We are remodeling our bathroom and have asbestos tile in it. How do we remove it?

Question

We are remodeling our bathroom and while we were tearing out the cupboards we found that there are three layers of linoleum, the bottom layer of which is asbestos. We can't afford to have a professional come out and do it. Is there any way that we can remove the tile ourselves? We don't want to encapsulate the floor either, we just want to get the asbestos out of there. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

Ok, so their all wrong. You can easily and safely do the job yourself if you have any common sense. Yes, asbestos has been linked to cancer-disclaimer.

The truth is asbestos is very common, it's even in most soil. Asbestos not airborne is not a problem so you keep it from getting airborn by keeping it wet.

How you do it. soak the floor completely and let the tile soak it. Next simply use a tile scraper (30 bucks at Lowe's or home depot) and scrap it up. Keep wetting the tile as you pull it up and those around it. Just toss in a plastic bag and send it to the dump.

Key- keep it wet at all times. Asbestos is only dangerous if friable.

Later.

Answer 2

Speaking from experience, call a professional that works specifically with that material. Not only is that stuff dangerous, but it makes a HUGE mess. Once that dust gets into the air, you're screwed! It will get into your duct work and therefore travel to every room in your house. Every time you turn on the heat or A/C you will be moving it around, and in turn breathing it in. I am marrying a handyman that will do ANYTHING, but when he comes across asbestos, work stops immediately and an experienced professional is called in for removal. If my licensed and bonded, professional Mr. Fix-It won't touch it, you shouldn't either.

Answer 3

This site may help

http://www.drywallconstruction.com/asbestos.htm

The official recommendation is to have a professional do it because of the danger to your health. Abestos breaks into small fibers.


www.homecontractors.biz

is a free online search engine to locate local contractors who work with abestos.

http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Removing_Asbestos_Linoleum__need_advice-Floor_and_Tile-1-F724.html

is a site where people have been mentioning different ways to remove it yourself.

http://www.articlesnet.co.uk/Article/Tips-For-Removing-Asbestos-Vinyl-Tiles/141

is another one I recommmend you checking out.

http://www.kennet.gov.uk/Environment/EnvHealth.nsf/GPT/removal+of+asbestos+in+domestic+properties?OpenDocument


I was also told by my hubby, who has worked in construction for 5 years now, that some munincipalities do not allow you to remove it yourselves. And some states have similar do to health issues if you do not do it properly.

My hubby says if you chose to do it yourself you need to be very careful. Have everyone leave the house but the one who will be removing the abestos.

You will need to seal the room up completely any windows, vents, ducts, doors, etc. need to be sealed shut. You can use heavy duty plastic, similar to what painters lay down before they paint to cover the openings. SIMPLY CLOSING THEM IS NOT ENOUGH. He told me to stress that.

You will need a face mask. Not just one that covers your mouth and nose.

Try to remove the sheets whole it reduces the amount of airborne abestos. The term is friable if I spelled it right.

You also need to find a place that accepts abestos waste. You could ask local contractors but check your laws because not all are honest.

Hope this helps!!!

Answer 4

asbestos dust is the problem, thats how it gets in your lung. i'd bury the tile under floorboard & put on new floor.

Answer 5

i would honestly suggest a pro come in, asbestos can cause cancer, and you should at least get it tested before you try removing it.

Answer 6

Legally, morally, ethically, and for health reasons,,,YOU CAN"T approach this as a DIY.

Connect with any agency that deals in this, pay the money, and benefit yourself in the long term.. Is it not worth NOT risking health of you, or others, in remediation, removal, and disposal,,, gee.

Rev. Steven

Answer 7

asbestos is very dangerous and it can kill you, i think you need to get someone out there who knows how to handle a asbestos

Answer 8

What Bob said but in addition hire a day laborer. and give them a dust mask and tell him to hurry-up because you don't have all day. WECOME TO AMERICA.

Answer 9

Call in the professionals please