Concerned about asbestos in my hallway flooring – what’s the best solution: remove the old floor or seal it before putting new floor overtop?
Asked by Marta Garrido 
4 months ago
Last Updated: May 23, 2024
Hey there, seeking some advice here. I started pulling up the carpet in my hallway and came across the flooring underneath. I’m a bit concerned that it might contain asbestos, so I’ve paused the project until I can confirm. I’ve sent a sample off for testing just to be safe. If it does come back positive, what would you recommend I do next? The old floor doesn’t look to be in the greatest shape (cracks and crumbling). Should I completely remove it, or is there a way to seal it and lay new flooring on top? I’ve heard about sealing products, but I’m curious if regular paint or primer would do the trick.
As a homeowner, you have the option to remove asbestos. Contractors, on the other hand, are restricted to removing only 120sf per day.
Is somewhat right. The EPA doesn’t regulate asbestos in single-family homes, but OSHA does. This means that homeowners can indeed eliminate asbestos from their own properties. However, there are waste disposal guidelines that must be adhered to in line with state and federal laws. Various health hazards should also be taken into account.
Contractors must comply with the same rules, depending on state regulations and OSHA. While there is no explicit mention of a 120 sq ft per day limit, there are threshold levels that determine the abatement permit required based on square footage. To the original poster: it was a smart move to have it tested. The old, deteriorating sheet vinyl is unlikely to contain asbestos, but the mastic (black substance) could. It is advisable to remove all the flooring rather than encapsulating it. Stay safe and good luck.