product for skim coat over asbestos tile
toloko71
| Posted in General Discussion on
I am looking for something to seal my basement floor which is already covered with 9×9 stick on tiles that I assume contain asbestos. I plan on putting in a “Dricore” subfloor and then carpeting. I don’t want the tiles underneath to loosen up, break and then release asbestos fibres. I thought it would be good to seal these tiles with something to create a uniform skim coat over the tiles. I need something that would adhere to the tiles and form a membrane that is breathable and doesn’t allow for the growth of mold and mildew. Any suggestions?
Replies
IMO, you're working on a bunch of bad assumptions.
Stick-on tiles did not come into vogue until asbestos was on the way out. Even then, asbestos was usually reserved for the 'better' product lines ... which also suggests that they do not contain asbestos.
Secondly, even if the tiles do contain asbestos, and they are broken up, the risk of asbestos exposure is essentially zero. This is because the tiles trap the asbestos in their matrix; about the only way to get them to release fibers is to burn them on a windy day.
Finally, you worry about them coming loose. Well, this is a real concern; it's been my experience that any method of covering tiles results in more of them coming free, sooner. From the description of your project, I can't see where this would cause you any problems. Let them sit there.
Otherwise, now is the time to remove them. There are many ways to encourage tiles to come free; dry ice and warm irons are two of the more common. With years of action by moisture trying to come through the floor, it's likely that they'll come up easily.
Now ...as for your project .....
I do not see the reason for the subfloor. Carpet layers usually just glue the carpet, and pad, directly to the floor. It might even be preferable to leave the tiles in place; this will prevent problems that might arise if the old tile adhesive is not compatible with the carpet adhesive.
Renosteinke said: Stick-on tiles did not come into vogue until asbestos was on the way out. Even then, asbestos was usually reserved for the 'better' product lines ... which also suggests that they do not contain asbestos.
------Not true. I have sampled and analyzed many self-stick tiles, even the newer 12-inch tile that do indeed contain asbestos. Vinyl-asbestos tile is non-friable and do not readily release fibers, though they can if chipped, abraided, pulverized. You could leave then in-place, or remove them yourself - in most states if you are the homeowner. Wet them down overnight, keep thhem wet, and try to remove them whole. Check with your state and local municipality for removal/disposal restrictions.Removing them may allow the floor to 'breath'. The Drycore over the concrete may be better.