[coachdjo]

We are replacing some wall to wall carpeting. The other day when the installer came out to measure the room he said that the tiling underneath was asbestos. We are putting new wall to wall carpet down over that floor (which is not brittle and is intact). 2 questions:

1. Where can we have a piece of the tile checked to make sure it is asbestos?
2. Should we have the tiles removed if it is asbestos?

[N0help4u]

If you have children you definitely want to have the asbestos removed.
You have to make sure you take all precautions on removal, bagging and proper disposal.

How to Properly Remove Cement Asbestos-Board Siding From Owner-Occupied, Single-Family Residences Only

You can type asbestos testing lab & your state/county in the search engine to see where to get it tested.

[hkstroud]

No, there is no reason to remove the tile. If it is asbestos it is best left alone. I don't know where or how you could have it tested but don't let anyone tell you that they can tell you that its asbestos by looking at it or by its size or anything like that . Had one poster that was told at Home Depot that because hers was 9" square it was asbestos.

[ballengerb1]

As long as the asbestos is non-friable it is better left in place. Asbestos did a lot of harm to folks who worked in that industry or who worked in close quarters that were insulated with asbestos like a Navy ship. Homeowner have a much less concentrated dose if its in their home but I agree its not something you want around your family. Removal can be very costly and the process can stir it up if not done by a licensed asbestos contractor. I would further recommend that folks do not accept advise from Home Center employees as fact.

[the1unv]

I would not touch it. If it is all in tack leave it. Install a sub floor and lay your carpet. Once you start removing it (if it is asbestos) you are opening a big can problems. This is a home test you can get to check for yourself. If your are concerned I would check it out.
Mike

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[amricca]

Do you know when the tile was installed?

[the1unv]

Yes, amricca this is a good question. If the tile was installed after 1978 the chance of it containing asbestos is slight. I would say if the tile is less than 25 years old you are safe.
Mike

[coachdjo]

The tile was installed when the house was built, around 1971.

[ballengerb1]

So its possible that there is asbestos in the tiles, I'd leave them in place and carpet over them. Asbestos insulation on a boiler would be another matter, that would have to go.

[the1unv]

I agree with ballengerb1 as well. I would not worry about it.