Can You Put Hardwood Floor Over Asbestos Tile

Can You Put Hardwood Floor Over Asbestos Tile?

Asbestos tiles were a common flooring material in homes built before the 1980s. However, asbestos is a known carcinogen, and it is no longer used in building materials. If you are considering installing hardwood flooring over asbestos tile, it is important to take precautions to avoid exposure to asbestos fibers.

The first step is to determine if the tiles in your home contain asbestos. You can do this by hiring a professional inspector to test the tiles. If the tiles do contain asbestos, you will need to take steps to remove them before installing hardwood flooring.

There are two main methods for removing asbestos tiles: wet removal and dry removal. Wet removal is the preferred method because it creates less dust and is less likely to release asbestos fibers into the air. However, wet removal can be more expensive and time-consuming than dry removal.

If you choose to remove the asbestos tiles yourself, it is important to take precautions to avoid exposure to asbestos fibers. You should wear a respirator, gloves, and eye protection. You should also wet the tiles before removing them to reduce the release of dust.

Once the asbestos tiles have been removed, you can install hardwood flooring over the subfloor. It is important to use a vapor barrier between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring to prevent moisture from damaging the flooring.

If you are not comfortable removing asbestos tiles yourself, you can hire a professional contractor to do the job. Professional contractors have the experience and equipment necessary to remove asbestos tiles safely and efficiently.

Here are some additional tips for installing hardwood flooring over asbestos tile:

Make sure the subfloor is level and smooth before installing the hardwood flooring.
Use a vapor barrier between the subfloor and the hardwood flooring to prevent moisture from damaging the flooring.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for installing the hardwood flooring.
Allow the hardwood flooring to acclimate to the room temperature and humidity before installing it.
Do not sand or cut the hardwood flooring after it has been installed.

By following these tips, you can safely and successfully install hardwood flooring over asbestos tile.