Underlays

removing and installing carpet over vinyl and asbestos tile?

I have an older home and have bought carpet and underlay that will be installed. I am to remove the old carpet. Can I have the carpet installed over the vinyl/asbestos tile? Do I have to be careful not to break the tile? Can the tile be removed and disposed of legally?

Public Comments

1. You have a problem dealing with asbestos tile that needs to be dealt with by an expert.
2. u need to hire an asbestos removal company.
3. get a house inspector...asbestos is very dangerous
4. Asbestos is only dangerous when it is exposed. If your carpet is removed, new underlayment put over the vinyl tile and new carpet installed over the new underlayment, then you won't have a problem. The vinyl is encapsulating the asbestos, so as long as you don't disturb it and you cover it with new underlayment you don't have an asbestos abatement problem.
5. Flooring that contains asbestos, when intact and in good condition, is generally considered nonfriable and is not hazardous. However, it is safer and easier not to remove it. If there are pieces that are broken and loose there are instruction on safe handling and disposal at the site listed in the source.