Can I leave them alone and simply go over them w/ mud and ceramic tile . I really don‘t want to open the hazmat can of worms by getting the tiles tested.The tiles look like that mutfti pattern common in office buildings and schools and secured w/ a mastic.Thanks
Best ot go over them...there are laws regarding asbestos removal and it souinds like it could run into the thousands of dollars to have it removed....the other bad thing is...if you plan to sell...you have to disclose the problem or face a lawsuit.
I believe the general rule in vinyl flooring or tiles is if it was manufactured before 1984 it probably has asbestos in it.....since it is old tile which probaby has some edges that are somewhat risen in spots,I recommend going over the floor with quarter inch plywood or luan,which should solve the problem.....
Are you going to install the new tile yourself? Or have a pro do it? I used to do building maintenance at a YWCA in MI, we had the same tiles in much of the building. When an area was going to get covered in new carpet and other new flooring, the installers insisted on going through the haz-mat mess and removing the old tiles.
I was always under the impression that there was more hazard from the adhesive that was used to lay the tile in old buildings, as it was full of asbestos fiber. Seems like they referenced this on more than one Home Improvement show I've seen. Of course, it's been many years and I've slept since then.
If the tiles are 9x9, they are VA, vinyl asbestos. If the tiles are 12x12, they are VCT, vinyl composite, and the same installation rules apply to both types. Most quality latex modified thin set motars will set over the VA and VCT with no problem, as long as the VA or VCT are bonded securely to the concrete slab. Use TEC Superflex or Mapei Ultraflex 3, which have more portland cement and latex for better bonding. Prior to installation of your porcelain or ceramic, please thoroughly wash the VA or VCT tile with a strong stripper to remove any oils or waxes that might interfere with the mortar bonding. Then, rinse the tile with clean water. You will not have any hazardous waste problems, since you have not disturbed the VA tile and have encapsulated them permanently.
