Forget Expensive Abatement - Cheap Asbestos Tile Cover Ideas
Asbestos floor tiles were commonly used in homes until the 1980s, but now their removal can be extremely costly due to the health hazards of asbestos exposure. With professional abatement pricing starting at $10-15 per square foot, asbestos tile removal in a whole home can easily exceed $10,000! Many homeowners simply cannot afford these abatement costs. Fortunately, there are some very affordable options for encapsulating asbestos tiles rather than removing them. By sealing the hazardous asbestos tiles, risks can be minimized without breaking the bank.
With some basic safety precautions, these techniques allow you to encapsulate the existing tiles at a fraction of the cost of abatement, while still protecting your family's health.
Dangers of Damaged Asbestos Tiles
Asbestos floor tiles contain microscopic asbestos fibers that can cause serious lung diseases if inhaled. When the tiles become cracked, broken, or start to peel and flake, these dangerous fibers are released into the air. Friable asbestos-containing materials are extremely hazardous.
That is why it is critical to take action to seal and stabilize deteriorating asbestos tiles. Encapsulation prevents further damage to tiles that could lead to airborne asbestos exposure and related illnesses like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma.
Prepare the Asbestos Tiles Properly
Before covering asbestos flooring, the tiles must be prepared to ensure proper adhesion and performance of the encapsulating product:
- Thoroughly clean tiles to remove any waxes, sealants, or finishes with an asbestos tile cleaning product or solvent.
- Fill any cracks, holes, or rough patches with a patching compound to create a smooth surface.
- Remove any loose tiles and scrape away leftover adhesive or mastic.
Be sure to wear proper respirator masks and protective clothing when handling asbestos materials even when preparing for encapsulation. Follow all manufacturer instructions carefully.
Choose Your Encapsulation Method
There are several very affordable products that can be applied over asbestos vinyl floor tiles to seal in the asbestos fibers:
Self-Adhesive Vinyl Tiles
Self-adhesive vinyl tiles provide an easy and low-cost encapsulation solution. Available in 12"x12" sheets, these vinyl tiles have a peel-and-stick backing so no glue or nails are required. They simply stick right over the asbestos tiles. With dozens of color, pattern, and texture options, you can find vinyl tiles to match any style. At under $1 per square foot, DIY installation saves thousands compared to abatement.
Epoxy Coatings
Applying a colored epoxy coating is another excellent encapsulation technique. Epoxy forms a thick, durable, and seamless layer over asbestos tiles with excellent adhesive properties. High-solid or 100% solids epoxy products specifically made for asbestos encapsulation are recommended. With kits starting around $50, epoxy coatings are very affordable but offer superior protection and a beautiful finish.
Carpet Tiles
For a softer flooring feel, modular carpet tiles are a great option for covering asbestos vinyl tiles cost-effectively. Be sure to select carpet tiles rated for use over asbestos flooring. Installation is easy - the carpet tiles adhere to each other and the floor using a pre-attached adhesive, no underlayment or nails required. At around $1-3 per square foot, carpet tile encapsulation is much cheaper than professional asbestos tile removal.
Encapsulation Best Practices
When encapsulating asbestos tiles yourself, be sure to take precautions to contain asbestos fibers and avoid exposure:
- Wear protective equipment like goggles, respirators, and disposable coveralls.
- Use wet application methods and HEPA vacuum cleaning.
- Allow products to fully cure before using the space.
- Follow all manufacturer directions carefully.
It's also wise to hire an asbestos testing professional to perform air monitoring after completing an encapsulation project to ensure fibers are undetectable.
Maintaining Encapsulated Asbestos Tiles
With proper care and maintenance, encapsulated asbestos floors can last for many years:
- Use only mild, non-abrasive cleaners recommended for the flooring type.
- Inspect encapsulation regularly for wear, damage, or peeling.
- Reapply encapsulant promptly if any concerns are observed.
- Avoid renovations or damage to the covered tiles.
By keeping the encapsulating product in good condition, asbestos tile hazards can remain sealed in indefinitely.
When to Consider Asbestos Removal
In some cases, full asbestos abatement is the best option:
- If the asbestos flooring is severely damaged or deteriorating.
- For extensive home renovations that involve the subfloor.
- To permanently eliminate the risks of asbestos instead of encapsulating.
Be sure to get quotes from multiple licensed asbestos abatement contractors if choosing removal. Prices can vary widely, so compare several estimates.
Covering over asbestos vinyl floor tiles with adhesive products like vinyl tiles, epoxy coatings, or carpet tiles can effectively minimize exposure risks for a fraction of the cost of removal. With some simple preparation and safety precautions, homeowners can encapsulate their own asbestos tiles as a budget-friendly solution. Just be vigilant about maintaining the encapsulating product in good repair. In some cases, complete abatement may still be advisable - but for many, encapsulation provides a safe asbestos tile solution without breaking the bank.