Looking back 40+ years ago, the use of asbestos for insulation and home projects were the norm. Using asbestos flooring was considered normal because people did not know or believe the severity of the risks involved with asbestos exposure. Now, decades later, people are realizing the risks that may still lie in the flooring of older homes today. This is mostly due to the realization that most flooring that you are currently walking on now is being covered often times by layer upon layer of different flooring types, and some of those layers may be strewn with asbestos.
Because of the obvious risks, asbestos is not used as a popular ingredient in floor backing any longer. If you suspect that your floor may have asbestos attached to it, call a local asbestos removal company to check to make sure. Many times your concerns are for not, but if your concerns are well founded, it is imperative to remove the flooring as safely and as quickly as possible.
Many experts say that instead of removing the asbestos vinyl, risking more exposure due to disrupting the tiles, you can do a better job of keep the exposure limited or dormant simply by covering it up. Doing this will prevent damage that can cause a release in asbestos fibers, risking the chance of inhalation. If you are using carpet to cover up the vinyl, make sure you are using a well insulated carpet pad. If the asbestos vinyl is in your kitchen area, consider covering it up with a ceramic tile or different linoleum. Even if you have done all of these cover-up precautions, if the time comes where you must sell your home, as a courtesy, it would be proper to make note to the future home owners that there was an asbestos problem and that you fixed it by covering it up with reliable products. This will save the new owners from any surprises if they ever want or need to tear the asbestos flooring up and will get them properly prepared to avoid any asbestos exposure.