Asbestos Vinyl Sheet Flooring Removal

The removal procedures described in this publication address the removal of asbestos backed sheet vinyl only if.

Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring removal.

Sheet vinyl 1984 please be advised that there are federal and in many states also state and local regulations which you must consult to determine the procedures required to be followed when removing in place asbestos containing materials. Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring has two layers a top layer of vinyl and a bottom layer made from paper that contains asbestos. We are told that the paper layer can contain from 40 to 70 percent asbestos. But that changes as soon as you decide to remove it.

Removing old vinyl flooring techniques. A majority of the vinyl. Unfortunately vinyl sheet flooring manufactured with an asbestos backing poses a serious exposure risk when it is disturbed. There are safer easier and less expensive alternatives to removing your asbestos backed sheet vinyl flooring.

Asbestos vinyl sheet flooring can be more dangerous to remove than tiles if proper precautions are not practiced. It also was installed over tongue and groove wood floors particleboard and plywood. Prior to the 1980s asbestos vinyl sheet flooring was very popular in homes. Asbestos backed sheet vinyl flooring was commonly installed in many ways including over hardwood softwood and concrete floors.

Unlike many asbestos containing materials vinyl asbestos flooring is generally safe to be around. Vinyl is a type of plastic that has long been a popular material for floor tiles and sheets. Asbestos was used in vinyl wallpaper from the 1920s and in the vinyl floor tiles and sheet flooring that rose to prominence in the 1950s. Asbestos removal is a hazardous process best undertaken only by a qualified professional.

If you are removing the original vinyl floor from a home prior to 1980 you will need to locate a licensed asbestos abatement contractor to test your floor. Like floor tiles vinyl sheet flooring is a long lasting and economical material and it also offers more aesthetic options to suit a homeowner s taste. Rather than removing it consider installing a new floor directly on top of it. Specific advice on removing asbestos containing asphalt or vinyl floor tiles or sheet flooring.

Assumption of asbestos content. Before you begin the project to remove old vinyl flooring in your home you need to determine if the flooring contains asbestos. Asbestos is a problem only if fibers are released to the air.