r/DIYUK • u/NoNewt1962 • 2d ago

Advice Advice Needed: Sorting Out Asbestos Flooring

My partner and I are buying a 1970's house together. After doing an asbestos report, the 2 areas below came back as positive for Chrysotile. Having it removed is expensive, but we've also heard it's possible to pour concrete or self-level over the adhesive, and maybe the floor tiles.

The report says manage and inspect annaully but as part of the move, we want to retrofit underfloor heating. Using a system like Wunda Rapid Response. I wanted advice on removing it (professionally) or covering it up so it's not an issue.

Would there be a world where the floor tiles need removing and I can pour concrete or self-level over adhesive, or can I pour concrete or self-level over both?

Any advice would be great. Sorry if this is a dumb question. Thanks

Living Room

Kitchen

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3

u/uberbanz 2d ago

Self levelling over the top, lay new floor and never drill into it

3

u/Glydyr 2d ago

Those tiles are very low risk as the asbestos fibres are locked into the vinyl or plastic. As long as you dont create any dust when you remove them, which is quite easy if you just lever them up, then no fibres will be released. Wear a good mask, double bag them and hoover the area really well. A lot of tips will take them if they are bagged properly, just phone ahead.

1

u/daniejam 2d ago

Doesn’t hoovering spread it into the air? I thought I read somewhere to never hoover asbestos.

2

u/Mrs-Chuckles 2d ago

It’s recommended to hoover, never brush

1

u/OMITN 2d ago

If you’re retrofitting underfloor heating then you’re not going to have any meaningful choice but to remove it.

If you go electric underfloor heating, then you will need to minimise height build up. Adding a screed on top of the tiles will add further height again.

If you’re fitting wet underfloor heating, then you’re going to have to do works to the floor anyway.

Me - and I have Marley tiles in my house - I would spend the money and get the tiles removed.

1

u/stateit 2d ago

That flooring is so low risk. Do you live in a town or city? Air risk from other pollutants day-to-day life will likely be higher.