Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Asbestos Tile

Can You Put Laminate Flooring Over Asbestos Tile?

Asbestos tiles were once a popular flooring option due to their durability and affordability. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and it is no longer used in the manufacture of flooring or other building materials. If you have asbestos tiles in your home, you may be wondering if you can put laminate flooring over them. ### The Dangers of Asbestos Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction materials from the 1940s to the 1980s. It is a fibrous material that can be inhaled and cause a variety of health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. ### The Risks of Installing Laminate Flooring Over Asbestos Tiles When asbestos tiles are disturbed, they can release asbestos fibers into the air. This can happen during the installation of laminate flooring, as the tiles will need to be cut and fitted. The fibers can also be released over time, as the tiles deteriorate. In addition, the adhesive that is used to install laminate flooring can also contain asbestos. This means that even if the tiles themselves do not contain asbestos, the adhesive could still pose a health risk. ### How to Safely Install Laminate Flooring Over Asbestos Tiles If you have asbestos tiles in your home and you want to install laminate flooring, there are a few steps you can take to reduce the risk of exposure to asbestos fibers: *

Hire a qualified asbestos contractor.

A qualified asbestos contractor will have the experience and equipment necessary to safely remove asbestos tiles. They will also be able to recommend a safe method for installing laminate flooring over the tiles. *

Wet the tiles before removing them.

This will help to reduce the amount of dust that is created during the removal process. *

Use a HEPA vacuum cleaner to clean up the area.

A HEPA vacuum cleaner is a high-efficiency particulate air filter that will trap asbestos fibers. *

Install a vapor barrier.

A vapor barrier will help to prevent asbestos fibers from migrating into the air. *

Use a sealant.

A sealant will help to seal the asbestos tiles and prevent them from releasing fibers. ### Other Options for Covering Asbestos Tiles If you are not comfortable installing laminate flooring over asbestos tiles, there are other options available. You can: *

Remove the asbestos tiles.

This is the most expensive option, but it is also the safest. A qualified asbestos contractor will remove the tiles and dispose of them properly. *

Encapsulate the asbestos tiles.

Encapsulation involves applying a sealant to the tiles to seal them in place. This is a less expensive option than removing the tiles, but it is not as effective. *

Install a new subfloor.

A new subfloor can be installed over the asbestos tiles. This is a relatively inexpensive option, but it will raise the floor level. ### Conclusion If you have asbestos tiles in your home, you should have them professionally removed or encapsulated. If you are installing laminate flooring over asbestos tiles, be sure to take the necessary precautions to protect yourself from exposure to asbestos fibers.