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Old 10-18-2009, 11:55 AM   #1
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Default Should I get this tested for asbestos content?

I'm currently tearing up carpet to make way for laminate flooring. My house was built in the 50s. Under the carpet, there is a black underlayment, and under that, is a layer of brown mastic over a vinyl floor. I know better than to scrape the stuff off of the vinyl floor, but is it possible that the black carpet backing was glued down with asbestos-containing mastic? Should I bother wetting it down, scrapping it, and taking it to the lab, or is it not a worry?

Thanks,
Matt

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Old 10-18-2009, 01:03 PM   #2
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another question ...

say it does contain asbestos ... if I staple down the armstong laminate underlayment, is that enough to encase the asbestos until I get the floor down?
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Old 10-18-2009, 01:42 PM   #3
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I would hire an asbestos abatement specialist to come out and take a sample for testing. Just to be on the safe side. Guesswork won't cut it. There are a number of specialists available, and the initial testing cost will be minimal.

Good Luck.
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Old 10-18-2009, 02:31 PM   #4
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good advice ... I'm not sure if I can afford to hire someone, though.

would it be sufficient to assume that it's asbestos, and simply install the floating floor over the black backing? any way that asbestos could get airborne in that process?

thanks.
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Old 10-18-2009, 03:50 PM   #5
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If you can cover it up, cover it up. The asbestos scare is way overblown.
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