One of the most common questions we receive is:
“Do I really need to remove my asbestos floor tile, or can I just leave it in place?”
The answer is: it depends on the condition of the flooring and your future plans for the space.
Recently, we worked with a homeowner whose apartment had experienced flooding. During the repairs, asbestos-containing floor tile installed directly over concrete was discovered. Initially, the homeowner considered leaving the tile in place and simply rebuilding over it.
Under normal conditions, that can sometimes be a reasonable option.
However, water changes the equation.
What Happens When Asbestos Floor Tile Gets Wet?
Asbestos floor tile itself is generally considered a non-friable material, meaning the asbestos fibers are bound tightly within the tile matrix and are not easily released into the air.
The problem often isn’t the asbestos.
The problem is the moisture.
When water becomes trapped beneath floor tile installed over concrete, it can remain there for an extended period of time. Even after the visible flooding has been repaired, the moisture below the tile can slowly weaken the adhesive bond.
Several weeks or even months later, homeowners may begin noticing:
- Loose or hollow sounding tiles
- Curling edges
- Individual tiles releasing from the floor
- Adhesive failures
- Additional repairs after reconstruction is complete
At that point, newly installed flooring may have to be removed so the original problem can be addressed.
Can You Leave Asbestos Floor Tile In Place?
In many cases, yes.
If the floor is dry, stable, and in good condition, asbestos floor tile can often be managed in place through encapsulation or by installing new flooring over the existing material.
This approach can reduce costs and minimize disruption.
Our Recommendation After Water Damage
If asbestos floor tile has been exposed to flooding or prolonged moisture intrusion, our recommendation is often different.
If the walls are already open, repairs are underway, and restoration work is occurring, this is usually the most economical and least disruptive time to remove the material.
Removing the tile during the repair process can help prevent future failures and avoid having to revisit the same issue after the project is complete.
What Would We Do?
Every project is different, and there is no single answer that applies to every building.
But if it were our home, and the floor had already experienced significant water damage, we would strongly consider removing the asbestos tile while the repairs were already taking place.
Sometimes the best time to solve a problem is while the floor is already exposed and the contractors are already on site.
Have Questions About Asbestos Floor Tile?
If you’re dealing with flooding, renovations, or an older home and aren’t sure whether your flooring contains asbestos, Carolina Lead Abatement can help you evaluate your options and determine the best solution for your project.
Serving residential, commercial, and industrial clients throughout Eastern North Carolina.