asbestos flooring

6 years ago

Does anyone have experience with this?

We are looking to replace our laundry room floor. Home Depot came down and said we first need to remove the old flooring and they cannot do it because of asbestos.

When I called an official company, they quoted me over $1,200 for removal.

When I had a handyman come down he said theres no reason for all the hooha, and he can remove it for $150. Obviously hes not coming down with any machines and vacs etc - but he believes it is unnecessary.

Thoughts?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

pchavimangel
Original Author
6 years ago
Anyone?
0
SJ McCarthy
6 years ago
What State/Province do you live in? How big is the area? What is the floor that is there? What is the replacement you want to use?

There are SOME situations where you can FOREGO the abatement....BUT you will need to give more details. A small situation (like 130sf or so) can be dealt with by the homeowner in CERTAIN STATES....but you need to know your local ordinances.

More details here will give us a better understanding of what can be done.
Related Discussions
Possible Asbestos floor tiles & placing a floating flooring on to
Q
Comments (7)
beachhouse- You can probably get it at a variety of big box and hardware stores. Just be aware that the kit will not give you a direct result...you take a sample and send it off to a lab that is supposed to analyze it with a microscope. If you are determined to test the floor, I recommend you skip the test kit and have a local lab -- one that is certified by the State or Fed as qualified to analyze for asbestos -- do it. Asbestos analysis is not a chemical test, it's a visual examination that is dependent on the subjective judgment and skill of the technician using the microscope. You don't want to be making decisions about this unless you are confident in the quality of the lab. But again, why do you want to know this if you are just putting a new floor over it? It's not going to pose a danger...other than to your budget if it's removed, or if a future buyer wants the sales price lowered because you've had to disclose the presence of asbestos (if you have any in the floor).
...See More
asbestos flooring in basement
Q
Comments (6)
There is almost no danger from those tiles if left alone. Asbestos is dangerous when it can be airborne. Dangerous asbestos is called friable, meaning able to be crushed by a human hand. And example would be the older wrapped insulation used on HVAC years ago(that has a metallic protective layer. As long as that stuff is untouched, no very little danger. But, it is quite easy to hit it with a ladder/etc., at which point the protective layer is torn, and the asbestos inside is disturbed. The asbestos in tile and house shingles is encapsulated in the hard material forming the shapes of the product and cannot easily be freed. You would need to use a grinder, HD sander or pulverize the tiles to cause dangerous asbestos releases.
...See More
Asbestos??? Floor solutions
Q
Comments (8)
Background for Asbestos in the building industry: The production of Asbestos based products was "ended" in 1982. The SELLING of asbestos products was allowed for another 5-7 years so that businesses could sell off their stock piles. Your home construction was right at the end of the "active" asbestos era. The materials shown could have been purchased/installed sometime before the end of the 'sell off' area (mid/late 80's). If you are nervous about asbestos, then go ahead and get things tested. The tests are about $100 each. You have 2 different floors ($100x2=$200) and 2 different adhesives ($100 x 2 = $200). Therefore, it is possible you will have your answer after you send away 4 samples + $400. The 'white' tiles are my biggest concern. The peach coloured faux travertine looking tile is most likely asbestos free...I'm not sure about the black cut-back adhesive underneath it. I would get the testing done. For $400 you will have your answer inside of 1 week. You can then make plans from there. Check your square footage and then check your State's/County's ordinances for homeowner removal of asbestos. There are several states that recognize the safe removal of asbestos by homeowners - in SMALL AREAS! They have STRICT limits on how MUCH can be done "DIY" (like 150sf or smaller...that type of restriction). Removal and disposal methods are mentioned - you will still pay for the disposal...but at least you will learn how to go about it. Once the square footage exceeds your State's allowance, it will need to be professionally done. Which then comes down to the test results. You won't know if you *need remediation until you test the products. So - first things first - test all 4 products.
...See More
Asbestos floors
Q
Comments (2)
It depends on the type of hardwood that is going to be installed. If it is floating or glued, you can absolutely encapsulate your asbestos- although I would probably recommend floating your floors. Encapsulating asbestos will be an additional cost and it isn't always "cheap", however, it is usually much cheaper than an abatement. We've written about encapsulation, you are more than welcome to read about it HERE. If the wood is going to be stapled, that's tricky to answer. It may be a safer bet to have an abatement if the floors are going to be nailed and stapled.
...See More
pchavimangel
Original Author
6 years ago
I am in Ohio. its about 240 sq ft. Dont know exactly what kind of tiles they are but were looking to replace with vinyl.

We need to have it removed - the question is does it need a full licensed company to come and charge 1,200 or can a handyman on his own come and do it for $150.
0
SJ McCarthy
6 years ago
Your state will have requirements. There are a few states (not all) that have a MAXIMUM amount that can be removed WITHOUT professional remediation (homeowner can DIY). Other states have a "zero" tolerance for asbestos. It MUST be removed by professionals no matter how big/small the project.

I believe the MAXIMUM allowed is LESS than your square footage. As I mentioned, it is around 130sf is the MAXIMUM allowable (depending on the state). Your square footage is above that. That means you have a 99.99% chance you MUST do the professional remediation.

There is a place you can go to ask this question:

www.thefloorpro.com

There are several experts who are WELL VERSED in Asbestos remediation rules for multiple states. I have read their posts multiple times and "130sf" sticks in my mind.

And just to be clear....sheet vinyl or sheet linoleum can go over top of these types of tiles. If you want a floating floor/tile/glue down floor then you must deal with the asbestos tiles before doing anything. That's why I was asking what type of flooring you have planned for the space.

I would ask what type of protection the "handy man" will give your house (sheet plastic over all walls, vents/doors/windows), positive air pressure, clean up/disposal (the disposal of the asbestos tiles can be in the $100 range all by itself). And then ask yourself what your responsibility will be should the handy man ever come down with mesothelioma (the cancer caused by Asbestos exposure) and if you can be sued later on to cover medical related costs.

But first things first: find out your state's requirements/laws about asbestos removal and homeowner DIY allotment.
einportlandor
6 years ago
Get online and read the local and state regulations. In my state, homeowners can legally remove asbestos tiles but the challenge is in disposal. There is only one landfill operator that handles asbestos in my area and they are strictly regulated, so it's not easy to meet their disposal requirements. I started the removal process in my basement, but once I figured out the regulations I stopped work. When I can afford it, I'll bite the bullet and hire pros. Good luck.

asbestos flooring

Comments (5)

pchavimangel
Original Author

SJ McCarthy

Related Discussions

pchavimangel
Original Author

SJ McCarthy

einportlandor

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

asbestos flooring

Comments (5)

pchavimangelOriginal Author

SJ McCarthy

Related Discussions

pchavimangelOriginal Author

SJ McCarthy

einportlandor

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

pchavimangel
Original Author

pchavimangel
Original Author