ceramic over 2 layers of asbestos tile?

[yazz100]

I'm going a bit buggers over this aa I get so many different views on the best approach...so here goes.
I have an older home, about 70 yrs old. IN the basement there is 2 layers of asbestos tile (had it tested) over cement floor. A few (very few, maybe 8 tiles out of 420 sq feet 9x9) have a crack about 1" long but the rest appear to be firmly down.
Some tell me it's best to leave the tile and encapsulate it for health reasons.
I called the gov EPA and was told how I can remove it. Heat etc and to paint a coat of latex paint over the left adhesive...not sure if that effects new floor bonding? Also I don't have help. Would have to do it my my lonesome and I've never done any DIY before (55yr female )
I have a tile guy that did a great job in my bathroom. He suggested pouring a 1" layer of concrete over the 2 layers of VAT. He uses a metal mesh and said he guarantees the ceramic to be stable and not fail.
Any opinions on this? Although he is reliable I just want to make sure as I don't want to have cement put over VAT, have it fail then have to remove cement AND VAT in the future. Any suggestions and advice would be greatly appreciated.
Also if ceramic is not the best solution I am open as to what to do...I just don't want future issues if possible for which what ever floor is installed...keeping in mind it is a basement so carpet or laminate isn't the best choice. Thank you

[Kman]

If your installer is referring to actual cement, I wouldn't trust it that thin. If he is talking about a steel reinforced mud bed with plastic underneath, that would be the best option you would have. Tile floors done with a mud bed last many years. I would clarify the method and materials before agreeing to it.

[yazz100]

Hi,
Yes he is referring to a steel reinforced mud bed. So then this method is recommended? Would this type of installation be as sturdy as it would be if I removed existing VAT? Don't want an issue years from now with if failing...the I'd have to not only remove the asbestos tile but the cement on top of it.
My only other option is to remove the existing VAT. I was told to use latex paint to seal the mastic as it also contains asbestos so it can't be scraped off.

[duneslider]

The only way to do the reinforced mud bed right is if the mud bed is an inch plus thick. Then add tile and your floor is now an 1 1/2" or more thick. Will that work in your basement? Is that what your tile guy is suggesting?

I would strongly suggest removing the tile and starting fresh. It's the ONLY way to guarantee success.

I thick Schluter Ditra can be installed over well bonded vct. Might want to call schluters tech support and check.

[yazz100]

Thank you. Yep he told me I'd be loosing about 1.5". And no that isn't great with my basement. Ceiling height is 81" now....looks like I either have to roll up my sleeves or shell out some pretty big bucks to have it removed professionally. And if that's the case I'll have to leave the new floor for now...I just can't afford both.
Sure wish I knew about the asbestos prior to buying...

Any tips on how to remove the 2 layers of tile? They seem to be stuck pretty good to the cement. Home Depot told me to use a heat gun.

[TFP Admin]

Just to keep us safe here... The Floor Pro Community Disclaimer

[duneslider]

Heat is a big help but if this is a large area it will take forever with a heat gun. A propane torch and a big scraper will be quicker and easier. Then you will need to use a razor floor scraper to get as much adhesive off the floor as possible.

If this were my house I would take the old tile up and prep it good for a floor that would last forever. It might be worth saving to have professionals do the removal. It's a lot of work.

[yazz100]

Yep, I tried to psych myself up to do it. But I'm beginning to think it's just not going to happen. It's just too much for me to handle alone.
Oh well....
I do appreciate all your help.

[duneslider]

Well, one of my favorite quotes is if you can't afford to do it right the first time you can't afford do it a second time.

How about paying pros to remove the asbestos and then we guide you through a tile install? With a little patience and hard work you could tile it yourself.

[Peter Kodner]

Maybe you can break the take up down into manageable sections like 50 sf ft per weekend. If you stay on a schedule it will be done pretty quickly and you will not be too overwhelmed with the entirety of the project. If you do the take up, wear knee pads and gloves!!!! Those razor scrapers will give you blisters in one or two minutes of hard use!

[Daris Mulkin]

You don't say if one layer is right on top of each other. But a old I men old way of taking up tile is to freeze it with dry ice and they will pop off the floor with ease. It freezes the adhesive.

Daris

[yazz100]

Yes, one layer was installed over the original layer. So if I used dry ice would it effect both layers, or would I have to do it twice...take twice as long
The thing that puzzles me is what to do with the adhesive until it is all removed. I spoke with an asbestos abatement company and they told me to paint over the left adhesive with latex paint as it contains asbestos also. If it takes me roughly 8 weekends to remove the stuff how do I keep the particles from the adhesive from tracking into the rest of the house? I have 2 cats and there's no way to keep them out of the basement...plus I have to walk over some areas to get to my washing machine etc. Ughhh

[rusty baker]

I believe the adhesive has a higher asbestos content than the tiles.

[yazz100]

rusty baker said I believe the adhesive has a higher asbestos content than the tiles.

Oh great...so I'd really need to get it done quickly then. Guess it looks as if I'm spending my money on removing the stuff rather than puttin in the new floor.:

[Barry Carlton]

Where are you at in the country?
With work so slow in many parts, if there is one of our fine members in your area, they may be in a position to aid you.