How can we put a new floor in my parent's basement?

Question

The original floor treatment was asbestos tiles. After a few sewer backups the tiles are starting to raise up and buckle. I think it would be cost prohibitive to have the tiles removed and discarded because they contain asbestos. Is there something that would seal all this in and allow us to put carpet or other flooring material on top? I would suspect many people who had renovations done in the 60's are having this exact same problem.

Answer 1

all the tiles must be first removed by a certified asbestos remover.....this is the law.

once removed you can retile, carpet, slate, anything you want.

to attempt the removal yourself will just cause serious health issues with all involved and may risk your parents lives as they will be living there while the asbestos flies around all over the house.

there is no way to seal it down to just carpet over it.

Answer 2

Asbestos, as has already been mentioned, is hazardous ONLY when it is 'dust' or airborne, if you will. Therefore, you have to remove, and dispose, of it in an approved manner.... most states require you to use a licensed contractor to do this.

One alternative that has not been mentioned here already, is applying a cement type 'floor leveler' over the tiles. This is something you can do yourself, with some work, or you can call in a contractor. Literally, this product is poured right over the old tiles. If there are pre-exisitng cracks in the old floor, then a thicker coat may be in order.

Once the cement product has been applied and cured, then you can finish it out any way you like. If you decide to go with laminated flooring, you should be aware that you MUST have a vapor barrier in place, or the warranty will be voided.

Have Fun!

Answer 3

Asbestos is harmfull only when dust is created. To make the basement floor completely safe you would have to have the tiles and the cut-back adhesive abated which would be on the costly side.
You can however lay a new floor over it doing a few simple floor preps. First, any loose tiles should be re-glued if at all possible using a vct (vinyl composition tile) glue. Second it would be best to patch the floor with floor patch ( patch is a cement based, quick drying compound) makinging sure to level or float out any areas where tile might be missing. Installing carpet would be your best option because the patched floor doesn't have to be perfect but you don't want any patch clumps (knots) as they would protrude somewhat under the carpet. If doing stretch in carpet the pad would hide or atleast make any knots less noticable.
I hope this helps you as I do commercial flooring for a living.

Answer 4

you would have to check your location for disposal. as for being illegal to remove for most of the country in the private sector it is legal to remove it yourself. others have mentioned do not create dust. typicaly in the time frame where the tiles were installed the adhesive also contained asbestose. it is a terrific binder! anyway the basement has been flooded before. flood the area with a hose enough to eliminate dust and use an ice chipper to chip the tile loose. keep the area WET througout the WHOLE project from start to finish. put the waste in containers that your disposal site has told you they require. done in a fashion that they perscribe. For stuff like floor tile usualy double bagged in a barrel and the barrel double bagged again with 8 mill poly. dont leave the area during the project unless you take off your shoes at the very least the mud on them will dry and you will spread the potential for problems to the rest of the house. rent a hepa vac and for final clean up scrub the floor with lots of water vacuuming it up as you go clean off your tools and wear clothes that you can toss. drain the water through a filter designed for asbestose (they are available) and throw the filter in with the last of the clean up equipment the stuff from the vac etc.

You do not have to completely remove the adhesive in order to disinfect your area. there are subfloor materials available as has been mentioned for below grade applications which raise the floor slightly and allow for drainage underneath. A seamless vinyl floor might be a better answer, if only used to encapsulate the remaining adheasive prior to laying carpet.

Answer 5

You should have the tiles removed first.
I don't know the head room you have.But if it can support a fabricated deck material (not Wood) build your self a Floor joist construction Leaving enough room or space that it flooding does occur it can still drain.Use sheathing to cover the decking material and cover it with what ever your little hearts desires.
Just remember to leave 1/4" around the walls and your support columns to allow for expansion and contraction. Also if mold or mildew occurs your not going to be able to get at it easily.
I know it's a catch 22 situations but yous have to decide what yous what.

Answer 6

Not good to remove the old tiles - I worked for consumer affairs for a major flooring company - make sure there is no mold issues - the floor is safe left down, removing it can be the hazzart - don't install carpet -sewer may back up again - check around your area with flooring experts.

Answer 7

many of the time you will possibly be able to place a laminate or hardwood floor on your basement. Do a moisture try. Get to the slab and tape the perimeters of piece of plastic wrap straight away on right of your concrete floor. verify after 24 hours. If there is not any gathered moisture. this is generally secure to place in timber or laminate. Water and laminate or timber do not mixture. Silicone seal the fringe of the timber or laminate to ward off drinks from getting access to the backside or center of the laminate. producer's have water injury warranties in place yet they don't warrant extreme water. they are designed for generally happening family members spills. be sure you be particular your floor slopes removed from the valuables and shop your gutters sparkling. With a laminate floor you will waft interlocking boards mutually over a foam underlayment with a plastic moisture barrier linked on an identical time as leaving a one million/4" hollow around the fringe of the full floor. Then disguise the hollow with quarter around. There are transition strips available additionally. The manufacuturer's installation rules are secure in approximately one million out of 5 boxes. With the timber you have 2 installation techniques. you will possibly be able to glue the boards mutually set your rigidity straps and waft over foam the comparable way a laminate is completed or you will possibly be able to straight away glue an engineered hardwood product to the floor. The glue acts because of the fact the moisture barrier. There additionally are some hardwood products that have a glue-much less locking mechanism. those could additionally be floated over foam with a moisture barrier. sturdy success alongside with your undertaking. Jen

Answer 8

If they have had sewer back-ups and the tiles w/asbestos are lifting even if it is costly, the tiles should be removed and the concrete disinfected and then do whatever pleases your parents.

Answer 9

The tiles really need to be taken up.Whichever way you decide to remove them is your business but it will be difficult for the new piece to adhere to the old surface properly and you need to have the asbestos removed for potential health risk

Answer 10

There is a good chance that the correct removal may be paid by your parents home owners insurance. The problem was caused by sewer backup, fixing the damage is normally covered. The mold problem will also be covered.