What can I do about asbestos tile found under rug?

Betsy Jennings
by Betsy Jennings

My old and stained carpet in living room and dining room has to go. From what I can tell, there are asbestos tiles around the perimeter of the rooms and hardwood in the middle. I do not know what condition the wood and tiles are. I do not have the financial resources for anything other than to pull up the rugs, give the floor a good cleaning, and then maybe paint. Any thoughts or suggestions of what to do on a very limited budget?

  5 answers
  • Karen Brunck Karen Brunck on Nov 12, 2018

    Hi Betsy. Please live with the dirty old carpet until you have the funds to have the asbestos tiles removed by a licensed abatement team. Mesothelioma is not curable, sand it only takes a few loose particles to ruin your life. I unfortunately know this first-hand.

    • Donna M Shepler Donna M Shepler on Dec 28, 2020

      I live in a HUD apt building and I found out we have Asbestos tiles under my rug and in my ceiling ; what can I do ??


  • Ray Porter Ray Porter on Nov 12, 2018

    are you going back with carpe or or wsomethinf else

    • Betsy Jennings Betsy Jennings on Nov 14, 2018

      I don't know yet. I was told that because I have radiators I would need to put carpet down again. I plan to sell my house in a year, so buyer appeal is important.

  • Judith Watson Judith Watson on Nov 12, 2018

    I agree with Karen. In the meantime, have the carpets professionally cleaned. Then have everyone not wear shoes that they have worn outside. This will help to keep them clean. Have a sign on the doors that they enter "Please remove shoes at door." taped to the doors. Then have an area rug at each entrance for people to remove and set their shoes. If you have the space, you could have a shoe rack of sorts.


    • Betsy Jennings Betsy Jennings on Nov 14, 2018

      Oh..they are beyond professional cleaning. Some of the stains are so set in that they eventually pop back up. I can certainly give it another shot

  • Shannon Stordock Hecht Shannon Stordock Hecht on Nov 12, 2018

    Asbestos tiles are only dangerous when they crumble or are sanded. It is the dust that is unhealthy. We removed over 900 sq ft of asbestos tiles ourselves. The entire downstairs was covered with the old stuff from the mid-60's. Wear a mask and a disposable paper suit. We used a "spud" to get the tile up, double-bagged it and had it taken to a special-drop off site. Go slowly to not create dust. If you choose not to remove the tile you can thoroughly clean it and paint over it. Check with your local paint company about what to use and how to do it safely.

  • Sherry Kaji Sherry Kaji on Nov 13, 2018

    it is only dangerous if you disturb it. Do not tear it up (only a professional lic contractor) the best for budget would be to cover it up again expoxy paint, carpet squares depending on the size of your room search for cost effective solutions n good sales