asbestos questions

We just had an inspection done on the house and the inspector said the tiles in the basement are the asbestos ones that were used in the 60"s-70"s, fine very common. What he could see he said was not friable, but the issue is that most of the basement is covered in carpet that needs to be removed because of water damage from 2 separate leaks they had and never picked up the carpet. So, now Im worried that the water damage could have affected the tile and we wont be able to just put a new floor over it.
Has anyone had this issue or can anyone recommend an asbestos expert that could inspect it for us?

asbestos questions

You would need to call an environmental company. The tiles generally are low risk and can be removed easily. We had them in out house but the were already part up so we just pulled the rest up. Unless you break them up to a powder they don't pose a big risk.

Re: asbestos questions

Honestly, I think the tiles are most likely fine as long as they are still intact (water shouldn't be an issue). Most of the 1950s/60s era houses I sell have them in the basement, and they are under the carpet of the den level in my own 1959 split.

But if you want to get it checked out, JBH Environmental is a good company to use for asbestos (and other environmental issues, such as mold). They are reputable and reasonable in cost.

Good luck!

asbestos questions

I would just rip up the carpet and then see. If there are any loose tiles just pick those up and throw them out, then you should be able to go over it. That's what we did in ours. We put carpet down so it didn't matter but if you want to do a flooring like laminate or tile where you need a level surface you can always put cement or a leveling compound to fill the gaps...

We didn't remover ours because it was clear that they had painted the concrete floor underneath the tiles and we didn't want to deal with the issue of lead paint as well

Message edited 8/27/2014 8:35:33 AM.

asbestos questions

As long as the tiles are not "disturbed" (ripped up, moved etc) they are perfectly safe, hence being called "friable" (in the matrix of the item).

Re: asbestos questions

We just replaced a floor in our house. There were asbestos tiles under half of the old carpet. They weren't broken up and we would've left them alone, but our contractor was able to remove them easily, so he took them out for us. We then had to level the floor and put new carpeting on top. Very easy. But asbestos tiles under my carpet wouldn't worry me at all. it's only when they are broken up and you're breathing it in that it's a concern.

Re: asbestos questions

Thank you! I'm just nervous about all the unknowns, I'm going to give that company a call