# Choosing a new flooring for damp basement **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [June 6, 2012, 2:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270 "2012-06-06T14:51:50Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 1:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/21 "2012-07-10T13:24:13Z")
> [@Sparky812](#): > > I am a trained in asbestos abatement and can clarify some facts in the asbestos removal debate. Thank you for weighing in. An expert is who we needed here. > [@Sicks\_Ate](#): > > An expert will charge you a couple grand, tent your basement with plastic, and walk in there with a respirator and Tyvek suit. Sparky, is this likely? Or would an expert simply tell you what you told us? ---
**Author:** ![Sparky812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Sparky812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky812)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 2:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/22 "2012-07-10T14:50:07Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Sparky, is this likely? Or would an expert simply tell you what you told us? Yes, for a several reasons. 1.) Procedure - they treat all removal projects similarly. 2.) Equipment - they already have all the proper equipment. 3.) Disposal of the hazardous materials. 4.)To minimize contamination to adjacent areas and ensure complete removal. 5.)To minimize asbestos exposure to the workers who are exposed on a regular basis. 6.) It gives the homeowner peace of mind. 7.) to make money. The first step would be to have a sample tested to verify that it actually contains asbestos then you could decide how to proceed. I’m in Canada but in the US, I believe the EPA and your state law dictate acceptable removal procedures. The most common procedure would be to tent the area, flood the floor with water, remove tile with a flat spade, and place in 6 mil. bag (while still wet), then seal the bags and deliver it to the proper hazardous waste disposal site. A Tyvek suit and a [FONT=PalatinoLTStd-BoldItalic][SIZE=2]a respirator fitted with a NIOSH 100(HEPA) filter is the basic (minimum) level of protection. [/SIZE][/FONT] ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 2:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/23 "2012-07-10T14:53:46Z")
> [@Sparky812](#): > > Yes, for a several reasons. > > 1.) Procedure - they treat all removal projects similarly. Then what was that “Type 1” operation you were talking about? ---
**Author:** ![Sparky812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Sparky812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky812)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/24 "2012-07-10T15:19:27Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Then what was that “Type 1” operation you were talking about? It is a Canadian classification, apparently. Here is a [summary of the procedures](http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/asbestos/asbst_11.php) for Ontario, Canada that should tell you all you need to know. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/25 "2012-07-10T15:27:37Z")
I’m no expert, but in the U.S. I’d say it’s likely that the recomendation would be that you simply leave the floor alone and put a new floor over it, perhaps after sealing the tiles. After digging, I found that it’s a state issue, and most states don’t require removal. Most also regulate who can remove it. [http://www.rfmnet.com/ftf.htm](http://www.rfmnet.com/ftf.htm) > [@](#): > > According to the EPA, vinyl asbestos floor tiles typically do not need to be removed during renovation or demolition, because they generally do not release significant amounts of asbestos fibers. However, if they are in poor condition or likely to become friable during work activities, they must be removed. Also, if VAT’s are sanded, ground, abraded or chipped, they must be considered friable (which means the material can be crumbled or pulverized by hand pressure), and stricter work practices will apply. There has been much debate over the last few years about how much fibers are released when asbestos floor tiles are removed. As such, almost each state has taken a different stance on the issue. ---
**Author:** ![Sparky812](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Sparky812](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sparky812)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 4:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/26 "2012-07-10T16:59:21Z")
> [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > I’m no expert, but in the U.S. I’d say it’s likely that the recomendation would be that you simply leave the floor alone and put a new floor over it, perhaps after sealing the tiles. > > After digging, I found that it’s a state issue, and most states don’t require removal. > [http://www.rfmnet.com/ftf.htm](http://www.rfmnet.com/ftf.htm) The decision to remove it is up to the homeowner but removal is recommended if the flooring has significant wear or damage resulting in the material becoming friable, or in the case of a future renovation or demolition which could also yield this result. > [@lance\_strongarm](#): > > Most also regulate who can remove it. Did you read your own cite? 41 states and the District of Columbia **“do not generally require licensed asbestos abatement personnel to remove non-friable asbestos containing floor tiles when Recommended Work Practices (RWP’s) are used”** You obviously have a bone to pick in this debate, I have provided my 2 cents, take it or leave it. I’m out. **Ravenman** : Good Luck with the project. Let us know how it goes and if you need any further advice. ---
**Author:** ![lance\_strongarm](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/87869e/32.png) [@lance\_strongarm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lance_strongarm)\ **Post date:** [July 10, 2012, 5:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270/27 "2012-07-10T17:02:47Z")
> [@Sparky812](#): > > Did you read your own cite? > > 41 states and the District of Columbia **“do not generally require licensed asbestos abatement personnel to remove non-friable asbestos containing floor tiles when Recommended Work Practices (RWP’s) are used”** I meant most have something to say about who can remove it, not that they don’t allow homeowners to do it. > [@](#): > > You obviously have a bone to pick in this debate, I have provided my 2 cents, take it or leave it. I’m out. I’m just having a conversation. Glad you could provide your expert input. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/choosing-a-new-flooring-for-damp-basement/624270.md?page=1)