exposure risk when it is disturbed. 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. Asbestos is a mineral that lends fireproofing qualities to any substance it is mixed with. Cork pattern vinyl asbestos floor tiles were produced in at least three hues by armstrong as well as montgomery ward and sears and possibly kentile and other companies.

Photo by russell kaye i m told that the old vinyl floor tiles in the basement of our 1950 house contain asbestos and that i should not try to remove the tiles but cover them with wall to wall. But that changes as soon as you decide to remove it. Like floor tiles vinyl sheet flooring is a long lasting and economical material and it also offers more aesthetic options to suit a homeowner s taste.