Installing Carpet Over Asbestos Tile.
In a recent interview with McClatchy Publications, we get great insight as to how to best protect your carpet from old asbestos.
Q. I am replacing the carpet in our basement. The old carpet is laid over asbestos tiles. Is there anything I can put over the tiles to seal in the asbestos and provide a moisture barrier?
A. If the floor has a moisture problem, it should be resolved before new carpet is installed. Remove the old carpet and tape several pieces of aluminum foil about a foot square to various areas of the tiles. It is best to do this test during or after a hard rain. Pull up the foil after a week or so and check the bottom — if there is moisture, the floor has seepage.Moisture on the top side of the foil is condensation.
Seepage in a basement floor can be caused by overflowing rain gutters, poor drainage around the house or a high water table.If the tiles are in good condition, there is no need to worry about sealing in the asbestos — it is already sealed in by the cement in the tiles. Asbestos is only a hazard if the tiles are broken or crumbling, when particles might get into the air and be breathed.If the floor proves to be dry, you can spread a layer of plastic sheeting over it before laying the carpet. I personally favor area rugs in basements. If a flood threatens, the rugs can be rolled up and placed out of harm’s way.