How to Remove Vinyl Tile Asbestos Adhesive
Vinyl tile is an economical alternative to traditional stone and ceramic tiles. The flooring material is durable, flexible and elegant, depending on the finish. Proper installation of vinyl tile requires an adhesive to bond it to a foundation. Outdated adhesives often contain asbestos, which is now known to be a serious health hazard when inhaled. Removing vinyl tile asbestos adhesive can be accomplished with the appropriate solvent. Take precautions to minimize your exposure to asbestos. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Respirator
- Safety goggles
- Rubber gloves
- Electric fan
- Pot
- Water
- Adhesive remover
- Long-handled scraper
- Push broom
- Vacuum
- Trash bags
Instructions
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Wear a respirator and safety goggles before beginning the project. Put on solvent-resistant gloves to avoid direct contact with the asbestos, as well as alkaline burns from the adhesive remover. Thoroughly ventilate the area as a final precaution; place an electric fan in the room to provide circulation, and open all windows nearby.
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Boil a pot of water, and carefully pour it onto a manageable area of the asbestos adhesive. Allow it to soak for at least 20 minutes to soften before resorting to the solvent. Keeping the asbestos wet is one of the most effective methods of controlling it.
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Prepare the industrial-grade adhesive remover according to the instructions. Pour it over the softened tile adhesive and allow it to stand for the waiting period indicated on the product label.
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Loosen the dissolved adhesive with a long-handled scraper. Keep the flooring surface wet to prevent asbestos dust from forming, and to facilitate removal. Proceed until the majority of the adhesive has been lifted.
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Use a push broom to clear the floor of the residue. Vacuum any asbestos dust, but never attempt to sweep it. Properly dispose of the large adhesive segments in trash bags.
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References
- Photo Credit tiles image by charles taylor from Fotolia.com
