Identifying and Removing Asbestos Linoleum Safely

Do you have asbestos linoleum flooring? If you have linoleum in your home and are planning to replace it with ceramic floor tiles or some other type of flooring you should first make sure that the existing linoleum does not contain asbestos. If the flooring was installed after 1981 it is probably free from asbestos, but to be sure you may want to have it checked by an expert. A professional inspector can take a sample and have it tested to verify whether or not you have linoleum that contains asbestos. Without examining it under a microscope there is no sure way to tell if it is asbestos linoleum unless it is clearly marked on the linoleum.

Asbestos Linoleum Can Be Sheet or Tile

Any flooring that has a paper-like backing can contain asbestos, usually in the adhesive or glue. Flooring such as sheet vinyl or asphalt floor tiles may also contain asbestos. In addition, linoleum flooring, whether sheet or tile, can contain the toxic substance as well. If you are unsure as to whether you have asbestos linoleum flooring it is best to have samples taken by a professional and examined.

There are two approaches that can be used when replacing an existing linoleum floor, whether linoleum floor tiles or sheet linoleum. The existing asbestos linoleum floor can be removed completely or the new floor can be placed on top of the old flooring. Removing asbestos linoleum tiles completely can be a very difficult job and is not always necessary.

If you have hired a company to install your new floor they may tell you that the old floor is asbestos linoleum even if it really isn’t. This is because it’s a lot easier for them to install the new floor on top of the old one than it is to remove the old floor. The only way you can know for sure if the old floor was manufactured with asbestos is to have it tested. If you don’t mind having the installers place the new floor over the old one make sure you get a cheaper price since they won’t have to remove the old one.

Asbestos Linoleum Can Be Overlaid With a New Floor

A new floor can be safely placed directly on top of an old floor, even if it contains asbestos. There is no reason that an asbestos floor must be removed before installing a new one. As long as the asbestos is contained and unable to release asbestos fibers into the air, it’s not hazardous. It’s only when asbestos fibers are released into the air that asbestos exposure and eventually asbestos cancer becomes a risk. Once the new flooring has been installed over the old, the old flooring will be completely contained and safe.

If you decide to remove the existing asbestos linoleum flooring material yourself, there are a few things you need to know. It is against the law to have someone help you remove asbestos-containing products from your residence if they are not a certified asbestos abatement contractor. This means you can’t get a friend to help you out unless your friend is a professional. Removing asbestos linoleum on your own can be extremely difficult because you will need to make sure everything stays wet and, once removed, is immediately placed in proper containers or bags and sealed. It’s usually possible to get the job done professionally for not much more than it would cost you to do yourself. The asbestos removal cost can be expensive, but so can renting or buying all of the equipment and safety materials.

Also, when disposing of the contaminated products it is your legal responsibility to ensure proper bagging and labeling of debris. Even though you will pay an extra asbestos disposal cost, you must also transport the contaminated asbestos linoleum flooring to a proper disposal site that is licensed to take hazardous waste products in a covered vehicle.