You could also cover the tiles with new vinyl flooring linoleum or even ceramic tiles.
Tiling over asbestos floor tiles.
In many cases installing a new floor over the tiles encapsulates the asbestos fibers and is an acceptable way to manage the material.
Asbestos tile is only dangerous when it is broken up torn or crushed and fibers are released into the air which is when health risks for mesothelioma and other diseases become a danger.
Over time asphalt which was a main ingredient in asbestos tiles can degrade and cause the tiles to look grimy or discolored in spots.
However as a favor to future owners of your house make some note of the fact that asbestos tiles are under the new flooring.
Unlike many asbestos containing materials vinyl asbestos flooring is generally safe to be around.
You can also use other materials to cover up the asbestos flooring.
Asbestos is completely safe as long as it isn t disturbed.
Some of the flooring tiles have come off and you see.
Flooring options to tile over asbestos tile.
If you are hiring a flooring company they may be hesitant to work around asbestos tiles.
If your floor can be thicker without causing problems install a porcelain floor over the old asbestos.
That way no one will be endangered years from now when they start to rip up the new flooring and find asbestos tiles beneath.
Porcelain floors are extremely versatile and durable with tile sizes up to 24 inches available for a clean modern look with fewer grout lines.
Painting over asbestos tile is a safe way to cover up the material and seal in the asbestos as long as the tile is still intact.
Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets.
That said it can be difficult to get a level surface for the new floor especially if the old tiles have chipped away.
Damage to the asbestos tile may require a professional to safely remove the material.
So after much reading on asbestos tile and due to my limited budget i ve decided to just cover them with traffic master floating laminate flooring but everyone i ve talked to has said they won t install the flooring with the asbestos tiles.