Anyone dealt with asbestos?
Discussion
Having just moved into our new place, one of the many jobs ahead is looking into and potentially dealing with asbestos.
We have Artex ceilings (the place is 60 years old or so) and so fairly sure there will be asbestos up there. I'm told it's pretty common to plasterboard/plaster over these types of ceilings, rather than the huge job of ripping it all out.
But, I'm a bit more worried about the fact there are tiles beneath the carpet throughout the ground floor, as I'm told it could be likely these also have asbestos in them.
I'm speaking with a professional to come and do an asbestos inspection throughout the house.
We are planning on putting UFH and Laminate flooring down, but in order to do this the tiles would need to be removed. If it turns out they do have asbestos in them, any idea how huge a job it is to remove them? I'm guessing it's not just a case of me buying the right safety gear and removing them myself......
My fear right now is that these tiles are going to put an end to the UFH dream......
We have Artex ceilings (the place is 60 years old or so) and so fairly sure there will be asbestos up there. I'm told it's pretty common to plasterboard/plaster over these types of ceilings, rather than the huge job of ripping it all out.
But, I'm a bit more worried about the fact there are tiles beneath the carpet throughout the ground floor, as I'm told it could be likely these also have asbestos in them.
I'm speaking with a professional to come and do an asbestos inspection throughout the house.
We are planning on putting UFH and Laminate flooring down, but in order to do this the tiles would need to be removed. If it turns out they do have asbestos in them, any idea how huge a job it is to remove them? I'm guessing it's not just a case of me buying the right safety gear and removing them myself......
My fear right now is that these tiles are going to put an end to the UFH dream......
Artex ceilings, we skimmed and encapsulated.
Marley tiles, we are carpeting over upstairs but simply had to pull up and then grind out the adhesive downstairs for the LVT. Builders didn't seem to care, may or may not be asbestos but even if they are they didn't think they were high risk as the amount of asbestos is miniscule. Tiles mostly came up without breaking and the asbestos is in the tile, not the adhesive.
If you do want to do it properly, the tiles can be removed by a competent person properly masked up and keeping surface wet, double bagged and taken to tip. It isn't a licensable activity.
Marley tiles, we are carpeting over upstairs but simply had to pull up and then grind out the adhesive downstairs for the LVT. Builders didn't seem to care, may or may not be asbestos but even if they are they didn't think they were high risk as the amount of asbestos is miniscule. Tiles mostly came up without breaking and the asbestos is in the tile, not the adhesive.
If you do want to do it properly, the tiles can be removed by a competent person properly masked up and keeping surface wet, double bagged and taken to tip. It isn't a licensable activity.
Edited by PrinceRupert on Wednesday 14th October 12:45
PrinceRupert said:
Artex ceilings, we skimmed and encapsulated.
Marley tiles, we are carpeting over upstairs but simply had to pull up and then grind out the adhesive downstairs for the LVT. Builders didn't seem to care, may or may not be asbestos but even if they are they didn't think they were high risk as the amount of asbestos is miniscule. Tiles mostly came up without breaking and the asbestos is in the tile, not the adhesive.
Ok thanks mate good to know, I guess first stop is to see what the inspection comes back with, then make a call from there. Marley tiles, we are carpeting over upstairs but simply had to pull up and then grind out the adhesive downstairs for the LVT. Builders didn't seem to care, may or may not be asbestos but even if they are they didn't think they were high risk as the amount of asbestos is miniscule. Tiles mostly came up without breaking and the asbestos is in the tile, not the adhesive.
From what you've said then maybe I could just do it myself with some very good breathing masks or whatever is correct, then make sure I'm hoovering thoroughly. Although I'm sure plenty of people will jump in and say that's suicide what am I thinking!
England87 said:
If that's true, which is not what I was told, my builders should really have been wearing masks when they ground it up! From my experience, leave the adhesive in place. The asbestos (usually Chrysotile) is bonded into the material and is stable, as long as it isn't disturbed. Carpeting or flooring over it (EDIT: the adhesive, not the tiles) should be fine, so long as it's not loose. You shouldn't try to chip it up, grind it or drill it. A sample test will be needed to know for sure.
It should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
It should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
bangerhoarder said:
From my experience, leave the adhesive in place. The asbestos (usually Chrysotile) is bonded into the material and is stable, as long as it isn't disturbed. Carpeting or flooring over it should be fine, so long as it's not loose. You shouldn't try to chip it up, grind it or drill it. A sample test will be needed to know for sure.
It should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
We needed to lift the tiles in order to lay LVT.It should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
bangerhoarder said:
From my experience, leave the adhesive in place. The asbestos (usually Chrysotile) is bonded into the material and is stable, as long as it isn't disturbed. Carpeting or flooring over it (EDIT: the adhesive, not the tiles) should be fine, so long as it's not loose. You shouldn't try to chip it up, grind it or drill it. A sample test will be needed to know for sure.
It should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
It's most likely I'll be using these guys for my UFH: https://www.jk-gb.com/jk-in-ground-ufh.phpIt should be considered when skimming over ceilings - if cutting holes for downlights etc, you are again making it friable even though you enclosed it. Getting electricians and plumbers in, they may be wary of this (rightly so).
They'll want to drill/grind the grooves into the concrete, so I'm guessing leaving the adhesive you mentioned in place is not an option?
And yes, true on the holes for the downlights- I would have thought it can still be done, they just need to be aware and so can wear appropriate safety gear?
Disclaimer first - I know a reasonable amount about it (and did work for an asbestos consultancy a few years ago, but I wrote their analysis software) but I'm not a pro.
I'm pretty sure Marley tiles aren't notifiable and are pretty low risk (the thermoplastic tiles and bitumen adhesive can contain Chrysotile - 'white' asbestos). If you are going to remove them yourself you'd want an FFP3 mask and to take relevant precautions (e.g. think about hiring a H vac for the clean up). Personally, and I've got some on the ground floor of my house - I left them in situ.
Artex ceilings are usually a pretty low percentage of Chrysotile also depending on the age. Most plasterers seem to just skim them.
As a home owner, the stuff I'd personally be wary of is AIB (to be honest - be wary of ALL asbestos, but definitely this). This stuff is nasty - can contain blue / brown asbestos. Usually safe to leave in place depending though.
Ultimately if in doubt, get a survey done.
I'm pretty sure Marley tiles aren't notifiable and are pretty low risk (the thermoplastic tiles and bitumen adhesive can contain Chrysotile - 'white' asbestos). If you are going to remove them yourself you'd want an FFP3 mask and to take relevant precautions (e.g. think about hiring a H vac for the clean up). Personally, and I've got some on the ground floor of my house - I left them in situ.
Artex ceilings are usually a pretty low percentage of Chrysotile also depending on the age. Most plasterers seem to just skim them.
As a home owner, the stuff I'd personally be wary of is AIB (to be honest - be wary of ALL asbestos, but definitely this). This stuff is nasty - can contain blue / brown asbestos. Usually safe to leave in place depending though.
Ultimately if in doubt, get a survey done.
Edited by Ynox on Wednesday 14th October 13:20
PrinceRupert said:
England87 said:
Yes that’s correct, and kindly prevented it spreading around your house (if it was indeed present).
It did not create much dust, the tiles didn't break much when lifted and even when they did it tended to be clean breaks, and the adhesive was very sticky not dry.Ynox said:
Disclaimer first - I know a reasonable amount about it (and did work for an asbestos consultancy a few years ago, but I wrote their analysis software) but I'm not a pro.
I'm pretty sure Marley tiles aren't notifiable and are pretty low risk (the thermoplastic tiles and bitumen adhesive can contain Chrysotile - 'white' asbestos). If you are going to remove them yourself you'd want an FFP3 mask and to take relevant precautions (e.g. think about hiring a H vac for the clean up). Personally, and I've got some on the ground floor of my house - I left them in situ.
Artex ceilings are usually a pretty low percentage of Chrysotile also depending on the age. Most plasterers seem to just skim them.
As a home owner, the stuff I'd personally be wary of is AIB. This stuff is nasty - can contain blue / brown asbestos. Usually safe to leave in place depending though.
Ultimately if in doubt, get a survey done.
Great thank you, appreciate the input. I'm pretty sure Marley tiles aren't notifiable and are pretty low risk (the thermoplastic tiles and bitumen adhesive can contain Chrysotile - 'white' asbestos). If you are going to remove them yourself you'd want an FFP3 mask and to take relevant precautions (e.g. think about hiring a H vac for the clean up). Personally, and I've got some on the ground floor of my house - I left them in situ.
Artex ceilings are usually a pretty low percentage of Chrysotile also depending on the age. Most plasterers seem to just skim them.
As a home owner, the stuff I'd personally be wary of is AIB. This stuff is nasty - can contain blue / brown asbestos. Usually safe to leave in place depending though.
Ultimately if in doubt, get a survey done.
Looks like I've got a survey booked in for next Tuesday so fingers crossed for good (ish) news.
It's all about risk management. If some needs to be removed, it should be kept to a minimum and the appropriate controls in place when that's done. Again, it's worth sampling it but I'd expect the adhesive to contain some white asbestos. It's not quite the full biohazard lockdown when you see someone removing brown or blue asbestos. However, it is possible (but less likely) that your some areas contain brown asbestos.
geeks said:
Ours is of a "similar" age (50 ish years old) the tiles were marly and had asbestos, the ceilings did not so you might luck in there. The flooring was removed by a certified chap, not entirely sure of the process as it was part of our insurance works post flood.
Do you know roughly how large the area of floor was that got removed, and how long did it take? I think I'm roughly 50 Sq m.
We're in the same position & I'm just waiting for the test results back on the vinyl tiles and bitumen/mastic adhesive. Our house is early/mid 80's where it was still used albeit more uncommon.
If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
UTH said:
geeks said:
Ours is of a "similar" age (50 ish years old) the tiles were marly and had asbestos, the ceilings did not so you might luck in there. The flooring was removed by a certified chap, not entirely sure of the process as it was part of our insurance works post flood.
Do you know roughly how large the area of floor was that got removed, and how long did it take? I think I'm roughly 50 Sq m.
mhocking said:
We're in the same position & I'm just waiting for the test results back on the vinyl tiles and bitumen/mastic adhesive. Our house is early/mid 80's where it was still used albeit more uncommon.
If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
Our floor layers wouldn't self-level over the adhesive, which is why we had it removed. If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
mhocking said:
We're in the same position & I'm just waiting for the test results back on the vinyl tiles and bitumen/mastic adhesive. Our house is early/mid 80's where it was still used albeit more uncommon.
If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
Having had a look at (albeit a tiny corner beneath the carpet) I can't imagine that removing my tiles will be 'easy with minimal dust', but then I might be wrong as I'm not really basing that assumption on anything other than a hunch. If confirmed, lifting the tiles should be easy with minimal dust. They can then be double bagged and taken to the local recycling centre for a charge. I'll probably just use some latex self levelling compound over the dried adhesive rather than dig it out as that would create significant mess. A number of products seem to be available that are suitable for laying over adhesive.
We had out artex ceilings just primed with PVA then skimmed. Didn't both testing them as skimming seemed to be the best solution.
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