What’s Involved In The Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Process

What’s Involved In The Asbestos Floor Tile Removal Process

 

The asbestos floor tile removal process is a delicate procedure that has to be properly done to prevent breathing the asbestos or it actually getting on everything else while removing it. Here is some ways to do this correctly and some advice.

Asbestos was used in plumbing and construction from the 1950’s to the middle of the ‘80’s. The material causes lung cancer, asthma, and Mesothelioma. This deadly cancer attacks a person’s chest. Even though it is banned, it can be found in commercial buildings and homes. Mainly tiles are the main problem, like laminate flooring tiles that have adhesive backing. Asbestos can still be found in cooling and heating systems, walls, roof tiles, and even pipes.

Before beginning an asbestos floor tile removal job, check with the city health department where to dispose of the material. There are certain places that are authorized to accept it for disposal, especially if you are removing it yourself. If a person has hired a professional, thoroughly check the company or individual out to make sure they follow all government guidelines for removal.

Asbestos floor tile removal as a do it yourself project, should barely disturb the tiles. This means absolutely do not use a grinder, sander, floor stripper, or anything else involving a machine. There can be asbestos dust created which is very harmful. This means no windows should be open or doors. The asbestos fibers have to be contained to the area that is being worked on.

Keep the space that is being worked on enclosed. To contain the asbestos fibers for floor tile removal, hang heavy sheeting up on doors and windows. Use masking tape to seal around it. If there is a doorway with no door, use the sheeting to block the opening tightly.

Rent a respirator for fresh air and protection from the asbestos dust. Wear safety goggles and old work clothes that can be thrown away or a Hazmat suit. The head also needs to be covered.

With asbestos floor tile removal, use dish washing soap and water as the solution. Take a bucket that is around five gallons of water to one cup soap. Take a cloth that is disposable and using the water, moisten the floor tiles. If the tile is laminate, this helps make the glue come loose to remove the tile. Then, take a hammer and putty knife to pry up the tiles.

To remove the glue, use a scouring pad or go to the hardware store and find a solvent that will remove the glue. Once this is done, then wash the floor thoroughly and rinse thoroughly. This might have to be done several times until everything is safely clean.

When everything is done, take a bag and throw everything away, and tightly seal it before removing the bag. Once the asbestos floor tile removal job is complete, take a nice hot shower to remove all traces of asbestos dust from the body.