Can I safely seal old asbestos floor tiles before applying a new floor

Asbestos tiles generally are stiff, 8"X8" or 9"X9". If the floor tiles are stable do not do anything to them. Disturbing them can release asbestos dust into the air. What is allowed is to encapsulate the tiles. You can install new flooring over the old with no problem. I researched this when my brother wanted new flooring in his kitchen. He had asbestos tiles in great shape. If they are in bad condition they will need to be professionally removed.

Used to be in the 60s you would add a single sheet of vinyl and bring it up the wall about the size of a baseboard with a thin metal trim to encapsulate completely. I always liked the curved look and you never had stuff accumulating the crack. They would even apply it up under the cabinents on the toe kick.

Thanks, great idea

We actually wrote a blog post on this subject. This issue comes up a lot in older homes. We recommend completely encapsulating the asbestos tiles in self leveling cement. Once the cement cures, you're ready for new flooring, and the threat of harming the existing asbestos tile is gone.

If you want to read the post, here's a link - https://theflooringblog.com/asbestos-flooring-do-you-really-need-that-abatement/

Sorry about that -

https://theflooringblog.com/asbestos-flooring-do-you-really-need-that-abatement/

Yes, it can. Asbestos is only dangerous when it's disturbed through chipping, cutting, or breaking which sets the fibers in the air. But the good news is that if you don't disturb it, you can paint, tile, install laminate or carpet over it. This article will give you more information - https://www.hunker.com/13402324/can-i-paint-over-asbestos-floor-tiles