Although asbestos was banned in the UK in the 1990s, there are still many properties that have asbestos products including cement sheets, pipe insulation, and floor tiles.
In most instances, the presence of asbestos requires removal by professionals, but in the case of asbestos floor tiles, a different approach can be taken. So, if you’re asking, can I put LVT over asbestos tiles, read on to find out!
Understanding Asbestos Tiles
Back when asbestos was popular, it was used in virtually every construction product you can think of and it was widely used for both commercial and residential properties. Houses often had asbestos insulation in lofts and around heating system pipes, and cement sheets and corrugated sheets were often used for things like garage roofs.
It was also used in floor tiles mixed with other materials due to its fire-resistance properties and durability. Oftentimes, asbestos-based adhesive was also used to secure the tiles.
As we now know, asbestos is incredibly dangerous and when the fibres are inhaled, can cause long-term and irreversible lung damage including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Therefore, many people want rid of it, and asbestos floor tiles are now especially undesirable.
Introduction to LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tiles)
LVT is a type of premium-quality flooring solution consisting of individual floor tiles that give a similar appearance to a hardwood or hardstone floor.
The tiles are multi-layered and typically include several transparent protective layers on the top, an aesthetic layer that contains the colours and pattern, a core layer, and bottom layers potentially including underlay.
The tiles come in a wide range of colours such as white, light, natural, grey, and dark, and styles to emulate different flooring like wood, parquet, or stone.
Can You Install LVT Over Asbestos Tiles?
In principle, LVT flooring CAN be installed over asbestos tiles. This is because LVT just needs a flat, stable surface for installation, and generally does not disturb the subfloor beneath.
Indeed, a stable and flat surface like existing tiles is often preferable to an uneven subfloor that could need additional work. However, considerations must be made whenever dealing with asbestos products.
Factors to Consider Before Installing LVT Over Asbestos Tiles
The quality, age, and condition of the asbestos tiles is the deciding factor as to whether you can put LVT flooring over it.
Asbestos is not dangerous when undisturbed. It’s only when the materials are broken and fibres are released as dust that cause serious health implications.
Therefore, if your existing asbestos flooring is in good condition without any cracks, chips, or signs of deterioration, an LVT floor can safely be installed over it. I still advise incredible caution and the use of PPE including a respirator mask and coveralls, but the health risks are virtually non-existent.
In contrast, if your asbestos tiles are broken with visible damage and cracks, you need to take care! Installing LVT flooring over the damaged tiles should help mitigate any future risks, but the installation will be more dangerous. I advise getting a home testing kit to check for asbestos, and maybe asking for professional advice if there are serious signs of wear and tear and damage.
Installation Process
The installation process depends on the type of LVT floor you opt for – click LVT flooring or glue-down LVT flooring. Either way, the LVT flooring is laid OVER the existing asbestos floor tiles without removing them.
Click LVT flooring is incredibly popular as it requires no adhesive and the individual tiles lock together like a jigsaw to hold themselves together over the subfloor. For asbestos tiles, rigid core LVT with a click installation could be ideal as the thicker central core of these tiles is more durable and provides a greater gap between the ACM and your room.
Glue-down LVT works too but this has to be secured with adhesive to the asbestos floor tiles. Providing the tiles are in good condition with no deterioration this shouldn’t pose any health risks.
Maintenance and Long-Term Considerations
LVT flooring is incredibly durable and long-lasting and requires minimum maintenance except cleaning and mopping. The only real maintenance is if individual tiles are accidentally broken from items dropping on them and scratching or denting them.
In this case, LVT click flooring is easier to remove and replace as no adhesive is used. Glue-down LVT could pose a slight issue as adhesive binds it to the underflooring which in this case is asbestos tiles. However, providing the tiles underneath are not damaged then it should not pose any potential health concerns.
Yes, LVT Flooring Can Cover Asbestos Tiles!
So, if you were worrying that your old asbestos flooring was going to cost a fortune to remove and pose an immense health risk, fear not!
LVT flooring can be placed over asbestos tiles and forms an effective barrier that will prevent any harmful asbestos fibres from being released into the room. Your floor will look incredible, and no longer pose a health risk!
