Any asbestos experts here?

I know it's a long shot to identify without a full on test, but still curious to get some thoughts on some old looking tile discovered underneath the old carpet we just had replaced (it was only on the bottom and top steps of the stairs we had done). House was built in '56, and looks like old style vinyl tile. I believe there's also a layer of it under the ceramic tile in the kitchen. We eventually need to replace that kitchen floor too, and might end up laying whatever flooring type over the old stuff like previous owners just to be safe (and cheap). The dust shown in the pics is from the old carpet and padding.

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If you don't remove it, then it doesn't matter.

Ten inch or twelve inch tiles?

My guess is 9"x9".

I only get some basic asbestos training once a year. For the last thirteen years.

I'm not 100% sure on this but I seem to remember something about the tile size. Basically, if they're 12" tiles they shouldn't have asbestos.

I'd try to verify that before taking my word for it though.

I deal with large gaskets almost daily that contain asbestos. If you handle them properly it isn't a big deal. The key is to keep things wet and don't create dust or airborne fibers. Wearing a respirator with a hepa filter is a good idea as well.

^Yep.

Unless you need to remove it, don't. I work in environments (usually explosions) where Asbestos has been identified and I have all the (lots of acronyms and such) training that boils down to...PITA. The cost to mitigate is usually higher than just encapsulating the whole thing and disposing. Last time the State Hygienist made all 6 of us throw away our street clothes, even though we were wearing full cover PPE. Drove home 180 miles in only a Tyvek suit.

I think Ray meant to say HEPA filter, but with Asbestos, you don't even have to go that far. Can't really visually ID it unless you can find a brand or logo on the underside.

Great R value just don't breathe in

Those look like 12" vct to me which should be fine.

Been in the asbestos industry for over 20 years. If you want to know for sure take sample to a lab. It will cost you about $15 per sample.

In reality you can remove it yourself. Just have to dispose of it properly.

Yes you need to use a HEPA filter for any cleanup and you should keep it wet while removing it.


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Crap, what's shown in the pics is already covered up with the new carpet, so I can't confirm dimensions. But yeah, things like that is what I was looking for. When we're in a position to be able to update the kitchen, I think I'll have another chance to take a look.

And we will absolutely leave it in place if we can! I just like to know what I got. $15 for a lab check is a lot cheaper than what I had been seeing, so that is good to know if I feel I ever need to know for sure.

Appreciate all the input.

My last house was built in the 50's. It had transite siding and asbestos tiles throughout. Probably the most fire resistant place I've lived.

Never heard of transite siding, but looking it up, I'm sure I've seen it and see why it fits in this topic. Don't have transite here that I know of, just brick veneer.

I guess somewhat ironically, I plan to install even more vinyl soon in one of the basement rooms, but modern vinyl planks with the faux wood look.

The size of the tile is not a good indicator. I have found 9"x9" that is not asbestos and 12"x12" that is.

Covering floor tile is a good option.


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