Cheap DIY Methods for Covering Asbestos Tile

With rising health consciousness, many homeowners are looking for the cheapest way to cover their houses. Asbestos tile can pose serious health hazards if inhaled, so finding an affordable solution is crucial.

Covering asbestos flooring with new materials is often the best option to contain fibers and improve aesthetics without breaking the bank. With careful planning and preparation, even DIY novices can install new vinyl, wood, or tile over asbestos successfully.

Why You Should Cover Asbestos Tiles

Asbestos tile is only dangerous when damaged or deteriorating. Still, most experts recommend covering it to minimize health risks. Here are some top reasons to install new flooring over asbestos tile:

• Prevent cracking and fiber release - New flooring creates a protective barrier.
• Eliminate health hazards - Containing fibers prevents asbestos exposure and illnesses like lung cancer or mesothelioma.
• Improve aesthetics - Covering dated, worn asbestos tile gives a fresh, modern look.
• Increase home value - Updated floors appeal to buyers and can boost resale value.

Leaving undisturbed asbestos tile is generally safe. However, covering it gives homeowners peace of mind. If the tiles become damaged or friable, new flooring helps contain the threat.

While asbestos tile itself is not friable, meaning it won't release fibers without sanding or disturbing, any cracked, broken, or missing tiles can allow fibers to become airborne. Loose asbestos fibers are easily inhaled and become lodged in lung tissue, eventually causing inflammation and scarring that can lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis. Covering eliminates this inhalation hazard.

By installing new attractive flooring over the outdated asbestos material, homeowners can modernize their space without the risks and expenses of removal. Fresh modern floors also increase resale value significantly.

Choosing New Flooring Materials

Various cost-effective flooring options are suitable for covering asbestos tile:

Peel-and-Stick Vinyl Tiles

Self-adhesive vinyl tiles simply press onto the old floor. Low cost, easy DIY installation, and many style choices make them a top pick. Look for vinyl tile containing fewer phthalates and VOCs for indoor air quality.

Peel-and-stick vinyl tiles are one of the easiest and most budget-friendly ways to cover asbestos flooring. Starting at around $0.50 per square foot, these self-adhering tiles come in a huge range of colors, patterns, and stone looks. The vinyl surface resists stains, scratches, and moisture and provides good durability.

Luxury Vinyl Plank Flooring

Luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring has durable layers resisting scratches and stains. Stone and wood looks create stylish asbestos covers. LVP offers inexpensive options starting under $1 per square foot.

With photographic layers encapsulated in durable vinyl, LVP recreates the look of real wood or stone flooring while being waterproof and kid-friendly. The attached underlayment helps smooth over imperfections. Starting around $1 to $3 per square foot, LVP offers high-end style on a budget.

Sheet Vinyl

Sheet vinyl provides a seamless, waterproof floor covering. Laying down adhesive and unrolling vinyl sheeting is inexpensive and simple. It's available in solids and patterns.

For a sleek, uniform look, sheet vinyl is rolled out in one continuous piece with heat-welded seams. At $2 to $5 per square foot installed, it's competitively priced with other options. It resists moisture, stains, and wear while muffling noise.

Ceramic or Porcelain Tile

Tile resists water, stains, and heavy traffic while lasting for years. Basic white, off-white, or gray tiles are budget-friendly. Save with DIY installation. Consider small grout lines to minimize tripping hazards.

Simple and affordable ceramic or porcelain tiles starting around $0.50 per square foot provide a classic covering for asbestos floors. The hard, non-porous surface won't trap asbestos fibers from below. The main downside is cracking if the subfloor shifts significantly.

All these materials form protective barriers over the old asbestos flooring. Choose one matching your decor, skill level, and budget.

DIY Installation Tips

Non-professionals can cover their asbestos tiles successfully with proper planning and preparation. Here are DIY installation tips:

Prep the Floor

• Clean thoroughly to remove any wax, grease, or soap residue.
• Scrape up any loose tiles or adhesive.
• Grind down high spots for a smooth surface.
• Fill any holes or low spots with floor leveling compound.

Prepping the floor well helps the new flooring adhere properly. Wax or grease will impede bonding. Scraping off old adhesive ensures flatness. Leveling compounds fill in dips.

Plan the Layout

• Measure the floor area carefully.
• Account for an expansion gap along the walls.
• Map where seams and cuts will fall.
• Snap chalk lines as guides for installation.

Careful layout planning reduces wasted materials and mistakes. Leave a 1/4" gap for expansion against walls. Stagger seams between rows. Chalk guide lines keep the courses straight.

Apply Adhesive

• Spread adhesive according to the product instructions.
• Observe open times so the glue doesn't dry out.
• Use a V-notched trowel for even coverage with tile.
• Work in sections to avoid the adhesive setting prematurely.

Proper adhesive application creates a strong bond with the new flooring. Trowel notching creates the right thickness. Working in smaller sections lets you follow open times.

Seal Seams

• With vinyl flooring, use a vinyl seam roller to fuse pieces.
• Caulk perimeter edges for a tight seal.
• Use seam sealer on any gaps between planks or tiles.

Sealing the seams prevents moisture from seeping under the new flooring. Caulking around edges gives a clean finish.

Grout the Tile

• Work the grout into the joints with a rubber float.
• Wipe excess grout off tile faces for easier cleaning.
• Apply a grout sealer once fully cured.
• Use a grout saw to cut custom pieces around irregular edges.

Grouting fills the spaces between tiles. Wiping immediately prevents haze. Sealing protects from stains. Custom cuts ensure full grout lines.

Always work safely by wearing gloves, goggles, and a respirator when handling asbestos tiles. Following manufacturer instructions can also boost success.

Some homeowners prefer removing asbestos flooring instead of covering it up. However, removal has some downsides:

• Higher costs for asbestos abatement contractors.
• Strict regulations to follow for safe disposal.
• Possible health hazards from improper techniques.
• Potential to damage the subfloor, requiring repairs.