Can You Cover Asbestos Tile With Carpet?

Yes, you can and should. Removing the Asbestos tiles is the best solution. But doing DIY is an absolute horror. However, if your asbestos tiles are not damaged then covering them with the carpet might be your safest option. 

Why Should Asbestos Tile Be Covered With Carpet?

Exposing asbestos fiber into the air may decrease our health by inhaling them around the damaged asbestos tiles. One should consider covering the tiles with carpet as an immediate option.

In this way, there will not be any way of leakage and you can change your carpet after a year. You can still sometimes wash your carpet but you have to do the process again. But, in any way, while doing this process if you damage the asbestos tiles then you need to call the professionals to remove them in a hurry as possible for safety precaution.

How Can You Cover Asbestos Tile With Carpet

Basic tools that you need to gather are carpet roll, carpet glue, cutter, etc. Here is a total of 3 methods that you can follow to do the procedures. Once covered with the carpet you will no longer risk your health by making the tile chipping, coming up, or becoming toxic airborne.

Method no. 1

Things you will need are a trowel, utility knife, hammer, straight edge, tape measure, and chalk line.

Preparation 

Let your carpet set out for the overnight because it needs to get to room temperature. Now, get the tapes and measure the rooms’ length that you have decided to carpet on. Remember to add six inches to your final measurement. Pile side facing down measure out the length and use the chalk to make a line to cut your carpet.

Place your carpet

Put your carpet on a scrap board so that you can cut along the chalk line with a sharp knife. Make sure the edge has a straight cut and is flush with the edges of the wall. Also, use weights to keep the carpet in line.

Glue time 

Select a half and roll them up and then spread carpet glue with the help of a towel. Lose the half-roll carpet back onto the glue. Now, use the other half of your carpet exactly this way. Adhere carpet glue and ensure that the carpet is sticking to the glue. 

Allow at least twenty-four hours before placing furniture in the room. Furthermore this way, your carpet will not get damaged and air dust will not accumulate underneath.

Tips

It is well known that glued-down carpet does not require any kind of padding. Try to have the same room temperature while gluing the carpet and that might be between 65 and 95 degrees for proper adhesion. 

Warning

Never tried to mess with the asbestos tiles alone or without the help of professionals. Do not sand tile to extend the power of the glue. This only helps the toxic air spread perfectly. 

Method no. 2

The double-stick installation method is the best for basement floor carpeting. For this, the carpet will be insulated and it is pretty similar to the first method. 

Padding underneath 

For this method, you will need an extra tool like padding. The use of extra padding underneath the carpet is necessary because as a result, this will be comfortable and long-lasting. Although adding padding might increase the height a little and May cause troubles with the door. But if you have sufficient time then it might be the best solution for you. 

Method no. 3

This method requires tack strips. You will only need to outline the rooms’ perimeter with these tack strips. The tack strips are made of wood and nails that hold the carpet strongly. 

Again we need to use the padding underneath the carpet first, then the final step is to tack the carpet on the nails. However, this process involves stretching. Certainly, it would invoke a reduction in the health of the asbestos tile underneath. As a result, the carpet might also lift itself from the strips if used regularly.

Safe option 

While handling the asbestos tiles, it is best to remove them and avoid covering them with carpets or tiles. But only professionals can remove the asbestos tiles. However, it entirely depends on the condition of the tiles.

For handling this type of tiles, an abatement contractor will first inspect the building to determine if asbestos materials are present or not. The contractor will take some samples from it and then send them to a lab for asbestos testing to confirm the presence of the mineral. Right on this time, contractors will be able to provide an estimated cost for the removal job. Thus, after completing the job, there will be no more fear of health issues. 

Cover them with tiles

Besides covering the asbestos tiles one can use certain tiles. They are Vinyl tile, Floating floor, Ceramic tile, Porcelain tile, Natural stone, etc. Vinyl tile is one of the best options for sealing in asbestos tiles and the reason is its thickness. 

Many vinyl tiles are very thin and for this, they will only slightly raise the height of the floor. Having so many advantages and disadvantages, the laminate floor or the floating floor is an excellent alternative to wood although they require piercing the old asbestos tiles. Porcelain tiles are extremely durable. The thickness of these tiles ranges from 3/8 inch to 1/2 inch. 

FAQs

1. What to do to clean asbestos floor tiles?

Answer: they are very easy to clean. Grab a brush or a scrub to dust the dirt off from it. Then use neutral floor cleaners with the help of water. Bring a mop to wipe the floor. 

2. Is it possible to paint over asbestos floor tiles?

Answer: Painting over asbestos tiles is possible but after the floor is primed. So, you need to use oil-based paint to cover the tiles. The oil paint adheres and resists wear better than latex-based paint. There is also a way like epoxy floor coating over the tiles and this holds up well to regular foot traffic. 

3. How much will it cost to remove asbestos tiles?

Answer: The average cost is $20 to $65 per square foot. Complete whole-home abatement for siding, tile, ceilings, attic, roof, and pipes can be between $15,000 to $48,000.

4. What does asbestos ceiling tile look like?

Answer: They are 22.86 by 22.86 cm or by 12 30.48 by 30.48 cm. They can be white or off-white panels held up in a grid system. 

Safeguarding Health

When planning to install carpet over old asbestos tiling, understanding the health implications is crucial. Disturbing asbestos flooring can release hazardous asbestos fibers into the air, posing a significant risk of asbestos exposure. This can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, as these tiny asbestos particles can become airborne during the removal of old carpet or the installation process of new flooring.

To minimize these risks, it’s advisable to lay a top layer of vinyl flooring over the asbestos tiles before installing carpet squares. This method helps to seal in the harmful fibers, providing a safer environment for your new floor installation. Moreover, it’s essential to comply with state regulations regarding asbestos handling to ensure the safety and legality of your renovation project. By taking these precautions, you can enjoy the aesthetic and functional benefits of your new flooring without compromising your health.

To sum up

You can cover your asbestos tiles with the carpet and it is very easy to do. No need to call the professionals, just grab the necessary tools and have enough time and dedication, thus this will do the job. This entire project will not cost much but covering them with carpet can bring you mental peace about your family’s health.